Oct 06, 2024  
Undergraduate Catalog 2013-2014 
    
Undergraduate Catalog 2013-2014 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Forensic Chemistry, BS


In recent years, public and academic interest in forensic science opportunities has soared. Demand for those trained in forensic science is increasing, and educational programs are growing. In response to this growth, the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) – the research, development, and evaluation agency of the U.S. Department of Justice – initiated the Technical Working Group on Education and Training in Forensic Science (TWGED) to recommend best practices for forensic science education. Their report, released in June 2004, comments on and is evidence of the growing demand for training in forensic science.

The Forensic Chemistry program at The University of Scranton has been designed according to recommendations made by the NIJ. Specifically, the curriculum includes courses in all traditional areas of chemistry in addition to forensic chemistry lecture and lab. The curriculum is consistent with the requirements of FEPAC, the Forensic Education Program Accreditation Committee, and students completing the program receive a minor in Criminal Justice.

Forensic chemists are employed in federal, state, and county crime labs, private labs and research facilities. Students are also prepared to continue in graduate work and forensic specializations such as wildlife forensics, forensic pathology, and forensic anthropology.


For more information about the Chemistry department, visit its website.


 

Forensic Chemistry Curriculum


  Department and Number - Descriptive Title of Course Fall
Cr.
Spr.
Cr.

First Year

   
MAJOR CHEM 112-113 (E) General and Analytical Chemistry /CHEM 112L-113L  4.5 4.5
COGNATE CJ 110 (S) Introduction to Criminal Justice S/CJ 213 (S) Criminology  3 3
COGNATE BIOL 141 (E) General Biology BIOL 142 (E) General Biology  4.5 4.5
GE C/IL C/IL 102 Computing and Information Literacy    3
GE WRTG - SPCH WRTG 107 Composition COMM 100 Public Speaking  3 3
GE FSEM First Year Seminars 2    
    15 18

Second Year

   
MAJOR CHEM 232 - (E) Organic Chemistry /CHEM 232L CHEM 233 - (E) Organic Chemistry /CHEM 233L  4.5 4.5
COGNATE SOC 110 - (S) Introduction to Sociology  3  
COGNATE CJ 237 - The Investigative Process    3
COGNATE PHYS 120/120L - (E) General Physics I PHYS 121/121L - (E) General Physics II  4 4
COGNATE MATH 114 - (Q) Calculus I  4  
GE PHIL PHIL 120 - Introduction to Philosophy    3
    15.5 14.5

Third Year

   
MAJOR CHEM 240 - Inorganic Chemistry    3
MAJOR CHEM 350 - General Biochemistry I  3  
MAJOR CHEM 360 - Biophysical Chemistry I /CHEM 360L  or CHEM 362 - Physical Chemistry I /CHEM 362  4.5  
MAJOR CHEM 370 - Instrumental Analysis /CHEM 370L    5
MAJOR CHEM ELECT - Chemistry Elective1   3
COGNATE CJ 310 - Criminal Justice Process  3  
COGNATE CJ 312 - Criminal Law  3  
COGNATE S/CJ 316 - Principles of Evidence    3
GE T/RS T/RS 121 - (P) Theology I: Introduction to the Bible T/RS 122 - (P) Theology II: Introduction to Christian Theology  3 3
    16.5 17

Fourth Year

   
MAJOR CHEM 470 - Forensic Chemistry /CHEM 470L    5
MAJOR CHEM ELECT - Chemistry Elective1 3 3
GE PHIL PHIL 210 Ethics  3  
GE PHIL or T/RS PHIL - Philosophy or T/RS ELECT - Elective 3  
GE HUMN HUMN ELECT - Humanities Elective 6 6
GE FREE FREE ELECT - Free Elective 3  
    18 14
 

Total: 128.5 Credits

1Chemistry electives include CHEM 340 , CHEM 342 , CHEM 344 , CHEM 351 , CHEM 455 , CHEM 361 , CHEM 363 , CHEM 440  and CHEM 464 .

2 The selection of a First Year Seminar is likely to fulfill requirements both for the First Year Seminar and a General Education Requirement.  Thus, the First Year Seminar will not add to the total credits for the semester.  Talk with your advisor if you have any questions.

*An approved 3-credit EP Foundation Course may be substituted for COMM 100  and C/IL 102 -C/IL 104 .  In this case, the total needed for graduation in this major may be reduced.  Consult with your advisor if you have questions.