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) (FYOC, FYDT Lab only) General Biology – BIOL 142 - (E) (FYOC, FYDT Lab only) General Biology	4.5	4.5
GE WRTG	WRTG 107 - (FYW) Composition		3
GE FSEM	First Year Seminar ²
		12	15
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/PHYS 120L - (E) General Physics I – PHYS 121/PHYS 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 ELECT- Philosophy Elective or T/RS ELECT - T/RS Elective	3
GE HUMN	HUMN ELECT - Humanities Elective	6	6
GE FREE	FREE ELECT - Free Elective	3
		18	14
	Total: 122.5 Credits

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

²The 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 . In this case, the total needed for graduation in this major may be reduced. Consult with your advisor if you have questions.

Forensic Chemistry, BS

Forensic Chemistry Curriculum

First Year

Second Year

Third Year

Fourth Year

Total: 122.5 Credits