Oct 10, 2024  
Undergraduate Catalog 2019-2020 
    
Undergraduate Catalog 2019-2020 [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) (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    
GE T/RS T/RS 121 - Theology I: Introduction to the Bible   3  
    15 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   4.5  
MAJOR CHEM 370 - Instrumental Analysis /CHEM 370L   3 3
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 122 - Theology II: Introduction to Christian Theology     3
    16.5 15

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: 123.5 Credits

1Chemistry electives include CHEM 340 , CHEM 342 , CHEM 344 , CHEM 351 , CHEM 455 , CHEM 361 , CHEM 363 , CHEM 440  and CHEM 464  and CHEM 480 (Internship).

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.