Specialization in Forensic Science
The forensic science specialization program at St. ThomasUniversity provides a focused curriculum which prepares the student for the forensic chemistry and biology courses offered in the department, emphasizes areas of importance to a career as a forensic scientist, and provides exposure to the details of a career in forensic science.
The Forensic Science specialization can be obtained along with either a BA in Biology or a BS in Chemistry. The course requirements for each of the above degrees will be completed in addition to the following specific course requirements for the forensic science specialization:
CRI 101 Introduction to Criminal Justice
PSY 470 Psychology of Law
PSY 201 Introduction to Psychology
FRS 201 Introduction to Forensic Science
FRS 101 Survey of Forensic Science (1 credit) (optional)
Take two additional 300/400 level Forensic Science Courses.
Career Opportunities
* Identification and comparison of textile fibers.
* Identification and comparison of plant and animal materials - including hairs.
* Analysis of blood and urine samples for their drugs or alcohol content in driving offences.
* Analysis of body fluids and organs in cases of suspected poisoning.
* Identification of illegal drugs, such as amphetamine, heroin and cannabis. The purity of these drugs is often determined and samples can be compared.
* Comparison of materials used to package drugs.
* Examination of paint and glass fragments using microscopy, physical and chemical methods.
Scientists work closely with the police and are sometimes required to go to a crime scene - such as a murder or fire. They frequently give evidence in court, and since their evidence is impartial, it can support either the case for the prosecution or defense.
Prospective Students
* Identification of blood, semen and other body fluids; the blood grouping of dried stains and the use of DNA profiling to compare samples.
Forensic science covers a wide range of scientific disciplines. Its main function is to provide impartial, scientific evidence for use in courts of law. This is usually as a result of a police enquiry, where scientific evidence is needed to help the police with their investigations. This can include:
BIO 353, 353L Biochemistry II + laboratory
Since state-of-the-art instruments are major tools for the modern forensic scientist, the curriculum that we offer emphasizes the development of a firm understanding and good techniques in analytical chemistry, biology, and modern instrumentation. We do not offer a Forensic Science major because we believe that a firm foundation in basic biology or chemistry is critical at the bachelor’s level. Rather, we offer majors in Biology and Chemistry with a specialization option in Forensic Science to optimize your education.
Required Courses and Electives
Specialization in Forensic Science
The forensic science specialization program at St. ThomasUniversity provides a focused curriculum which prepares the student for the forensic chemistry and biology courses offered in the department, emphasizes areas of importance to a career as a forensic scientist, and provides exposure to the details of a career in forensic science.
The Forensic Science specialization can be obtained along with either a BA in Biology or a BS in Chemistry. The course requirements for each of the above degrees will be completed in addition to the following specific course requirements for the forensic science specialization:
CRI 101 Introduction to Criminal Justice
PSY 470 Psychology of Law
PSY 201 Introduction to Psychology
FRS 201 Introduction to Forensic Science
FRS 101 Survey of Forensic Science (1 credit) (optional)
Take two additional 300/400 level Forensic Science Courses.
Career Opportunities
* Identification and comparison of textile fibers.
* Identification and comparison of plant and animal materials - including hairs.
* Analysis of blood and urine samples for their drugs or alcohol content in driving offences.
* Analysis of body fluids and organs in cases of suspected poisoning.
* Identification of illegal drugs, such as amphetamine, heroin and cannabis. The purity of these drugs is often determined and samples can be compared.
* Comparison of materials used to package drugs.
* Examination of paint and glass fragments using microscopy, physical and chemical methods.
Scientists work closely with the police and are sometimes required to go to a crime scene - such as a murder or fire. They frequently give evidence in court, and since their evidence is impartial, it can support either the case for the prosecution or defense.
Prospective Students
* Identification of blood, semen and other body fluids; the blood grouping of dried stains and the use of DNA profiling to compare samples.
Forensic science covers a wide range of scientific disciplines. Its main function is to provide impartial, scientific evidence for use in courts of law. This is usually as a result of a police enquiry, where scientific evidence is needed to help the police with their investigations. This can include:
BIO 353, 353L Biochemistry II + laboratory
Since state-of-the-art instruments are major tools for the modern forensic scientist, the curriculum that we offer emphasizes the development of a firm understanding and good techniques in analytical chemistry, biology, and modern instrumentation. We do not offer a Forensic Science major because we believe that a firm foundation in basic biology or chemistry is critical at the bachelor’s level. Rather, we offer majors in Biology and Chemistry with a specialization option in Forensic Science to optimize your education.
Required Courses and Electives