Forensic Science Concentration
Coordinator:
Frank P. Keegan, Biology Department
Requirements
The forensic science concentration consists of four courses (16 credit hours):
- BIOL 245: Introduction to Forensic Science
- JPS 200: Criminal Procedure
- BIOL/CHEM 246: Forensic Chemistry
- BIOL 349: Forensic Anthropology
The concentration in forensic science provides students with a focused and coherent study of the techniques used by various disciplines to analyze evidence found at the scene of a crime. The focus is on the meaning and significance of physical evidence and its role in criminal investigations. Techniques and insights provided by the scientific areas of chemistry, biology, physics and geology are used to explore the utility and limitations that technology and knowledge impose on the individualization and characterization of forensic evidence.
The study of forensics makes science relevant and pertinent to the interests and goals of pre-law students and those interested in pursuing careers with the FBI or other law enforcement agencies, in pathology, in creative writing or with international agencies monitoring ethnic and political violence.