Criminalistics/ Forensic Biology

Criminalists are typically called upon to locate, document, preserve, analyze, and testify with respect to the significance of physical evidence. They must possess extensive training in many diverse fields of natural and physical sciences, such as biology and chemistry. Pattern recognition in fingerprints, ballistics, and the interpretation of biological materials, hairs, fibers, paints, polymers, soil, glass and other trace materials is extremely important. This program prepares students for advanced training in criminalistics, as trainees in forensic science laboratories, or for further on-the-job training in advanced forensic investigation.

In addition to the required departmental core classes the following courses are specifically required for the concentration in Criminalistics/ Forensic Biology.

Concentration Required Classes

(8 courses: 24 credits)

BIO 144/145 Ecology and Evolutionary Biology & Lab
BIO 310/311 Genetics & Lab
BIO 370/371 Cellular Biochemistry & Lab
BIO 430 Molecular Biology

*Plus a minimum of 19 additional credit hours in elective courses.

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