Forensic Science
By pursuing a forensic science degree, you will be prepared for crime scene and laboratory positions, applying your scientific knowledge and skills in a field that benefits society by facilitating the prevalence of justice.
Overview
Forensic science is an integral part of the criminal justice system. At Eastern Nazarene College, students engage in rigorous studies to develop the fundamental science concepts necessary to be a forensic scientist, ranging from chemistry to advanced techniques in processing crime scenes. Special emphasis is placed on understanding analytical limitations when describing evidence, ethical considerations in the field, and personal contributions to forensic science through an independent research project. Techniques such as refractive index measurements of glass, blood spatter, illicit drug testing, and microscopic investigation are taught in addition to traditional analytical techniques including atomic absorption spectroscopy, gas chromatography, infrared spectroscopy, and UV/Vis spectroscopy.
The hallmark of this major is its emphasis on applying skills learned in the classroom to real world situations. The faculty has designed several of the specific major courses to simulate what processing a crime scene would actually be like, including the roles of crime scene investigators and forensic scientists. The emphasis on a senior research process also allows a student to contribute to the field with original work that improves or even develops new methodologies for collecting, analyzing, and interpreting evidence. A low faculty-to-student ratio ensures students are mentored every step of the way.
Career Paths
There are many different types of forensic science careers. More jobs will to be added by the year 2024 with an expected increase of 27%, higher than the national average, according to the United States Department of Labor-Bureau of Labor Statistics. With a degree in forensic science, student are prepared for crime scene and laboratory positions, including crime scene investigator and crime laboratory analyst among others. Graduates may work in several different job settings including, local, regional, state, and federal labs and agencies; hospitals; the military; police departments; and private companies.
- FS220/BI220 Introduction to Forensic Science (3 cr.) Introduces the forensic sciences, which includes topics such as forensic photography, firearms and tool mark identification, examination of questioned documents, hair and fiber analysis, serology, instrumental analysis, forensic pathology, and forensic anthropology. (With Lab, 2 cr.)
- FS290 Forensic Science Seminar 1 (1 cr.) Begins the process of teaching students how to use the scientific method to design experiments and develop an independent research project in the field of forensic science. The course includes various modes of scientific communication including written and oral presentations, and introduces students to the professional avenues available in forensic science.
- FS350 Advanced Lab in Forensic Science (3 cr.) A project oriented laboratory program that integrates various methods and techniques. Includes basic microscopy, advanced drug detection using spectroscopy and chromatography, pharmokinetics, crime scene reconstruction, and other topics.
- FS390 Forensic Science Seminar 2 (2 cr.) This course focuses on critical analysis of the primary forensic literature through the process of writing a research proposal and giving journal club presentations. Other topics include career planning and social and ethical problems in Forensic Science. This is a writing and speaking intensive course.
- FS400F Forensic Microscopy (3 cr.) The course provides an in depth understanding of the role microscopy plays in forensic analysis. Topics include elementary optics, confocal and comparative microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and special spectroscopic methods. An emphasis is placed on both fundamental concepts and applications.
- FS400T Forensic Toxicology (3 cr.) Teaches critical assessment of drug structure, metabolism, and elimination necessary for conducting forensic analyses. Additional information on analytical techniques such as gas chromatography, liquid chromatography, and mass spectroscopy are discussed.
- FS490 Forensic Science Seminar 3 (1 cr.) Teaches critical analysis of primary journal articles and seminars. Includes presentation of independent research in a forensic sub-discipline. Topics include career planning and social and ethical problems in forensics.
- FS499 Research in Forensic Science (3 cr.) Directed investigation of an individual research problem as it relates to forensic investigation. The student, in consultation with a faculty member, must develop a complete outline of the project including background literature, necessary supplies and equipment, and a sequence of the actual work. The project includes both a written and an oral report. Research at other locations under appropriate supervision may be arranged.
- CH231 Analytical Chemistry (3 cr.) Studies the theoretical foundation and skills necessary for the solution of problems encountered in the area of quantitative chemical analysis, including classical and modern methods. Emphasizes experimental design, statistics, the evaluation and presentation of data, sampling, equilibrium dynamics of analytically important reactions, volumetric techniques, absorption and emission spectroscopy methods, electrochemical methods, and analytical and biological separations. (With Lab, 2 cr.)
- CH321 Organic Chemistry I (4 cr.) The first of a two-semester sequence which is a detailed study of the properties, reactions, bonding, structural theory, stereochemistry, spectroscopy and reactions and mechanisms of alkanes, alkenes and alkynes. (With Lab, 2 cr.)
- BI212 Genetics (3 cr.) Studies the principles of inheritance, structure, and function of hereditary informational molecules, the dynamic frequency of these genes in the population, and the application of genetic principles to biological problems. Laboratory and lecture material is selected from plant, animal (including human), and microbial studies. (With Lab, 3 cr.)
Program Type
Major
Degree
B.S.
Area of Study
Science
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