Forensic Science Program

Professors K. Baker, Bing, Bush, Carty, Esterline, Faber and Pratt; Assistant Professors Roerdink and Smith

Heidelberg’s forensic science program provides students with skills and knowledge suitable for a variety of career opportunities. Graduates from this program may choose an entry level position in a criminal lab, chemistry lab or biological lab. This program also fulfills the admission requirements for nearly all graduate programs in forensic science as well as for either chemistry or biology (depending on the concentration selected). The courses chosen for this program were based on a thorough evaluation of recommendations made by the American Academy of Forensic Sciences, forensic science programs at other institutions, and the admission requirements for graduate programs in forensic science. A student completing the Forensic Science program will graduate with a bachelor’s degree in either chemistry or biology. This provides the Heidelberg graduate with greater flexibility in the job market compared to a strictly forensic science “major.” Additionally, many graduate programs in forensic science require students to have a bacheolor’s degree in either chemistry or biology.

Biology Concentration (same as Biology Major, Forensic Science Track): 40 semester hours of which 28 must include BIO 099 (six times), 123, 124, 213, 222, 223, 311 (Junior level discipline specific communication requirement), 312, 363 and a capstone course (either BIO 303, 318, 325, 334 or 415).

Allied Courses: 34 semester hours consisting of ANT 205, 325, 425; CHM 111, 112; PHY 101, 102; POL 151; and two courses in Mathematics. One of the allied math requirements must be MTH 210. Students interested in DNA processing or a graduate program in Forensic Science majors are strongly encouraged to take the following courses: CHM 201, 404 and 415; FSC 101 and 101L.

Chemistry Concentration (same as Chemistry Major, Forensic Science Track): 33 semester hours consisting of CHM 111, 112, 201, 202, 305, 307 (Junior level discipline specific communication requirement), 404, 408 (4 hrs.), and 422 (Senior Capstone Experience).

Allied Courses: 38 semester hours consisting of BIO 123, 124, 223; ANT 205, 325, 425; MTH 222, 223; PHY 101, 102; POL 151. Recommended courses: FSC 101 and 101L.

FSC 101. Introduction to Forensic Science (3 sem. hrs.). A survey of the field of Forensic Science—the application of science to the law. Topics include a discussion of forensic science careers and their relationship to the legal system. Additionally crime scene collection and analysis of physical, biological, and chemical evidence will be discussed. This course fulfills one of the natural sciences within the general education requirements. No prerequisites. Optional two-hour lab portion of this course is FSC 101L. (Fall only)

FSC 101L. Laboratory Studies in Forensic Science (1 sem. hr.). Students will explore some of the concepts discussed in lecture and will gain hands-on laboratory experience related to forensic science. This lab course can only be taken concurrently with FSC 101 and fulfills the natural science lab portion of the general education requirements. One two-hour lab per week. (Fall only)