Forensic Science (BS) - Chemistry

Program Overview

The Forensic Science - Chemistry Track B.S. prepares students for careers in forensics, with coursework covering advanced analytical techniques, crime scene investigation, and forensic biochemistry. The program allows for flexibility through restricted electives, which students can select to further specialize in areas such as forensic anthropology, organic chemistry, or molecular biology. Graduates meet the requirements for ACS certification and are well-prepared for employment in various forensic fields.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Students completing the Forensic Science - Chemistry Track B.S. degree will also meet the requirements for ACS certification. This track is designed to allow students the flexibility to prepare for multiple careers in forensics through selection of restricted elective courses. Students should be advised that background checks similar to those required for law enforcement officers are likely to be a condition of employment (Reference: NIJ Report NCJ 203099).

Outline:

Core Requirements: Basic Level (12 Total Credits)

• All courses specifically identified in the preceding General Education and Common Program Prerequisites sections meet the Basic Core requirement - GEP: BSC2010C, MAC2311C, PHY2048C (or PHY2048 & PHY2048L), STA2023; CPP: CHM2046, CHM2046L, CHM2210, CHM2211, CHM2211L, MAC2312, PHY2049C (or PHY2049 & PHY2049L).
• BSC2011C - Biology II (4)
• CHM3120 - Analytical Chemistry (3)
• CHM3120L - Analytical Chemistry Laboratory (1)
• PCB3063 - Genetics (3)
• PCB3063L - Genetics Laboratory (1)

Core Requirements: Advanced Level (37 Total Credits)

• Forensic Science Core
• BCH4053 - Biochemistry I (3)
• CHM3422 - Applied Physical Chemistry (3)
• CHS3501 - Introduction to Forensic Science (3)
• CHS3505C - Forensic Microscopy (4)
• CHS3511C - Trace Evidence (4)
• CHS3530C - Forensic Analysis of Controlled Substances (4)
• CHS3533 - Forensic Biochemistry I (2)
• CHS3595 - Forensic Science in the Courtroom (3)
• CHS4515C - Forensic Crime Scene Investigation (3)
• CHS4537 - Forensic Laboratory Quality Assurance and Professional Practice (3)
• Forensic Chemistry Track
• CHM4130 - Advanced Analytical Laboratory Technique (3)
• CHM4130L - Advanced Analytical Chemistry Laboratory (2)

Restricted Electives (9 Total Credits)

• Earn at least 9 credits from the following types of courses:
• ANT 4521 - Forensic Anthropology (3)
• BCH 4054 - Biochemistry II (3)
• CHM 3215L - Organic Laboratory Techniques II (2)
• CHM 4220 - Organic Chemistry III (3)
• CHM 4223 - Advanced Organic Chemistry (3)
• CHM 4230 - Applied Molecular Spectroscopy (3)
• CHM 4427 - Electrochemistry (3)
• CHM 4912 - Directed Independent Research (3)
• CHS 3533L - Forensic Biochemistry I Laboratory (1)
• CHS 4534C - Forensic Biochemistry II (5)
• CHS 4615 - Environmental Chemistry (3)
• CHS 5504 - Topics in Forensic Science (3)
• DSC 4012 - Terrorism (3)
• PCB 3233 - Immunology (3)
• PCB 3233L - Immunology Laboratory (1)
• PCB 4684 - Population Genetics (3)
• STA 4163 - Statistical Methods II (3)
• ZOO 3733C - Human Anatomy (4)
• CHM 4671 - Bioinorganic Chemistry (3)
• CHM4455 - Polymer Chemistry (3)
• CHM 4780 - Green and Sustainable Chemistry (3)
• CHM 4309 - Bioconjugate Chemistry (3)
• CHS 4100 - Radiochemistry (3)
• MCB 3020C - General Microbiology (5)
• Students may choose one of the following:
• CCJ 3014 - Crime in America (3)
• CCJ 3024 - Criminal Justice System (3)
• CJE 4012 - Criminal Profiling in Criminal Justice (3)
• CJE 4610 - Criminal Investigation (3)

Capstone Requirement (3 Total Credits)

• CHS4591 - Forensic Science Internship (3)

Other:

• Departmental Residency Requirement consists of at least 30 semester hours of regularly scheduled 3000-4000 level courses taken from the UCF Department of Chemistry.
• Prior to enrolling in Chemistry and Math, you must take the Chemistry Placement Test and Math Placement Test ~ https://www.sdes.ucf.edu/placement-tests/
• Co-op credit cannot be used in this major.
• Students must earn a "C" (2.0) or higher in each course and have a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA in all courses in Common Program Prerequisites, Core Requirements: Basic Level, Core Requirements: Advanced Level, and Restricted Electives.
• All prerequisites of courses taught within the College of Sciences will be enforced.
• Courses designated in Common Program Prerequisites are usually completed in the first 60 hours.
• Students who change degree programs and select this major must adopt the most current catalog.
• Students should consult with a departmental advisor.
• Lower division courses do not substitute for upper division courses.
• Courses transferred from private and out-of-state schools must be evaluated for equivalency credit.
The student must provide all supporting information.
• Acceptable Substitutes for Transfer Courses CHM 2045C: may use CHM X040 plus CHM X041.
• Calculus: Although other math classes may satisfy the CPP, the specified courses are required in the major and still must be taken.
• Physics: Although other courses may satisfy Organic Chemistry in the CPP, all the specified courses are required in the major and must be taken.
• Program Academic Learning Compacts (student learning outcomes) for undergraduate programs are located at: http://www.oeas.ucf.edu/alc/academic_learning_compacts.htm
• Part-Time Student: $45 per term
• Full-Time Student: $90 per term