Program Overview

Forensic Biochemistry Degree

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry with a focus on Forensic Biochemistry is a four-year program that prepares students for careers in crime laboratories and medical schools.

Program Details

• Program Type: Major
• Format: On Campus
• Estimated Time to Complete: 4 years
• Credit Hours: 125

Program Description

UNT's Forensic Biochemistry degree prepares students for careers in crime laboratories where they can use deep knowledge of biochemistry to uncover evidence. Students can also prepare for medical school for careers as medical examiners.

Program Requirements

• Obtain a thorough grounding in the natural sciences
• Build upon this background by taking a series of more advanced science classes
• Develop, through course work and laboratory-based instruction, an appreciation of issues specific to forensic science

Program Goals

• Assure a complete and rigorous curriculum designed to develop undergraduate students' understanding of the field of forensic science, critical thinking and laboratory experience
• Review and update scientific content and forensic techniques to ensure the incorporation of current forensic practices in the curriculum
• Involve students in active inquiry and scholarship, developing a research mindset and desire for continuation within the field
• Foster learning in a community environment through research and internship opportunities
• Encourage student involvement in professional societies to enhance appreciation of chosen field

Marketable Skills

• Oral and written communication
• Application of the scientific method
• Operation of modern analytical instrumentation
• Data organization and interpretation
• In-depth knowledge of biochemistry

Program Highlights

• Students use the same cutting-edge equipment featured in the nation's top crime labs
• Facilities include a new criminalistics lab focusing on fingerprint, ballistic and laser analysis
• Our strong curriculum follows the recommendations of the National Institute of Justice and primes you for the American Board of Criminalistics certification test
• Students learn from nationally certified faculty members who conduct ongoing research in forensic science and have provided expert testimony in high-profile court cases
• Ours is one of only 35 programs accredited by the American Academy of Forensic Sciences

Career Outlook

Forensic scientists work in crime laboratories as forensic chemists and biologists. Their jobs may include:

• Applying principles and techniques of the physical and natural sciences to the analysis of the many types of evidence that may be recovered during a criminal investigation
• Providing expert court testimony
• Participating in training law enforcement personnel in the proper recognition, collection and preservation of physical evidence

Other specialized forensic science careers outside the crime laboratory include:

• Forensic pathology
• Forensic anthropology
• Forensic entomology
• Forensic psychiatry
• Forensic odontology
• Forensic engineering

Program Courses

• Cell Biology (3 hrs)
• Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of the Gene (3 hrs)
• Biomedical Criminalistics (3 hrs)
• Forensic Microscopy (3 hrs)
• Physical Chemistry (3 hrs)
• Principles of Forensic Science (3 hrs)