Program Overview
Forensic Science Chemistry Degree
Program Overview
The Bachelor of Science in Chemistry with a Forensic Science concentration at the University of North Texas prepares students for careers in crime laboratories, where they can use deep knowledge of chemistry to uncover evidence. Students can also prepare for medical school, to pursue careers as medical examiners. Students earn a Certificate in Forensic Science as part of the program.
Program Details
- Program Type: Major
- Format: On Campus
- Estimated Time to Complete: 4 years
- Credit Hours: 120
Program Description
UNT's BS in Chemistry with a Forensic Science concentration provides a strong foundation in chemistry and cutting-edge forensic techniques. The program prepares students for careers in crime laboratories, where they can use deep knowledge of chemistry to uncover evidence. Students can also prepare for medical school, to pursue careers as medical examiners.
Requirements
- Certificate in Forensic Science: Earned as part of the program
- Forensic Science Assessment Test: Must be successfully completed
Marketable Skills
- Operation of modern spectrometric instrumentation
- Operation of modern chromatographic instrumentation
- Application of appropriate statistical methods
- Safe handling of stable compounds
- Laboratory notebook keeping
Program Highlights
- Many opportunities for undergraduate research
- Faculty members with national and international recognition for their scholarship
- Forensic science program certified by the American Academy of Forensic Sciences
- Use of cutting-edge equipment featured in the nation's top crime labs
- Facilities include a new criminalistics lab focusing on fingerprint, ballistic, and laser analysis
- Chemistry program recognized for its excellence in education, earning accreditation from the American Chemical Society
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
Courses
- Forensic Chemistry: Analytical chemistry applied to forensic science
- Biochemistry I: Chemistry and biochemistry of carbohydrates, lipids, amino acids, and proteins, and nucleic acids
- Instrumental Analysis: Principles and theory of chemical analysis utilizing absorption spectroscopy, nuclear and electron spin resonance, mass spectrometry, chromatography, polarography, and other advanced instrumental techniques
- Forensic Science Analysis: Comprehensive understanding of today's crime laboratories and investigative techniques used in the proper collection, preservation, and analysis of evidence
- Biomedical Criminalistics: Survey of the various forensic sciences with emphasis on direct examination of human remains and directly related biological evidence
- Principles of Forensic Science: Reinforces knowledge of forensic techniques and skills critical to evidence preservation and collection, and provides an understanding of professional ethics in forensic science and courtroom techniques
Department and College
- Department of Chemistry
- College of Science
University of North Texas Summary
Overview:
The University of North Texas (UNT) is a public research university located in Denton, Texas. It is a large institution with nearly 47,000 students, making it a top choice for career readiness in Texas. UNT offers a wide range of academic programs, including bachelor's, master's, and doctorate degrees, as well as certificates.
Services Offered:
UNT provides a variety of services to its students, including:
MyUNT:
A portal for accessing student information, grades, and other resources.CANVAS:
An online learning platform for accessing course materials and submitting assignments.Student Email:
An email account for communication with faculty, staff, and other students.UNT Directory:
A directory for finding contact information for faculty, staff, and departments.Libraries:
Access to extensive library resources, including books, journals, and databases.Financial Aid:
A variety of financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and loans.Student Life:
A wide range of student organizations, clubs, and activities.Campus Map:
An interactive map of the campus, including buildings, parking lots, and other points of interest.Jobs at UNT:
A job board for students seeking on-campus employment.Student Life and Campus Experience:
UNT offers a vibrant and diverse campus experience with a wide range of opportunities for students to get involved. Students can participate in:
Student organizations:
Over 400 student organizations, including academic, cultural, and social clubs.Athletics:
The Mean Green athletic program, which competes in NCAA Division I.Campus events:
A variety of events throughout the year, including concerts, lectures, and festivals.Community engagement:
Opportunities to volunteer in the local community.Key Reasons to Study There:
Academic Excellence:
UNT offers a wide range of academic programs, with many ranked among the nation's top 100.Affordability:
UNT provides significant financial aid to students, making it a more affordable option for many.Quality of Life:
Located in Denton, a vibrant college town, UNT offers a safe and enjoyable campus environment.Academic Programs:
UNT offers over 100 academic programs across a variety of disciplines, including:
Arts and Design:
Visual arts, music, theatre, dance, and more.Business and Industry:
Accounting, finance, marketing, management, and more.Communications and Media:
Journalism, public relations, advertising, and more.Data Analytics and Information:
Computer science, information technology, and more.Education:
Elementary education, secondary education, special education, and more.Health and Wellness:
Nursing, health sciences, and more.Humanities and Social Sciences:
History, English, psychology, sociology, and more.Music and Performing Arts:
Music performance, music education, theatre arts, and more.Public Service:
Criminal justice, political science, social work, and more.STEM:
Biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, engineering, and more.Other:
- UNT is a designated Tree Campus Higher Education institution by the Arbor Day Foundation.
- UNT has been named one of the safest college campuses in the nation by Alarms.org for four consecutive years.
- UNT is a top college for students graduating with the least debt, according to U.S. News & World Report.
- UNT is a top college for enrolling transfer students, according to U.S. News & World Report.
- UNT has been named one of America's Top Colleges by Forbes for 16 consecutive years.
- UNT is located in Denton, which has been ranked as the 7th best college town in the nation by 247WallSt.com.
