Forensic Biochemistry Major

This major is designed to prepare students for a career in the field of forensic science. It provides the science background required for working as a forensic investigator in a crime lab. In addition, it prepares students for entry into a graduate program in forensic science. The forensic biochemistry curriculum includes courses from multiple departments and is the credit-hour equivalent of a major plus a minor, therefore no additional minor is required. Students who are interested in pursuing this degree should have a strong background in science, including two years of high school algebra and one year of high school chemistry. The capstone course for this major, CH 440, is offered every other year, therefore students should consult with their adviser early in their program to ensure that they are prepared to take CH 440 when it is offered.

For department information or additional degree requirements, go to the Chemistry department page.

For related information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos047.htm

Total Credits Required

128

Liberal Studies	30-40
Health Promotion Requirements	2

Required Courses in Major	33
CH 111 General Chemistry I [Div II]	5
CH 112 General Chemistry II [Div II]	5
CH 241 Chemical Equilibrium	3
CH 242 Quantitative Analysis	2
CH 321 Organic Chemistry I	4
CH 322 Organic Chemistry II	4
CH 435 Gas and Liquid Chromatography	2
CH 440 Forensic Chemistry	4
CH 450 Biochemistry I	4


Other Required Courses	48
BI 111 Introductory Biology: Principles [Div II]	4
BI 203 Medical Microbiology or	3 - 5
BI 303 General Microbiology (5 cr.)
BI 218 Introduction to Cell and Molecular Biology	4
BI 312 Genetics	4
BI 418 Molecular Biology	4
CJ 110 Introduction to Criminal Justice	4
CJ 214 The Investigative Process I	4
MA 161 Calculus I [Div II]	5
MA 171 Introduction to Probability and Statistics [Div V]	4
PH 220 Introductory Physics I [Div II] or	5
PH 201 College Physics I (5 cr.) [Div II]
PH 221 Introductory Physics II [Div II] or	5
PH 202 College Physics II (5 cr.) [Div II]


Electives	17
Choose from the following:
(Must include a minimum of 5 cr. in chemistry at the 300-level or above.)
BI 201 Human Anatomy (3 cr.) or
BI 202 Human Physiology (5 cr.)
BI 424 Entomology (4 cr.)
BI 426 Human Histology (4 cr.)
CH 215 Chemistry of the Elements (4 cr.)
CH 341 Physical Chemistry I (4 cr.)
CH 342 Physical Chemistry II (4 cr.)
CH 415 Inorganic Chemistry (4 cr.)
CH 436 Modern Spectroscopy (3 cr.)
CH 437 Atomic Spectrometry (1 cr.)
CH 454 Biochemical Techniques (4 cr.)
CH 490 Senior Research and Seminar I (2 - 4 cr.)
CH 491 Senior Research and Seminar II (2 - 4 cr.)
CH 493 Forensic Laboratory Internship (1 - 4 cr.)
CJ 213 The Judicial Function (4 cr.)
CJ 255 Drugs, Crime and the Justice System (4 cr.)
CJ 414 The Investigative Process II (4 cr.)
MA 163 Calculus II (4 cr.)
PL 184 Issues in Legal Ethics (2 cr.) [Div I]
PS 215 Introduction to Law (4 cr.)

Note: Students interested in pursuing graduate studies in biochemistry or chemistry should take MA 163, CH 342, CH 452 and CH 454 or MA 163, CH 341, CH 342 and CH 415, respectively.

This major does not require a minor.

Bulletin Year: 2011 - 2012 Undergraduate Bulletin | View the current NMU Catalog.