Forensic Science Major

The B.S. program in forensic science prepares students for careers as forensic scientists. Potential employers include local, state and federal crime laboratories and law enforcement agencies, such as the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). The curriculum is enhanced by internship opportunities with local agencies, including the Tampa FDLE lab and the Hillsborough County Medical Examiner. The track also prepares students for graduate programs in forensic science, chemistry and biochemistry and health professional schools.

Degree Requirements

Requirements for a B.S. in forensic science:

FSC 130Survey of Forensic Sciences

3

BIO 198General Biology I

3

BIO 198LGeneral Biology I Laboratory

1

BIO 199General Biology II

3

BIO 199LGeneral Biology II Laboratory

1

CHE 152General Chemistry I

3

CHE 153LGeneral Chemistry I Laboratory

1

CHE 154General Chemistry II

3

CHE 155LGeneral Chemistry II Laboratory

1

CHE 232Organic Chemistry I

3

CHE 233LOrganic Chemistry I Laboratory

1

CHE 234Organic Chemistry II

3

CHE 235LOrganic Chemistry II Laboratory

1

FSC 230Fire Debris and Firearms

3

MAT 201Introduction to Statistics

4

MAT 260Calculus I

4

PHY 200General Physics I

4

PHY 200LGeneral Physics I Laboratory

0

PHY 201General Physics II

4

PHY 201LGeneral Physics II Laboratory

0

CHE 310Analytical Chemistry

4

CHE 310LAnalytical Chemistry Laboratory

0

CHE 432Forensic Chemistry

3

CHE 433LForensic Chemistry Laboratory

1

CHE 434Forensic Toxicology

3

CHE 435LForensic Toxicology Laboratory

1

CHE 440Professional Practice in Forensic Science

3

BIO 200Genetics

4

BIO 200LGenetics Laboratory

0

CRM 102Introduction to Criminal Justice

4

CRM 307Crime Scene Investigation

4

One of the following two courses:

CHE 331Forensic DNA Analysis

3

FSC 340Microscopic Examination of Firearms Evidence

3

7 credits from the following courses:

CHE 305Applied Physical Chemistry

3

CHE 320Biochemistry

3

CHE 320LBiochemistry Laboratory

1

BIO 370Molecular Biology

4

BIO 370LMolecular Biology Laboratory

0

FSC 461Forensic Science Seminar

3

CHE 463Forensic Science Internship

1-4

Or both of the following courses:

CHE 454 Capstone Chemical Communication

1

CHE 460Introduction to Forensic Research

1-4

3 credits of FSC 461, CHE 463, or 2 hours of CHE 460 and 1 hour of CHE 454 are required.
PHY 205/PHY 205L can substitute for PHY 200 /PHY 200L, and PHY 206 /PHY 206L can substitute for PHY 201 PHY 201L.

Total Credit Hours: 86