Curriculum Overview

Faculty working through a problem

THIS PROFESSIONAL PROGRAM IS CURRENTLY ACCEPTING ONLINE APPLICATIONS.

Core Curriculum

The following core courses provide foundational information and skill set in advanced forensic science, writing, communication, professionalism, ethics, legal perspectives, and workplace-specific laboratory skills. (22 credits) The courses listed in the Core Curriculum are required for both concentrations. Additional required courses specific to each concentration and electives are listed below.

Forensic Toxicology/Chemistry Concentration

The following courses in pharmacology, toxicology, and instrumentation relevant to advanced training in Forensic Toxicology/Chemistry are required for this concentration. 9 of your total hours are within this curriculum, 36 total hours are required for this concentration.

Forensic/Analytical Genetics Concentration

The following courses in genetics, molecular biology and instrumentation relevant to advanced training in Forensic/Analytical Genetics are required for this concentration. 12 of your total hours are within this curriculum, 37 total hours are required for this concentration.

Electives

Electives include the following courses related to research and current issues in the forensic disciplines and professional courses which can relate to the nature of the professional employment site in which the student is interning or contemplating a career. (3-5 credits total)

Suggested Curriculum Plan

Core 

Concentration #1
Forensic Toxicology/Chemistry 

Concentration #2
Forensic/Analytical Genetics 

Total 

 

Conc. #1

Conc. #2

YEAR 1 FALL:
TOX 800: Fundamentals in
Forensic Sciences (4)

TOX 810: Communicating in the
Forensic Science Profession (1)


Elective (1)


BCH 401G: Fundamentals of Biochemistry (3)



IBS 602: Molecular Biology and Genetics (3)

IBS 611: Practical Statistics (2)

9

10

YEAR 1: SPRING
TOX 840: Forensic Science
Standards and Practices (3)

TOX 820: Preparing Professionals
in Forensic Science and
Analytical Genetics (1)

IBS 611: Practical Statistics (2)

TOX 860: Forensic and
Analytical Toxicology (3)

TOX 830: Advanced Human Genetics (2) 

ABT 461G: Population Genetics (3)

9

9

YEAR 2: FALL
TOX 880: Ethics and Professional
Practice in Forensic Science
and Analytical DNA (3)

TOX 920: General Instrumental 
Techniques in Forensic Chemistry (4)

TOX 663: Drug Metabolism 
and Disposition (2)

BCH 401G: Fundamentals of
Biochemistry (3)

TOX 910: Forensic and Analytical DNA (4)

9

10

YEAR 2: SPRING
TOX 980: Internships in Forensic
Toxicology and Analytical Genetics
(2 x 3 = 6)
(Could take 3 credits during
Summer of first year)

Elective (3)

Elective (2)

9

8

Total Credits

36

37

Internship Experiences
The internship component of the program provides the student with an opportunity for immersed participation in the professional work environment associated with laboratory practicing methods in forensic toxicology or analytical genetics. Through hands-on experience in a real work site, the student applies the formal classroom knowledge to the real work setting. The work/learning arrangement is supervised by a program faculty member plus the designated representative of the internship site, which will be private industry, governmental, hospital or other appropriate setting providing real-world training in practices and procedures of forensic toxicology or analytical genetics. Two internship experiences are required. Upon completion of the internship experiences, students and faculty will participate in a culminating poster session event focused on student presentations analyzing the internship activities.
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