Forensic Science (BS) - Biochemistry

Program Overview

Students completing this track meet the requirements for ACS certification and must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 in core courses. The program includes a capstone internship and covers topics such as forensic microscopy, trace evidence analysis, and forensic biochemistry.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• Program Name: Forensic Science (BS) – Biochemistry
• Degree Type: Bachelor of Science
• College: College of Sciences
• Department: Chemistry
Students completing the Forensic Science - Biochemistry Track B.S. degree will also meet the requirements for ACS certification.
• Employment Note: Students should be advised that background checks similar to those required for law enforcement officers are likely to be a condition of employment (Reference: NIJ Report NCJ 203099).

Outline:

• Degree Requirements:
• Students who change degree programs and select this major must adopt the most current catalog.
• Departmental Residency Requirement: At least 30 semester hours of regularly scheduled 3000-4000 level courses taken from the UCF Department of Chemistry.
• Placement Tests: Prior to enrolling in Chemistry and Math, you must take the Chemistry Placement Test and Math Placement Test.
• Co-op Credit: Co-op credit cannot be used in this major.
• GPA Requirements: Students must earn a "C" (2.0) or higher in each course and have a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA in all courses in Common Program Prerequisites, Core Requirements: Basic Level, Core Requirements: Advanced Level, and Restricted Electives.
• Prerequisites: All prerequisites of courses taught within the College of Sciences will be enforced.
• Common Program Prerequisites: Courses designated in Common Program Prerequisites are usually completed in the first 60 hours.
• Core Requirements:
• Basic Level (12 Total Credits):
• BSC2011C - Biology II (4)
• CHM3120 - Analytical Chemistry (3)
• CHM3120L - Analytical Chemistry Laboratory (1)
• PCB3063 - Genetics (3)
• PCB3063L - Genetics Laboratory (1)
• Advanced Level (46 Total Credits):
• Forensic Science Core:
• BCH4053 - Biochemistry I (3)
• CHM3422 - Applied Physical Chemistry (3)
• CHS3501 - Introduction to Forensic Science (3)
• CHS3505C - Forensic Microscopy (4)
• CHS3511C - Trace Evidence (4)
• CHS3530C - Forensic Analysis of Controlled Substances (4)
• CHS3533 - Forensic Biochemistry I (2)
• CHS3595 - Forensic Science in the Courtroom (3)
• CHS4515C - Forensic Crime Scene Investigation (3)
• CHS4537 - Forensic Laboratory Quality Assurance and Professional Practice (3)
• Forensic Biochemistry Track:
• CHS3533L - Forensic Biochemistry I Laboratory (1)
• CHS4534C - Forensic Biochemistry II (5)
• MCB3020C - General Microbiology (5)
• PCB3522 - Molecular Biology I (3)
• Capstone Requirements (3 Total Credits):
• CHS4591 - Forensic Science Internship (3)
• Total Credits: 61
• Total Undergraduate Credit Hours Required: 124
• Foreign Language Requirements: None
• Departmental Exit Requirements: Students must earn a "C" (2.0) or higher in each course and have a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA in all courses in Common Program Prerequisites, Core Requirements: Basic Level, Core Requirements: Advanced Level, and Restricted Electives.
All attempts of courses taken that could meet major requirements are included in the GPA calculation. Additional courses that could meet requirements but are taken beyond the minimum required (e.g., additional restricted electives) and a "C" (2.0) or better is earned are also included in both GPA calculations.
• University Minimum Exit Requirements:
• 2.0 UCF GPA
• 42 semester hours of upper division credit completed
• 60 semester hours earned after CLEP awarded
• 30 of the last 39 hours of course work must be completed in residency at UCF.
• A maximum of 45 hours of extension, correspondence, CLEP, Credit by Exam, and Armed Forces credits permitted.
• Complete the General Education Program, the Gordon Rule, and nine hours of Summer credit.
• Honors in Major: Application and admissions through The Burnett Honors College and department.

Other:

• Related Programs:
• Forensic Science, Chemistry Track (B.S.)
• Chemistry (B.S.)
• Biomedical Sciences (B.S.)
• Chemistry Minor
• Biomedical Sciences Minor
• Advising Notes: Students should consult with a departmental advisor.
• Transfer Notes:
• Lower division courses do not substitute for upper division courses.
• Courses transferred from private and out-of-state schools must be evaluated for equivalency credit.
• The student must provide all supporting information.
• Acceptable Substitutes for Transfer Courses:
• CHM 2045C: may use CHM 2040 plus CHM 2041.
• Calculus: Although other math classes may satisfy the CPP, the specified courses are required in the major and still must be taken.
• Physics: Although other courses may satisfy Organic Chemistry in the CPP, all the specified courses are required in the major and must be taken.
• Program Academic Learning Compacts: Program Academic Learning Compacts (student learning outcomes) for undergraduate programs are located at: http://www.oeas.ucf.edu/alc/academic_learning_compacts.htm
• Equipment Fees:
• Part-Time Student: $45 per term
• Full-Time Student: $90 per term