FORENSIC SCIENCE

The interdisciplinary Forensic Science major is built upon the strengths of our programs in biology, chemistry and criminal justice, providing the breadth and depth of study needed to start a fascinating career in the application of science to solving crimes.

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE DEGREE IN FORENSIC SCIENCE

Graduates of our program compete favorably for technical positions in any state or private forensics laboratory. The program is also suitable for students interested in secondary education in biology, law school, or graduate study in forensic biology or chemistry. With some additional coursework, the program is also suitable for pre-med students.    A dual major of Forensic Science and Chemistry (non-certified) requires only four additional courses, making it an attractive option. Qualified students may complete their internship through INVEST.

*Note: If the Language Requirement is satisfied through proficiency or waived, then an additional 6 credits of other humanities must be taken.

†MAT 201 Calculus I is also recommended, especially for students considering Graduate School.

‡ To apply for a project through INVEST, contact Dr. Tom Keane, Chemistry Department Chair, at (518) 244-2299 or e-mail keanet@sage.edu. All internship and senior research students are nominated by the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. Application portfolios are then submitted to Evident’s Human Resources Department after final approval by Sage’s Academic Liaison to INVEST. Final decisions regarding internships, research projects etc are made by Evident Technologies.

Time Requirements: generally requires a minimum of 8 hours per week in most cases with the specifics to be determined by the faculty advisor and/or mentor at Evident Technologies.

Duration: minimum of 1 academic semester for internship, 1 academic year for senior research.

Description: the internship/research project may include any or all of the following:

• Synthetic methodology, data collection and analysis.
• Presentation(s) of research findings to the R&D, Engineering, Quality Control and Manufacturing groups of Evident Technologies as well as departmental presentations as required by the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry.

The applicant should be familiar with laboratory safety and chemical handling practices, have a background in analytical chemistry and instrumental analysis and in performing standard chemical laboratory procedures, have experience using/operating various types of analytical equipment and instrumentation, such as:

• pH meters
• FTIR
• NMR
• UV/Vis Spectrophotometers
• Fluorescence spectrophotometer
• HPLC
• GC and GC-MS

and the applicant should be proficient with MS Excel and MS Word.

Chemistry courses providing the appropriate background include:

• Chemical Analysis (CHM205)
• Organic Chemistry with Lab (CHM201, 201L, 202, 202L)
• Instrumental Analysis (CHM 302)
• Biochemistry (CHM 303, 304)

Ideally an applicant's background would also include both Physical Chemistry (CHM 305 and 306) and Inorganic Chemistry (CHM 404), which may be taken concurrently with the internship/research project. A minimum GPA 3.2 in chemistry with 3.2 overall GPA is required of all applicants. Supporting documentation will include an official transcript and three letters of recommendation from faculty, one being from the Academic Liaison to INVEST.

Suggested Course Sequence for Students in the BS in Forensic Science

The following is a general schedule for the Forensic Science major. In general, major requirements must follow this basic schedule, but one can introduce flexibility into this recommended sequence by shifting general education slots around to allow one to pursue other courses of personal interest or compensate for scheduling conflicts.

Summer between third and fourth years: start or finish internship if necessary.

Forensic Science is an interdisciplinary major. Students can minor in Criminal Justice, Biology or Environmental Science with relative ease due to the overlap of courses. Students connected with INVEST may wish to consider a minor in Business or Entrepreneurship. A minor in Chemistry is not allowed due to the complete overlap with courses required in the major.

 
Dual Major with Chemistry (non-certified)

Students need only four additional courses, beyond the Forensic Science major requirements, to complete a non-certified Chemistry major:

Suggested Course Sequence for Students in the Dual Major: BS in Forensic Science and BS in Chemistry (non-certified)

The following is a general schedule for the Forensic Science/Chemistry (non-certified) dual major. In general, major requirements must follow this basic schedule, but one can introduce flexibility into this recommended sequence by shifting general education slots around to allow one to pursue other courses of personal interest or compensate for scheduling conflicts.

Summer between third and fourth years: start or finish internship if necessary.