Forensic Science (BS)

Federal CIP: 43.0406 Forensic Science and Technology

Forensic Science focuses on the application of the physical, biomedical, and social sciences to the analysis and evaluation of physical evidence, human testimony and criminal suspects. Includes instruction in forensic medicine, psychology, pathology, forensic laboratory technology and autopsy procedures, DNA and blood pattern analysis, crime scene analysis, crime scene photography, fingerprint technology, document analysis, witness and suspect examination procedures, applicable law and regulations, and professional standards and ethics. The Forensic Science major requires students to choose one of three concentrations - Biology, Chemistry, or Computing. This allows students to focus on a specialized area of the discipline while providing a solid foundation in the relevant basic sciences. Major requirements are based on the accrediting standards of the American Association of Forensic Scientists (AAFS) (https://www.aafs.org/FEPAC). This major allows students to be eligible for the Enhanced LIFE Scholarship and the Enhanced Palmetto Fellows Scholarship.

Learning Outcomes

Students completing a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Forensic Science degree are expected to:

• demonstrate understanding of forensic science professional practice topics of quality assurance, ethics, and evidence identification, collection, and processing
• demonstrate technical mastery of laboratory skills within the concentration
• comprehend, explain, and analyze basic science phenomena within the concentration