2018-2019 Undergraduate Course Catalog 
    
    Mar 19, 2024  
2018-2019 Undergraduate Course Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Forensic Science, BA


Integrated Learning Major In Forensic Science


Contact

Michael Sponsler, sponsler@syr.edu
Professor of Chemistry, Director of Curricular Programs
for the Forensic and National Security Sciences Institute
at Syracuse University
1-014 Center Sci & Tech
315-443-4880

Core Faculty

Ulrich Englich, Michael Marciano, Robert Silver, James Spencer, Michael Sponsler, Kevin Sweder

Description

Professionals in technically demanding fields are commonly asked to apply their expertise to other seemingly unrelated disciplines. As a result, they must have a comprehensive understanding of not only their own field, but also secondary knowledge of another broadly based, often interdisciplinary, field of study. A chemist might lend his or her expertise to a matter of legal or ethical importance. A curator might evaluate scientific and historical evidence about a painting’s authenticity. A journalist might research a story involving science, medicine, and technology.

Forensic Science is a 25- to 26-credit Integrated Learning Major (ILM) that can complement a variety of other majors, including Anthropology, Biochemistry, Biology, Chemistry, Earth Sciences, Linguistics, Mathematics, Physics, Psychology, and Sociology. Other majors will be considered based on student proposals that include appropriate connection courses and with the approval of the director.

This ILM is designed to provide a broad exposure to the field, increasing employability in a variety of settings related to Forensic Science. Like all ILMs, Forensic Science includes a capstone project where students make contacts with practitioners in their field, complete a research project, and present their findings.

 

Student Learning Outcomes


1. Define the field of forensic science

2. Describe how forensic science overlaps/compliments their primary major(s)

3. Critically evaluate news stories, statements, and claims that relate to the practice of forensic science

4. Explain how research can elevate the professional performance of forensic analyses

Required:


GPA of at least 2.0; and complete all the requirements of one of the following majors: Anthropology, Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Earth Sciences, Linguistics, Mathematics, Physics, Psychology, and Sociology. Other majors will be considered based on student proposals that include appropriate connection courses and with the approval of the director.

Total Credits 25 or 26


Additional Information


This Integrative Learning Major is intended to provide a broad exposure to the field of forensic science, increasing employability in a variety of careers that relate to forensic science. However, this major will not generally be sufficient to prepare students for forensic laboratory positions unless it is paired with a chemistry, biochemistry, or biology major.