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

James Hewett, James T. Spencer, Michael B. Sponsler, Robert Silver, Ulrich Englich, Michael Marciano, Jonathan Adelman

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.

Required Entry Courses:

CHE 113 - Forensic Science
FSC 406 - Advanced Forensic Science
MAT 221 - Elementary Probability and Statistics I (PSY 252 may be taken instead by PSY majors)

Connection Courses:

Must take one designated for the primary major

FSC 332 - Intro to Forensic Anthropology
ANT 433 - Human Osteology or
ANT 436 - Bioarchaeology (for ANT majors)
FSC 444 - Forensic Chemical Analysis or
BIO 326 - Genetics (for BIO, BCM majors)
FSC 444 - Forensic Chemical Analysis
(for CHE, EAR, PHY majors)
LIN 375 - Forensic Linguistics
(for LIN majors)
MAT 521 - Introduction to Probability
(for MAT majors)
PSY 474 - Forensic Psychology or
FSC 452 - Forensic Mental Health (for PSY majors)
SOC 334 - Criminal Justice or
SOC 397 - Criminology (for SOC majors)

Electives:

Three courses; any FSC course may be used even if not listed; courses used for other requirements cannot be also counted as electives

Required Capstone

FSC 498 - Capstone Seminar in Forensic Science

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.