Forensic Biology

Introduction

Delaware State offers one of the few Bachelor of Science in Forensic Biology degrees in the United States. This increasingly important discipline involves the use of biological knowledge and laboratory techniques in law enforcement, criminal justice, homeland security, and related fields.

Our Forensic Biology degree is a cross-campus partnership, with required coursework in criminal justice, biology, chemistry, mathematics, psychology, and photography. We also work closely with forensic biology professionals and agencies, placing heavy emphasis on practical, hands-on experience. Students develop the diverse set of skills that professional investigators need, learning to

• perform DNA analysis
• analyze crime scenes
• conduct cause-of-death investigations
• write up and present test findings

Professional Preparation

With a Bachelor’s in Forensic Biology, graduates can compete for entry-level jobs with a variety of employers, including

• state or federal crime labs
• medical examiner’s offices
• private firms that do testing and analysis
• agencies and firms related to homeland security

In addition, students with a Forensic Biology degree are prepared to pursue a graduate degree in biology, or to enter medical school or another advanced degree program.

Faculty

Members of the Delaware State biology faculty are highly committed to undergraduate education. Attentive and accessible, they go out of their way to cultivate students’ interest in biology, research, and the sciences. Our instructors provide individual attention to each student, acting as mentors and advisors as well as classroom educators. They help students discover their academic strengths and lay solid foundations for graduate school and career development.

Research and Experience

The Forensic Biology program partners with law enforcement agencies, Dover Air Force Base, and other organizations in the local community, enabling students to gain first-hand experience and interaction with professionals in the field. With approval of their Academic Advisor, some students are selected to participate in an internship as their Capstone project instead of a research project, giving them the experience to observe / learn in an actual crime laboratory.

In addition to the standard university curriculum, students take courses from local forensic experts. In these courses they learn basic science, research, and analysis techniques involved in the Forensic Biology profession, with particular emphasis on DNA analysis. They also develop the ability to present data, prepare figures and slides, create posters, and organize information.