Curriculum in Forensic Biology

** Senior Capstone (if BIOL 301 or internship already completed, 451 can be waived but not 499)
*   Writing Intensive Course(s)

^# One of these courses must be used to meet the African American Experience (Gen Ed) requirement 

^$ General Biology I and II (BIOL 101 and 102) together can substitute for BIOL 201 and 202

FORENSIC BIOLOGY ELECTIVES:  The BS in Forensic Biology is a very specialized curriculum.  In order to successfully complete a Forensic Biology degree (BS), students must take three courses from the follow list:  BIOL 307 Principles of Physiology; BIOL 370 Human Anatomy; BIOL 355 Forensic DNA Analysis; or BIOL 325 Forensic Pathology.  These should be requested and selected in consultation with your advisor, and approved by the Forensic Biology Committee.  If you are intending to obtain a post-graduate professional degree in Forensics, it is advisable for the student to check possible school requirements during their Junior year to ensure that satisfy expectations of their intended school choices.

FORENSIC ELECTIVES:  In order to successfully complete a Forensic Biology degree (BS), students must take two courses from the follow list: BIOL 275 Advanced Technologies in Forensics; CHEM 306 Instrumental Analysis; CHEM 202 Forensic Chemistry; CHEM 462 Chemical Toxicology; BIOL 466 Toxicology (NTRS 466 Environmental Toxicology can be substituted for CHEM-362).  If you change to the BS in Biology and other curriculum Tracks note that acceptance of forensic curriculum courses that are not in that tract must be approved by your advisor and the Chair in writing and at the time of your change.  The other tracts are designed for the intended career goal, including anticipation of entrance examinations, so students should adhere to the suggested sequence.

REQUIREMENTS:  Students can not take either 23-210 or 23-215 without first passing both 23-101 and 23-102 with a grade of "C" or better.  In order for a student to take any 300 or 400 level Biology Department course, they must also pass both 23-210 and 23-215 with a "C" or better.  These grade requirements take precedence over, and supersede any lesser specific prerequisites of all 300 or 400 level Biology electives.

SPECIAL NOTES:    For all programs and tracks, a grade of “C” or better is required for all Biology and required Forensic courses (not bolded).     For the Cell/Molecular/Biotechnology and for the Health Professions tracks, a grade of “C” or better is also required in all CMNST courses.
                                   
All Biology majors must complete an independent research project.  Those who have completed a research project with a biology faculty member (e.g. 23-301 for credit, or via a paid stipend) prior to the beginning of their senior year, and especially if the project was an internship at another institution, the student must present their data to their advisor in order to be exempted from the required Senior Capstone I course.  If they have not completed a research project, or their internship is inadequate, then they must register for 23-451or 452 to complete a Capstone research project.

If you take, 23-422 instead of 24-403, then you will need to take another Chemistry course if you want a minor in Chemistry – Instrumental Analysis (24-306) with lab is suggested.

All Biology majors are required to successfully complete Senior Seminar (Capstone II, 23-499), no exceptions can be made.

General Note:  The minimum University requirement for graduation is 121 hours; in Biology you will usually complete between 121-125 hours depending on selections.