Forensic Science – Concentration
For information, contact Dr. Lawrence Quarino.
The forensic science concentration at Cedar Crest College is unique in that it
combines many of the most exciting educational features into one package. The
concentration is integrated, multi-disciplinary and highly applied and offers a
foundation from which to launch a career in forensic science. Students in the
program have opportunities to interact with forensic professionals, work on
forensic research projects, and apply for internships.
The liberal arts component provides exposure to disciplines and develops skills
that will be important when students are called upon to act as expert
witnesses, communicate with law enforcement personnel, and present their work
to the public.
Students must apply to the concentration in their sophomore year to the director
of the forensic science program. Students will be admitted unconditionally to
the forensic science program if they did not receive a grade of C- or below in BIO 121, BIO 122, CHE 111, CHE
112 and MAT 141. If a student receives a C- or below in any of these courses, she will be
conditionally accepted into the program. During the conditional acceptance period, students can begin to take coursework
in the forensic science concentration. However, students with conditional
acceptance status must repeat the deficient course(s) within one academic year
and receive the requisite grade. Students who do not will be dropped from the program.
Students who are not in the forensic science concentration, may register for CHE
241, 347, and 348 to fulfill degree requirements for a particular major. Only
students in the forensic science concentration will be allowed to register for
CHE 349.
Requirements for the Forensic Science Concentration
In addition to the core requirements of the major in chemistry, biochemistry,
biology, or genetic engineering, the following courses are required for the
concentration in forensic science:
CHE 111 Chemical Principles 4 credits
CHE 112 Chemical Equilibrium and Analysis 4 credits
CHE 205 Organic Chemistry I 4 credits
CHE 206 Organic Chemistry II 4 credits
CHE 241 Crime Scene Reconstruction and Pattern Analysis 4 credits
CHE 302 Instrumental Analysis 4 credits
CHE 307 Biochemistry I 4 credits
CHE 347 Trace Evidence and Microscopy 4 credits
CHE 348 Forensic Molecular Biology and Population Genetics 4 credits
CHE 349 Professional Issues in Forensic Science 3 credits
BIO 121 Principles of Biology I 4 credits
BIO 122 Principles of Biology II 4 credits
BIO 235 Need E-text info here 4 credits
BIO 248 Biostatistics 3 credits
MAT 141 Calculus I 3 credits
MAT 142 Calculus II 3 credits
PHI 200 Ethics 3 credits
PHY 101 Introductory College Physics I 4 credits
PHY 102 Introductory College Physics II 4 credits
Plus one of the following courses
FOR 507 Forensic Chemistry 3 credits
CHE 314 Toxicology 3 credits
BIO 335 Molecular Genetics I 4 credits
Students are also required to register for 2 semesters of research
CHE 391 & 392 Chemistry Research or BIO 353 Biology Research (2 semesters) 6 or 4 credits