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Forensic Studies - Natural Science

  • Minor
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The Science Behind Criminal Investigations

The goal of this minor is to provide students with a broad-based understanding of the methods and principles of natural science that are used to identify and evaluate evidence for the purpose of criminal justice. While natural science forensics delves into DNA analysis, fingerprint examination, bloodstain patterns, firearms, toxicology, and microscopy, the forensic studies-natural science minor is not meant to provide students with all of the skills necessary to perform the job of a forensic scientist. Rather, the goal is to provide students with a working understanding of the integration of forensic science with criminal law so that the students may, if they wish, pursue those specializations in other undergraduate or future graduate study.

 

Smiling young man in a dark suit and light green tie, standing outdoors with a grassy lawn and shrubs in the background.

“As a criminology and psychology graduate, the Forensics Natural Science Minor gave me a broader understanding of how scientific evidence informs criminal investigations and research. Looking back, it complemented my studies and strengthened the analytical skills that continue to serve me in my academic and professional development.”

Alexandros Fekos C’22
Forensics Natural Science Minor

Undergraduate Programs

Highlights

Two students in a lab, one using a computer while the other looks through a microscope connected to a monitor.
  • Lawyers who possess a working knowledge of forensic science are better equipped to litigate cases accurately and in the interest of justice.
  • The forensics-natural science minor pairs nicely with the criminology, law, and society major.
  • Other forensics minors available are: forensics-cybersecurity and forensics-financial investigations.
  • Students who pair this minor with their major or continue onto further education will be more equipped or more marketable for careers as forensic technicians, government employees, expert witnesses, and lawyers.

Curriculum Requirements

  • Curriculum

    • Forensic Studies -Natural Science (18 Credits)
    • Required (3 courses/ 9 credits):
    • CLS 205 Criminal Trial Evidence 3
    • CLS 227 Criminal Law and Process 3
    • NSCI 300* Criminalistics 3
    • Take 1 course (3 credits, the selected course may not count for major or core):
    • CLS 230 Constitutional Criminal Procedure 3
    • CLS 305 Violence and Victimology 3
    • CLS 340 Principles of Homeland Security 3
    • CLS 377 Addiction and Crime 3
    • Choose 6 or 7 credits from the following (selected courses may not count for major or core; one lecture/lab combination required; NSCI courses are not recommended for physics, chemistry, biology, or biochemistry majors):
    • NSCI 130/131 Introduction to Physics and Lab 4
    • NSCI 210/211 Chemistry of Crime and Lab 4
    • NSCI 200 All About Drugs 4
    • NSCI 260 Biotechnology: How Do They Do It? 4
    • NSCI 235 Human Biology and Laboratory 4
    • NSCI 230/231 Genes, Cells and Computers and Lab 4
    • NSCI 290/291 Criminalistics and Lab 4
    • BL 214/215** Molecular Genetics and Lab 4
    • CH 252/253 Nucleic Acids and Membranes and Lab 4
    • CH 216/218** Quantitative Analysis and Lab 4
    • BL 216/217** Biotechnology and Lab 4
    • BL 150/151 General Biology I and Lab 4
    • ES 220 Introduction to GIS 3
    • CH 245** Chemical and Forensic Analysis 2
    * Does not count toward core.
    ** These courses have prerequisites that are not part of the minor

  • Key Courses

    Genes, Cells & Computers with Lab In this course with lab, you’ll explore how biology and computing come together to shape modern biotechnology and medicine. You’ll learn how genes and cells work, analyze DNA using computer tools, and tackle real ethical questions around genetic technologies. Through hands‑on wet labs and computational activities, you’ll purify DNA, run PCR, and analyze genetic sequences. No prior biology or coding experience is required.

    Chemistry and Crime This course focuses on the chemistry concepts of forensic science that explain how various forms of evidence can be left at the scene of a crime, how the evidence is found, and how the laboratory can determine the relevancy of that evidence. Students will study basic chemical principles such as chemical bonding, solubility, and the structure and function of organic molecules.

    Violence and Victimology The course introduces the leading theories and research in the area of violent criminal behavior and victimization. A special emphasis is on violent patterns and victimization over time, victim-offender relationships, and the experience of victims in the criminal justice system. This course addresses major violent crimes such as murder, rape, robbery, assault, and serial killing.

Undergraduate Programs
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