Students completing the Forensic Science - Biochemistry Track B.S. degree will also meet the requirements for ACS certification. This track is designed to align students with specific courses necessary for the examination of DNA and other biochemical evidence. Students should be advised that background checks similar to those required for law enforcement officers are likely to be a condition of employment (Reference: NIJ Report NCJ 203099).
Degree Requirements
- The Forensic Science B.S. is not open to students who have declared the Chemistry B.A. as their major.
- Students who change degree programs and select this major must adopt the most current catalog.
- Departmental Residency Requirement consists of at least 30 semester hours of regularly scheduled 3000-4000 level courses taken from the UCF Department of Chemistry.
- Prior to enrolling in Chemistry and Math, you must take the Chemistry Placement Test and Math Placement Test ~ https://www.sdes.ucf.edu/placement-tests/
- Co-op credit cannot be used in this major.
- Students should consult with a departmental advisor.
- Students must earn a "C" (2.0) or higher in each course and have a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA in all courses in Common Program Prerequisites, Core Requirements: Basic Level, Core Requirements: Advanced Level, and Restricted Electives.
- All prerequisites of courses taught within the College of Sciences will be enforced.
- Courses designated in Common Program Prerequisites are usually completed in the first 60 hours.
Degree Requirements
Core Requirements: Basic Level
12 Total Credits
- Complete all of the following
- In addition to completing all of the required GEP and CPP courses,
- Complete the following:
- BSC2011C - Biology II (4)
- CHM3120 - Analytical Chemistry (3)
- CHM3120L - Analytical Chemistry Laboratory (1)
- PCB3063 - Genetics (3)
- PCB3063L - Genetics Laboratory (1)
Core Requirements: Advanced Level
46 Total Credits
- Complete all of the following
Forensic Science Core- Complete the following:
- BCH4053 - Biochemistry I (3)
- CHM3422 - Applied Physical Chemistry (3)
- CHS3501 - Introduction to Forensic Science (3)
- CHS3505C - Forensic Microscopy (4)
- CHS3511C - Trace Evidence (4)
- CHS3530C - Forensic Analysis of Controlled Substances (4)
- CHS3533 - Forensic Biochemistry I (2)
- CHS3595 - Forensic Science in the Courtroom (3)
- CHS4515C - Forensic Crime Scene Investigation (3)
- CHS4537 - Forensic Laboratory Quality Assurance and Professional Practice (3)
Forensic Biochemistry Track- Complete the following:
- CHS3533L - Forensic Biochemistry I Laboratory (1)
- CHS4534C - Forensic Biochemistry II (5)
- MCB3020C - General Microbiology (5)
- PCB3522 - Molecular Biology I (3)
Capstone Requirements
3 Total Credits
- Complete the following:
- CHS4591 - Forensic Science Internship (3)
Grand Total Credits: 61
Total Undergraduate Credit Hours Required: 124
Foreign Language Requirements
Graduation
Departmental Exit Requirements
- Students must earn a "C" (2.0) or higher in each course and have a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA in all courses in Common Program Prerequisites, Core Requirements: Basic Level, Core Requirements: Advanced Level, and Restricted Electives.
- All attempts of courses taken that could meet major requirements are included in the GPA calculation.
- Additional courses that could meet requirements but are taken beyond the minimum required (e.g., additional restricted electives) and a "C" (2.0) or better is earned are also included in both GPA calculations.
University Minimum Exit Requirements
- A 2.0 UCF GPA
- 42 semester hours of upper division credit completed
- 60 semester hours earned after CLEP awarded
- 30 of the last 39 hours of course work must be completed in residency at UCF.
- A maximum of 45 hours of extension, correspondence, CLEP, Credit by Exam, and Armed Forces credits permitted.
- Complete the General Education Program, the Gordon Rule, and nine hours of Summer credit.
Honors In Major
- Application and admissions through The Burnett Honors College and department. More information about Honors in the Major can be found at https://honors.ucf.edu/research/.
Related Programs
- Forensic Science, Chemistry Track (B.S.)
- Chemistry (B.S.)
- Biomedical Sciences (B.S.)
- Chemistry Minor
- Biomedical Sciences Minor
- Crime Scene Investigation Certificate
- Forensic Science and the Legal System Certificate
Advising Notes
- Students should consult with a departmental advisor.
- Time conflict overrides are generally not approved for students pursuing a double major or minor that involves this program. Only under exceptional circumstances will these be considered and require approval of the Program Coordinator.
- Contact your college advisor in the College of Sciences Advising Services (COSAS) office (CSB 250) for more information about overall progress toward your degree, GEP and other university requirements, academic probation, special problems as well as general academic advising.
Transfer Notes
- Lower division courses do not substitute for upper division courses.
- Courses transferred from private and out-of-state schools must be evaluated for equivalency credit. The student must provide all supporting information.
- Submit your requests for course evaluations at https://sciences.ucf.edu/cosas/ and click on "COS Course Evaluation"
- Acceptable Substitutes for Transfer Courses
- Calculus: Although other math classes may satisfy the CPP, the specified courses are required in the major and still must be taken.
- Physics: Although other courses may satisfy Organic Chemistry in the CPP, all the specified courses are required in the major and must be taken.
Program Academic Learning Compacts
- Program Academic Learning Compacts (student learning outcomes) for undergraduate programs are located at: http://www.oeas.ucf.edu/alc/academic_learning_compacts.htm
Equipment Fees
- Part-Time Student: $45 per term
- Full-Time Student: $90 per term
