Description
Website: http://forensic.unl.edu/
Forensic science includes any science that is conducted for use in the legal system. The need for science in the courtroom has greatly increased as a result of legal rulings and the positioning of forensic science in popular culture. The forensic science degree program provides students with an education in the use of science, mathematics, and statistics in legal proceedings. There are four options of study: Forensic Biology, Crime Scene Investigation, Forensic Chemistry, and the Pre-Law 3-3 Program.
College Requirements
College Admission
Requirements for admission into the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources (CASNR) are consistent with general University admission requirements (one unit equals one high school year): 4 units of English, 4 units of mathematics, 3 units of natural sciences, 3 units of social studies, and 2 units of foreign language. Students must also meet performance requirements (ACT composite of 20 or higher OR combined SAT score of 950 or higher OR rank in the top one-half of graduating class; transfer students must have a 2.0 (on a 4.0 scale) cumulative grade point average and 2.0 on the most recent term of attendance. For students entering the PGA Golf Management degree program, a certified golf handicap of 12 or better (e.g., USGA handicap card) or written ability (MS Word file) equivalent to a 12 or better handicap by a PGA professional or high school golf coach is required. For more information, please visit: http://pgm.unl.edu/requirements.
Admission Deficiencies/Removal of Deficiencies
Students who are admitted to CASNR with core course deficiencies must remove these deficiencies within the first 30 credit hours at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, or within the first calendar year at Nebraska, whichever takes longer, excluding foreign languages. Students have up to 60 credit hours to remove foreign language deficiencies. College-level course work taken to remove deficiencies may be used to meet degree requirements in CASNR.
Deficiencies in the required entrance subjects can be removed by completion of specified courses in the University or by correspondence.
The Office of Admissions, Alexander Building (south entrance), City Campus, provides information to new students on how deficiencies can be removed.
College Degree Requirements
Curriculum Requirements
The curriculum requirements of the College consist of three areas: ACE (Achievement-Centered Education); College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources Core; and Degree Program requirements and electives. All three areas of the College Curriculum Requirements are incorporated within the description of the Major/Degree Program sections of the catalog. The individual major/degree program listings of classes insures that a student will meet the minimum curriculum requirements of the College.
Foreign Languages/Language Requirement
Two units of a foreign language are required. This requirement is usually met with two years of high school language.
Minimum Hours Required for Graduation
The College grants the bachelors degree in programs associated with agricultural sciences, natural resources and related programs. Students working toward a degree must earn at least 120 semester hours of credit. A minimum cumulative grade point average of C (2.0 on a 4.0 scale) must be maintained throughout the course of studies and is required for graduation. Some degree programs have a higher cumulative grade point average required for graduation. Please check the degree program on its graduation cumulative grade point average.
Grade Rules
Removal of C-, D and F Grades
Only the most recent letter grade received in a given course will be used in computing a student’s cumulative grade point average if the student has completed the course more than once and previously received a grade or grades below C in that course.
The previous grade (or grades) will not be used in the computation of the cumulative grade point average, but it will remain a part of the academic record and will appear on any transcript.
A student can remove from his/her cumulative average a course grade of C-, D+, D, D- or F if the student repeats the same course at the University of Nebraska and receives a grade other than P (pass), I (incomplete), N (no pass), W (withdrew), or NR (no report). If a course is no longer being offered, it is not eligible for the revised grade point average computation process.
For complete procedures and regulations, see the Office of the University Registrar website at http://www.unl.edu/regrec/course-repeats.
Pass/No Pass
Students in CASNR may take any course offered on a Pass/No Pass basis within the 24-hour limitation established by the Faculty Senate. However, a department may specify that the Pass/No Pass status of its courses be limited to non-majors or may choose to offer some courses for letter grades only.
GPA Requirements
A minimum cumulative grade point average of C (2.0 on a 4.0 scale) must be maintained throughout the course of studies and is required for graduation. Some degree programs have a higher cumulative grade point average required for graduation. Please check the degree program on its graduation cumulative grade point average.
Transfer Credit Rules
To be considered for admission, a transfer student, Nebraska resident or nonresident, must have an accumulated average of C (2.0 on a 4.0 scale) and a minimum C average in the last semester of attendance at another college. Transfer students who have completed less than 12 credit hours of college study must submit either ACT or SAT scores.
Ordinarily, credits earned at an accredited college are accepted by the University. The College, however, will evaluate all hours submitted on an application for transfer and reserves the right to accept or reject any of them. Sixty (60) is the maximum number of hours the University will accept on transfer from a two-year college. Ninety (90) is the maximum number of hours the University will accept from a four-year college. Transfer credit in the degree program must be approved by the degree program advisor on a Request for Substitution Form to meet specific course requirements, group requirements, or course level requirements in the major. At least 9 hours in the major field, including the capstone course, must be completed at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln regardless of the number of hours transferred.
The College will accept no more than 10 semester hours of C-, D+, D and D- grades from other schools. The C-, D+, D and D- grades can only be applied to free electives. This policy does not apply to the transfer of grades from UNO or UNK to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.
Joint Academic Transfer Programs
The College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources has agreements with many institutions to support joint academic programs. The transfer programs include dual degree programs and cooperative degree programs. Dual degree programs offer students the opportunity to receive a degree from a participating institution and also to complete requirements for a bachelor of science degree in CASNR. Cooperative programs result in a single degree from either the University of Nebraska–Lincoln or the cooperating institution.
Dual Degree Programs
A to B Programs
The A to B Program, a joint academic program offered by the CASNR and participating community colleges, allows students to complete the first two years of a degree program at the participating community college and continue their education and study in a degree program leading toward a bachelor of science degree.
The A to B Program provides a basic knowledge plus specialized course work. Students transfer into CASNR with junior standing.
Depending on the community college, students enrolled in the A to B Program may complete the requirements for an associate of science at the community college, transfer to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, and work toward a bachelor of science degree.
Participating community colleges include:
- Central Community College
- Metropolitan Community College
- Mid-Plains Community College
- Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture
- Northeast Community College
- Southeast Community College
- Western Nebraska Community College
3+2 Programs
Two specialized degree programs in animal science and veterinary science are offered jointly with an accredited college or school of veterinary medicine. These two programs permit CASNR animal science or veterinary science students to receive a bachelor of science degree from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln with a degree in animal science or veterinary science after successfully completing two years of the professional curriculum in veterinary medicine at an accredited veterinary school. Students who successfully complete the 3+2 Program, must complete the “Application for Degree” form and provide transcripts to the Credentials Clerk, Office of the University Registrar, 107 Canfield Administration Building. Students should discuss these degree programs with their academic advisor.
Cooperative Degree Programs
Academic credit from the University and a cooperating institution is applied towards a four-year degree from either the University of Nebraska–Lincoln (University degree-granting program) or the cooperating institution (non University degree-granting program). All have approved programs of study.
UNL Degree-Granting Programs
A University of Nebraska–Lincoln degree-granting program is designed to provide students the opportunity to complete a two-year program of study at one of the four-year institutions listed below, transfer to CASNR and complete the requirements for a bachelor of science degree.
Chadron State College. Chadron State College offers a 2+2 program leading to a grassland ecology and management degree program and a transfer program leading to a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Education in the teaching option.
Wayne State College. Wayne State College offers a 3+1 program leading to a Bachelor of Science in Plant Biology in the ecology and management option.
University of Nebraska at Kearney. Transfer programs are available for students pursuing degree programs leading to a bachelor of science degree.
University of Nebraska at Omaha. The University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) cooperates with CASNR in providing four-semester pre-agricultural sciences, pre-natural resources, pre-food science and technology, pre-horticulture and pre-turfgrass and landscape management transfer programs.
A student enrolled in these programs may transfer all satisfactorily completed academic credits identified in the suggested program of study, and enter CASNR to study toward a degree program leading to a bachelor of science degree. The total program would require a minimum of four years or eight semesters (16 credit hours/semester or 120 credit hours).
Nebraska CASNR faculty teach horticulture and food science and technology courses at UNO to assist an urban population in better understanding the food processing, horticulture, and landscape horticulture industries.
For more information, contact the CASNR Dean’s Office, 800-472-8800, ext. 2541.
Non University of Nebraska–Lincoln Degree-Granting Programs
The CASNR cooperates with other institutions to provide course work that is applied towards a degree at the cooperating institution. Pre-professional programs offered by CASNR allow students to complete the first two or three years of a degree program at the University prior to transferring and completing a degree at the cooperating institution.
Chadron State College–Range Science. The 3+1 Program in range science allows Chadron State College students to pursue a range science degree through Chadron State College. Students complete three years of course work at Chadron State College and one year of specialized range science course work (32 credit hours) at CASNR.
Dordt College (Iowa) – Agricultural Education: Teaching Option. This program allows students to pursue an Agricultural Education Teaching Option degree leading toward a bachelor of science in agricultural education. Students at Dordt College will complete 90 credit hours in the Agricultural Education: Teaching Option Transfer Program.
Residency
Students must complete at least 30 of the total hours for their degree using University of Nebraska–Lincoln credits. At least 18 of the 30 credit hours must be in courses offered through CASNR1 (>299) including the appropriate ACE 10 degree requirement or an approved ACE 10 substitution offered through another Nebraska college and excluding independent study regardless of the number of hours transferred. Credit earned during education abroad may be used toward the residency requirement if students register through UNL and participate in prior-approved education abroad programs. University of Nebraska–Lincoln open enrollment and summer independent study courses count toward residence.
| 1 | Includes courses taught by CASNR faculty through interdisciplinary prefixes (e.g., LIFE, MBIO, ENVR, SCIL, EAEP, HRTM, ENSC) and CASNR crosslisted courses taught by non-CASNR faculty. |
Online and Distance Education
There are many opportunities to earn college credit online through the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. Some of these credits may be applicable not only as elective credits, but also toward the fulfillment of the College’s education requirements. Credits earned online may count toward residency. However, certain offerings may not be counted toward scholarship requirements or academic recognition criteria.
For further information, contact:
Office of Online and Distance Education
University of Nebraska–Lincoln
305 Brace Labs
Lincoln, NE 68588-0109
402-472-4681
http://online.unl.edu/
Independent Study Rules
Students wishing to take part in independent studies must obtain permission; complete and sign a contract form; and furnish copies of the contract to the instructor, advisor, departmental office, and the Dean’s Office. The contract should be completed before registration. Forms are available in 103 Agricultural Hall or online at the CASNR website.
Independent study projects include research, literature review or extension of course work under supervision and evaluation of a departmental faculty member.
Students may only count 12 hours of independent study toward their degrees and no more than 6 hours can be counted during their last 36 hours earned, excluding senior thesis, internships, and courses taught under an independent study number.
Other College Degree Requirements
Capstone Course Requirement
A capstone course is required for each CASNR degree program. A capstone course is defined as a course in which students are required to integrate diverse bodies of knowledge to solve a problem or formulate a policy of societal importance.
ACE Requirements
All students must fulfill the Achievement Centered Education (ACE) requirements. Information about the ACE program may be viewed at ace.unl.edu.
The minimum requirements of CASNR reflect the common core of courses that apply to students pursuing degrees in the college. Students should work with an advisor to satisfy ACE outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 10 with the college requirements.
Catalog Rule
Students must fulfill the requirements stated in the catalog for the academic year in which they are first admitted to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln or when they were first admitted to a Joint Academic Transfer Program. In consultation with advisors, a student may choose to follow a subsequent catalog for any academic year in which they are admitted to and enrolled as a degree-seeking student at Nebraska in the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. Students must complete all degree requirements from a single catalog year. The catalog which a student follows for degree requirements may not be more than 10 years old at the time of graduation.
Learning Outcomes
Majors in forensic science will be able to:
- Demonstrate factual and conceptual knowledge of forensic science, including knowledge of the U.S.A. legal system, pattern evidence, biological evidence, chemical/materials evidence, chain of custody, and ethics.
- Effectively communicate knowledge of forensic science through written and oral presentations.
- Demonstrate skills and foundational knowledge that will provide thorough qualifications for employment in a forensic science laboratory.
Major Requirements
Core Requirements
The following basic courses are required for a bachelor of science in forensic science. In addition, students must select and meet the requirements of one of the options.
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| College Integrative Course | ||
| SCIL 101 | Science and Decision-Making for a Complex World | 3 |
| Credit Hours Subtotal: | 3 | |
| Natural Sciences Requirements | ||
| CASNR Approved Life Sciences | ||
| LIFE 120 & LIFE 120L | Fundamentals of Biology I and Fundamentals of Biology I laboratory | 4 |
| LIFE 121 & LIFE 121L | Fundamentals of Biology II and Fundamentals of Biology II Laboratory | 4 |
| Chemistry | ||
| CHEM 109 | General Chemistry I | 4 |
| CHEM 110 | General Chemistry II | 4 |
| CHEM 251 & CHEM 253 | Organic Chemistry I and Organic Chemistry I Laboratory | 4 |
| Physics | ||
| PHYS 141 | Elementary General Physics I | 5 |
| Credit Hours Subtotal: | 25 | |
| Mathematics and Statistics (ACE 3) | ||
| MATH 106 | Calculus I | 5 |
| STAT 218 | Introduction to Statistics | 3 |
| Credit Hours Subtotal: | 8 | |
| Communications | ||
| Written Communication (ACE 1) | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Writing and Inquiry | ||
| Writing and Argument | ||
| Writing and Communities | ||
| Basic Business Communication | ||
| Technical Communication I | ||
| Technical Communication II | ||
| Communications and Interpersonal Skills (ACE 2) | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Interpersonal Skills for Leadership | ||
| Communication in the 21st Century | ||
| Public Speaking | ||
| Communicating in Small Groups | ||
| Visual Communication | ||
| Interpersonal Communication | ||
| Business and Professional Communication | ||
| Technical Communication II | ||
| Sales Communication | ||
| Environmental Communication Skills | ||
| Visual Communication and Presentation | ||
| Credit Hours Subtotal: | 6 | |
| Economics, Humanities and Social Sciences | ||
| Select one of the following (ACE 8): | 3 | |
| Economic Essentials and Issues | ||
| Principles of Macroeconomics | ||
| Principles of Microeconomics | ||
| Select one course each from ACE outcomes 5, 7, and 9 | 9 | |
| Credit Hours Subtotal: | 12 | |
| Forensic Science Core Requirements | ||
| FORS 120 | Introduction to Forensic Science | 2 |
| FORS 120L | Introduction to Forensic Science Laboratory | 1 |
| FORS 200 | Forensic Science Seminar | 1 |
| FORS 411 | Overview of Forensic Comparative Analysis | 3 |
| FORS 485 | Current Issues in Forensic Science | 3 |
| CRIM 101 | Survey of Criminal Justice | 3 |
| Credit Hours Subtotal: | 13 | |
| Option (Biology, Chemistry, CSI, or Pre-Law at 56 hrs) Requirements | ||
| Complete requirements | 53 | |
| Credit Hours Subtotal: | 53 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 120 | |
Forensic Biology Option
The Forensic Biology Option is designed for students interested in a laboratory-based career focusing on the analysis of forensically important biological materials. Students will learn basic biological techniques and be prepared for graduate study or professional careers in academia, research, industry, law or medicine.
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Forensic Biology Requirements | ||
| PHYS 142 | Elementary General Physics II | 5 |
| CHEM 252 & CHEM 254 | Organic Chemistry II and Organic Chemistry II Laboratory | 4 |
| BIOS 312 & BIOS 314 | Microbiology and Microbiology Laboratory | 4 |
| BIOC 321 & BIOC 321L | Elements of Biochemistry and Laboratory for Elements of Biochemistry 1 | 4 |
| BIOS 205 & BIOS 206 | Genetics, Molecular and Cellular Biology Laboratory and General Genetics | 6 |
| BIOS 213 & BIOS 213L | Human Physiology and Human Physiology Laboratory 2 | 4 |
| BIOS 303 | Molecular Biology | 3 |
| BIOS 443 / MBIO 443 | Immunology | 3 |
| FORS 401 & FORS 401L | Forensic Biology and Forensic Biology Laboratory | 4 |
| FORS 403 | Advanced Forensic Photography | 1 |
| FORS 404 | Bloodstains as Evidence | 1 |
| FORS 410 | Advanced Forensic DNA Methods | 3 |
| Select one of the following: | 3-4 | |
| Human Genetics | ||
| Molecular Genetics | ||
| Bioinformatics and Molecular Evolution | ||
| Human Remains in Forensic Science | ||
| Pollen Analysis for Behavioral, Biological and Forensic Science | ||
| Special Topics in Forensic Science | ||
Any 300-level or above AGRO, BIOS, BIOC, CHEM, ENTO, PHYS, or MATH 107 | ||
| Select 7-8 hours of professional electives | 7-8 | |
| Credit Hours Subtotal: | 53 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 53 | |
| 1 | Students interested in graduate or professional schools including medicine and pharmacy should substitute BIOC 431 and BIOC 432. |
| 2 | Students may substitute BIOS 214. |
Crime Scene Investigation Option
The Crime Scene Investigation Option prepares students for a career in law enforcement and investigation. This option emphasizes broad understandings of forensic science as applied to the acquisition, preservation, interpretation, and presentation of evidence. This option prepares students for graduate study in forensic science and other natural and physical sciences.
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Crime Scene Investigation Requirements | ||
| PHYS 142 | Elementary General Physics II | 5 |
| CHEM 252 & CHEM 254 | Organic Chemistry II and Organic Chemistry II Laboratory | 4 |
| BIOS 312 & BIOS 314 | Microbiology and Microbiology Laboratory | 4 |
| ENTO 115 / BIOS 115 | Insect Biology | 3 |
| ENTO 116 / BIOS 116 | Insect Identification | 1 |
| AGRO 215 / HORT 215 / TLMT 215 | Genetics | 4 |
| CHEM 221 | Elementary Quantitative Analysis | 4 |
| FORS 400 & FORS 400L | Crime Scene Investigation and Crime Scene Investigation Laboratory | 4 |
| FORS 306 | Crime Scene Management | 1 |
| FORS 307 | Forensic DNA for Crime Scene Investigators | 3 |
| FORS 403 | Advanced Forensic Photography | 1 |
| FORS 404 | Bloodstains as Evidence | 1 |
| FORS 414 / ENTO 414 | Forensic Entomology | 3 |
| FORS 445 / NRES 445 | Human Remains in Forensic Science | 4 |
| Select one of the following: | 3-4 | |
| Pollen Analysis for Behavioral, Biological and Forensic Science | ||
| Special Topics in Forensic Science | ||
| Forensic Taphonomy | ||
Any 300-level or above AGRO, BIOS, BIOC, CHEM, ENTO, PHYS, or MATH 107 | ||
| Select 7-8 hours of professional electives | 7-8 | |
| Credit Hours Subtotal: | 53 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 53 | |
Forensic Chemistry Option
The Forensic Chemistry Option is designed for students interested in a laboratory-based career focusing on the chemical analysis of forensically important materials. Students will learn basic chemistry techniques and be prepared for graduate or professional careers in academia, research, industry, law or medicine.
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Forensic Chemistry Requirements | ||
| PHYS 142 | Elementary General Physics II | 5 |
| CHEM 252 & CHEM 254 | Organic Chemistry II and Organic Chemistry II Laboratory | 4 |
| BIOC 321 & BIOC 321L | Elements of Biochemistry and Laboratory for Elements of Biochemistry | 4 |
| BIOS 213 & BIOS 213L | Human Physiology and Human Physiology Laboratory | 4 |
| MATH 107 | Calculus II | 4 |
| CHEM 221 | Elementary Quantitative Analysis | 4 |
| CHEM 421 & CHEM 423 | Analytical Chemistry and Analytical Chemistry Laboratory | 5 |
| CHEM 471 | Physical Chemistry | 4 |
| FORS 307 | Forensic DNA for Crime Scene Investigators | 3 |
| FORS 415 | Forensic Toxicology | 3 |
| Select one of the following: | 3-4 | |
| Forensic Taphonomy | ||
| Human Remains in Forensic Science | ||
| Pollen Analysis for Behavioral, Biological and Forensic Science | ||
| Special Topics in Forensic Science | ||
Or select 3-4 hours from any 300-level or above course in AGRO, BIOS, BIOC, CHEM, ENTO, PHYS, or MATH 208 | ||
| Select 9-10 hours of professional electives | 9-10 | |
| Credit Hours Subtotal: | 53 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 53 | |
Pre-Law Option
An applicant will be accepted into the 3-3 Program at the College of Law if the applicant:
- Has an LSAT score of at least 156;
- Has a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3 .6 or higher as calculated by the Law School Admission Council;
- Will have successfully completed at least 75% of the course credits required for his or her undergraduate degree, along with all other requirements of his or her undergraduate degree program, by the date of matriculation at the College of Law. Course credits may include no more than six credit hours of pass/fail course work;
- Has submitted on time the materials required of all applicants to the College of Law, including a completed application, satisfactory letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and records of the required course credits;
- Has not been on academic probation at any undergraduate institution;
- Has provided the College of Law with a letter from the relevant Dean, or other administrator of equivalent authority, of the applicant's undergraduate institution stating that the applicant has completed all institutional requirements for participation in the 3-3 Law College Program and that the institution will grant the applicant an undergraduate degree upon the applicant's successful completion of the first year College of Law course work.
If the above requirements are satisfied, the applicant will automatically be accepted into the 3-3 Law Program unless there is information concerning the applicant that reflects adversely on the applicant’s character and fitness, including criminal citations, pending criminal charges, or criminal convictions. In such cases, the application will be individually reviewed by the College of Law Admissions Committee.
Pre-Law: Forensic Biology Requirements (Years 1–3 Forensic Science)
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| BIOC 321 & BIOC 321L | Elements of Biochemistry and Laboratory for Elements of Biochemistry | 4 |
| BIOS 205 & BIOS 206 | Genetics, Molecular and Cellular Biology Laboratory and General Genetics | 6 |
| BIOS 303 | Molecular Biology | 3 |
| BIOS 312 & BIOS 314 | Microbiology and Microbiology Laboratory | 4 |
| FORS 401 & FORS 401L | Forensic Biology and Forensic Biology Laboratory | 4 |
| FORS 404 | Bloodstains as Evidence | 1 |
| Select 1 hour of professional electives | 1 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 23 | |
Pre-Law: CSI Requirements (Years 1–3 Forensic Science)
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| ENTO 115 / BIOS 115 | Insect Biology | 3 |
| ENTO 116 / BIOS 116 | Insect Identification | 1 |
| AGRO 215 / HORT 215 / TLMT 215 | Genetics | 4 |
| FORS 300 | Forensic Taphonomy | 3 |
| FORS 400 & FORS 400L | Crime Scene Investigation and Crime Scene Investigation Laboratory | 4 |
| FORS 404 | Bloodstains as Evidence | 1 |
| FORS 307 | Forensic DNA for Crime Scene Investigators | 3 |
| Select one of the following: | 4 | |
| Elementary Quantitative Analysis | ||
| Organic Chemistry II and Organic Chemistry II Laboratory | ||
| Total Credit Hours | 23 | |
Pre-Law: Forensic Biology and CSI Requirements (Year 4 Forensic Science/Year 1 College of Law)
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| LAW 503 | Torts I | 4 |
| LAW 505 & LAW 506 | Property I and Property II | 6 |
| LAW 501 & LAW 502 | Contracts I and Contracts II | 6 |
| LAW 516 & LAW 517 | Civil Procedure I and Civil Procedure II | 6 |
| LAW 508 | Criminal Law | 3 |
| LAW 513 & LAW 514 | Legal Research and Writing and Legal Research and Writing | 6 |
| LAW 518 | International Perspectives in U.S. Legal System: Practicing Law in a Global Legal Environment | 2 |
| Total Credit Hours | 33 | |
Register for FORS 120L as an optional one credit hour lab.
Description: The United States legal system, serology, DNA analysis, crime scene investigation, comparative analysis, digital forensics, and behavioral sciences.
Prerequisites: Forensic Science major or by permission
Description: Practical aspects of forensic sciences. Forensic entomology, soil science, blood spatter, fingerprints, trace evidence, odontology, footmark analysis, palynology, and osteology.
Prerequisites: FORS 120/L or instructor permission
Description: Critical thinking, reasoning, investigative failure, resource management, and supervision in criminal investigation.
Description: Basic terminology, concepts, and techniques that are currently, or have been previously used in operational crime laboratories. The concepts of laboratory techniques, measurements, analysis of the various analytical methods, and quality assurance/quality control are also included.
Prerequisites: FORS 401/401L
Description: Provides a comprehensive description of forensic DNA analysis and includes a complete discussion of the process of forensic DNA analysis, from evidence collection to statistical analysis of DNA profiles, including the subjects of DNA extraction, quantitation, PCR amplification, allele detection, PCR artifact identification, and DNA profile interpretation. Particular attention will be given to the areas of mixed profile interpretation and statistical methods
This course is offered online the first 8-week session each year. Students will need access to a computer, six-inch metric scale marked in millimeters, a digital camera and an inexpensive Vanier caliper.
Description: Covers the main forensic science comparisons that are seen in most crime scene investigation units and forensic science labs. Provides a broad overview of the concepts and analytical techniques of forensic comparative science. Covers basic microscopic applications, photography, computer applications, courtroom testimony, ethics, cognitive bias, and the concepts of error and sufficiency in forensic science.
This course is a prerequisite for: FORS 400
Prerequisites: ENTO 115 or equivalent introductory course.
Description: Application of entomology to legal issues. Criminal investigations, insects of forensic importance, insect succession on carrion, and case studies.
Description: Forensic anthropology within the broader context of forensic sciences and physical anthropology. Decomposition and bone modification through artificial means. Determination of individual identity, diet, chronic pathology and cause of death from human remains.
Prerequisites: BIOS 109 and FORS 120.
Description: Collection, processing, identification of common North American pollen types. Pollination ecology relating to scene reconstruction. Fundamental statistics and presentation requirements for a legal and scientific audience.
Prerequisites: Sophomore standing and permission.
Requires a structured practical experience under the supervision of a forensic science professional.
Prerequisites: Sophomore standing and permission.
Requires an individual or group project in research or literature review, or extension of course work.
Prerequisites: 3 hrs FORS or equivalent.
Description: Current issues in forensic science.
Prerequisites: Good standing in the University Honors Program and permission. AGRI 299H recommended.
Description: Conduct a research project and write a University Honors Program or undergraduate thesis.
PLEASE NOTE
This document represents a sample 4-year plan for degree completion with this major. Actual course selection and sequence may vary and should be discussed individually with your college or department academic advisor. Advisors also can help you plan other experiences to enrich your undergraduate education such as internships, education abroad, undergraduate research, learning communities, and service learning and community-based learning.
Forensic Science - Forensic Biology
Critical - Performance Measure: 2.00 GPA required for graduation.
- ***Total Credits Applying Toward 120 Total Hours***
Forensic Science - Forensic Chemistry
Critical - Performance Measure: 2.00 GPA required for graduation.
- ***Total Credits Applying Toward 120 Total Hours***
Forensic Science - Crime Scene Investigation
Critical - Performance Measure: 2.00 GPA required for graduation.
- ***Total Credits Applying Toward 120 Total Hours***
Forensic Science - Pre-Law
Critical - Performance Measure: 2.00 GPA required for graduation.
- ***Total Credits Applying Toward 120 Total Hours***
Career Information
The following represents a sample of the internships, jobs and graduate school programs that current students and recent graduates have reported.
Internships
- Intern, FBI - Washington DC
- Research Intern, Institute of Environmental Science & Research - Auckland, New Zealand
- Intern, Criminal Investigation Division - Washington DC
- Drug Lab Intern, Honolulu Police Dept Scientific Investigation - Honolulu HI
- Intern, Estee Lauder R&D Headquarters - New York NY
- BSCO Intern, Boulder County Sheriff's Office - Boulder CO
- Intern, North Dakota Attorney General's Office - Bismarck ND
- Intern, Homeland Security Investigations - Kansas City KS
- Correctional Officer Intern, NE Dept. of Correctional Services - Lincoln NE
- Intern, Pottawattamie County Sheriff's Office - Council Bluffs IA
- More...
Graduate & Professional Schools
- M.S. Crime Scene Investigation, George Washington University - Washington DC
- Nursing, University of the Incarnate Word - San Antonio TX
- M.D., University of Nebraska Medical Center - Omaha NE
- M.A. Secondary Science Education, University of Nebraska-Lincoln - Lincoln NE
- J.D., Southern Methodist University - Dallas TX
- M.S. Applied Science (Forensic Palynology), University of Nebraska-Lincoln - Lincoln NE
- Pharm. D, University of Nebraska Medical Center - Omaha NE
- M.S., Central Oklahoma University - Edmond OK
- M.S. Applied Science (Forensic Biochemistry), University of Nebraska-Lincoln - Lincoln NE
- Master of Forensic Science, Saint Joseph's College Indiana - Rensselaer IN
- More...