Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources Forensic Science
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 Option
- Crime Scene Investigation Option
- Forensic Chemistry Option
- Pre-Law Option 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 sciences, and 2 units of world language. Students must also meet performance requirements: a 3.0 cumulative high school grade point average OR an ACT composite of 20 or higher, writing portion not required OR a score of 1040 or higher on the SAT Critical Reading and Math sections 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.
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 world language deficiencies. College-level coursework taken to remove deficiencies may be used to meet degree requirements in CASNR.
Deficiencies in the required entrance subjects can be removed by the 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 ensures that a student will meet the minimum curriculum requirements of the College.
World Languages/Language Requirement
Two units of a world language are required. This requirement is usually met with two years of high school language.
Experiential Learning
All undergraduates in the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources must take an Experiential Learning (EL) designated course. This may include 0-credit courses designed to document co-curricular activities recognized as Experiential Learning.
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 the 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 coursework. 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
- Nebraska Indian Community College
- 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 provide transcripts and complete the Application for Degree form via MyRED. Students without MyRED access may apply for graduation in person at Husker Hub in the Canfield Administration Building, or by mail. Students should discuss these degree programs with their academic advisor.
Cooperative Degree Programs
Academic credit from the University and a cooperating institution are 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 and a 3+1 program leading to a bachelor of science in Applied Science.
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. Transfer programs are available for students pursuing degree programs leading to a bachelor of science degree.
Non University of Nebraska–Lincoln Degree-Granting Programs
CASNR cooperates with other institutions to provide coursework 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 coursework at Chadron State College and one year of specialized range science coursework (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 the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and participate in prior-approved education abroad programs. The 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 coursework under the 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. Students transferring from a community college, but without admission to a Joint Academic Transfer Program, may be eligible to fulfill the requirements as stated in the catalog for an academic year in which they were enrolled at the community college prior to attending the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. This decision should be made in consultation with academic advisors, provided the student a) was enrolled in a community college during the catalog year they are utilizing, b) maintained continuous enrollment at the previous institution for 1 academic year or more, and c) continued enrollment at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln within 1 calendar year from their last term at the previous institution. 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 the University of Nebraska–Lincoln 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
Graduates of 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 (ACE 4) | 4 |
| LIFE 121 & LIFE 121L | Fundamentals of Biology II and Fundamentals of Biology II Laboratory | 4 |
| Chemistry | ||
| CHEM 109A & CHEM 109L | General Chemistry I and General Chemistry I Laboratory | 4 |
| or CHEM 113A & CHEM 113L | Fundamental Chemistry I and Fundamental Chemistry I Laboratory | |
| CHEM 110A & CHEM 110L | General Chemistry II and General Chemistry II Laboratory (grade of C, P or better in CHEM 109A) | 4 |
| CHEM 251 & CHEM 253 | Organic Chemistry I and Organic Chemistry I Laboratory (grade of C, P or better in CHEM 110A) | 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 with Animation | ||
| Credit Hours Subtotal: | 6 | |
| Economics, Humanities and Social Sciences | ||
| ECON 200 | Economic Essentials and Issues (ACE 8) | 3 |
| Select one course each from ACE outcomes 5, 7, and 9 | 9 | |
| Credit Hours Subtotal: | 12 | |
| Forensic Science Core Requirements | ||
| CRIM 101 | Survey of Criminal Justice (ACE 6) | 3 |
| 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 (ACE 10) | 3 |
| Credit Hours Subtotal: | 13 | |
| Option Requirements (Biology, Chemistry, CSI, or Pre-Law at 56 hrs) | ||
| 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 | ||
| BIOC 401 & BIOC 401L | 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 312 & BIOS 314 | Microbiology and Microbiology Laboratory | 4 |
| BIOS 443 / MBIO 443 | Immunology | 3 |
| CHEM 252 & CHEM 254 | Organic Chemistry II and Organic Chemistry II Laboratory | 4 |
| 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 |
| PHYS 142 | Elementary General Physics II | 5 |
| Select from the following: | 3-4 | |
| Human Anatomy | ||
| Human Genetics | ||
| Molecular Genetics | ||
| Bioinformatics and Molecular Evolution | ||
| Elementary Quantitative Analysis and Elementary Quantitative Analysis Laboratory | ||
| Calculus II | ||
Any 300-level or above course in BIOS, BIOC, CHEM, ENTO, FORS or PHYS | ||
| 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 understanding 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 | ||
| PLAS 215 | Genetics | 4 |
| CHEM 221A & CHEM 221L | Elementary Quantitative Analysis and Elementary Quantitative Analysis Laboratory | 5 |
| CHEM 252 & CHEM 254 | Organic Chemistry II and Organic Chemistry II Laboratory | 4 |
| ENTO 115 / BIOS 115 | Insect Biology | 3 |
| ENTO 116 / BIOS 116 | Insect Identification | 1 |
| FORS 306 | Crime Scene Management | 1 |
| FORS 307 | Forensic DNA for Crime Scene Investigators | 3 |
| FORS 320 | Latent Print Analysis | 3 |
| or FORS 330 | Introduction to Firearms Examination | |
| FORS 400 & FORS 400L | Crime Scene Investigation and Crime Scene Investigation Laboratory | 4 |
| FORS 403 | Advanced Forensic Photography | 1 |
| FORS 404 | Bloodstains as Evidence | 1 |
| FORS 414 / ENTO 414 | Forensic Entomology | 3 |
| FORS 445 | Human Remains in Forensic Science | 4 |
| PHYS 142 | Elementary General Physics II | 5 |
| Select one 300-level or above course from BIOS, BIOC, CHEM, ENTO, FORS, PHYS, or MATH 107 | 4-5 | |
| Select 7-8 hours of professional electives | 7-8 | |
| Credit Hours Subtotal: | 54 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 54 | |
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 | ||
| BIOC 401 & BIOC 401L | Elements of Biochemistry and Laboratory for Elements of Biochemistry | 4 |
| BIOS 213 & BIOS 213L | Human Physiology and Human Physiology Laboratory | 4 |
| CHEM 221A & CHEM 221L | Elementary Quantitative Analysis and Elementary Quantitative Analysis Laboratory | 5 |
| CHEM 252 & CHEM 254 | Organic Chemistry II and Organic Chemistry II Laboratory | 4 |
| FORS 307 | Forensic DNA for Crime Scene Investigators | 3 |
| FORS 415 | Forensic Toxicology | 3 |
| CHEM 421 & CHEM 423 | Analytical Chemistry and Analytical Chemistry Laboratory | 5 |
| CHEM 471 | Physical Chemistry | 4 |
| MATH 107 | Calculus II | 4 |
| PHYS 142 | Elementary General Physics II | 5 |
| Select any 300-level or above courses in BIOS, BIOC, CHEM, ENTO, FORS, PHYS, or MATH 208 | 3-4 | |
| Select 9-10 hours of professional electives | 9-10 | |
| Credit Hours Subtotal: | 54 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 54 | |
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 6 credit hours of Pass/No Pass coursework.
- 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 another 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 coursework.
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 401 & BIOC 401L | 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 |
|---|---|---|
| PLAS 215 | Genetics | 4 |
| ENTO 115 / BIOS 115 | Insect Biology | 3 |
| ENTO 116 / BIOS 116 | Insect Identification | 1 |
| FORS 300 | Forensic Taphonomy | 3 |
| FORS 307 | Forensic DNA for Crime Scene Investigators | 3 |
| FORS 400 & FORS 400L | Crime Scene Investigation and Crime Scene Investigation Laboratory | 4 |
| FORS 404 | Bloodstains as Evidence | 1 |
| Select one of the following: | 4-5 | |
| Elementary Quantitative Analysis and Elementary Quantitative Analysis Laboratory | ||
| 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 501 | Contracts I | 5 |
| LAW 503 | Torts I | 4 |
| LAW 505 | Property I | 5 |
| LAW 508 | Criminal Law | 3 |
| LAW 513 & LAW 514 | Legal Analysis, Writing and Research (LAWR) and Legal Analysis, Writing and Research (LAWR) | 6 |
| LAW 516 | Civil Procedure I | 4 |
| LAW 518 | International Perspectives in U.S. Legal System: Practicing Law in a Global Legal Environment | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours | 30 | |
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.
This course is a prerequisite for: FORS 200; FORS 300; FORS 302; FORS 306; FORS 400; FORS 401; FORS 411; FORS 803, FORS 403; FORS 804, FORS 404
| Credit Hours: | 2 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 2 |
| Max credits per degree: | 2 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
| Offered: | FALL |
Credit Hours:2
ACE:
Prerequisites: Forensic Science major
Description: Practical aspects of forensic sciences. Forensic entomology, soil science, blood spatter, fingerprints, trace evidence, odontology, footmark analysis, palynology, and osteology.
| Credit Hours: | 1 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 1 |
| Max credits per degree: | 1 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
| Offered: | FALL |
| Course and Laboratory Fee: | $25 |
Credit Hours:1
ACE:
Prerequisites: FORS 120/L or instructor permission
Description: Current issues in research, ethics, and professional practice related to forensic science.
| Credit Hours: | 1 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 1 |
| Max credits per degree: | 1 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
| Offered: | SPRING |
Credit Hours:1
ACE:
Description: Forensic application of processes associated with decomposition and preservation of organic materials.
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
| Offered: | FALL |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:
Prerequisites: FORS 120/L or instructor permission
Description: Concepts, techniques, analysis and interpretation of photographic evidence.
| Credit Hours: | 1 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 1 |
| Max credits per degree: | 1 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
| Offered: | FALL |
Credit Hours:1
ACE:
Prerequisites: FORS 120/L or instructor permission
Description: Critical thinking, reasoning, investigative failure, resource management, and supervision in criminal investigation.
| Credit Hours: | 1 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 1 |
| Max credits per degree: | 1 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
| Offered: | SPRING |
Credit Hours:1
ACE:
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.
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded |
| Offered: | SUMMER |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:
Prerequisites: FORS 200
Description: An introduction to the history of latent print examination; physiology and biology of fingerprints; fingerprint pattern recognition; recording finger and palm prints; latent print analysis and comparison.
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded |
| Offered: | FALL |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:
Prerequisites: FORS 200
Description: Introduction to the history of firearms examination, manufacturing methods for firearms and ammunition components, examination of cartridge cases and current legal issues firearms examiners encounter.
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded |
| Offered: | FALL |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:
Description: Identification, collection, preservation, presentation of physical evidence. Ethics and chain of custody.
This course is a prerequisite for: FORS 485
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded |
| Offered: | FALL |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:
Prerequisites: LIFE 120/L and LIFE 121/L, BIOS 205, BIOS 206, and FORS 120/L or instructor permission
Description: Ethics, quality assurance, quality control, analysis, and interpretation of biological evidence for the legal system.
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded |
| Offered: | SPRING |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:
Description: Advanced concepts, techniques, analysis, and interpretation of photographic evidence.
| Credit Hours: | 1 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 1 |
| Max credits per degree: | 1 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
| Offered: | SPRING |
Credit Hours:1
ACE:
Description: Documentation and interpretation of geometric bloodstains, calculating probable origins, and collecting blood as a source of DNA evidence.
| Credit Hours: | 1 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 1 |
| Max credits per degree: | 1 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
| Offered: | FALL |
Credit Hours:1
ACE:
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
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded |
| Offered: | FALL |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:
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
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
| Offered: | SPRING |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:
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.
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:
Description: Provides a comprehensive understanding of the principles of toxicology, pharmacokinetics, metabolism, analytical methods and instrumentation relative to forensic science.
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
| Offered: | FALL |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:
Description: Forensic anthropology within the broader context of forensic sciences and biological anthropology. Estimation of biological profile and trauma assessment.
| Credit Hours: | 4 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 4 |
| Max credits per degree: | 4 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
| Offered: | FALL |
| Course and Laboratory Fee: | $90 |
Credit Hours:4
ACE:
Prerequisites: 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.
| Credit Hours: | 4 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 4 |
| Max credits per degree: | 4 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
| Offered: | FALL |
Credit Hours:4
ACE:
Description: Application and integration of principles to address emerging issues involving forensic science.
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
| Offered: | SPRING |
| Course and Laboratory Fee: | $50 |
| ACE Outcomes: | ACE 10 Integrated Product |
| Experiential Learning: | Case/Project-Based Learning |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:ACE 10 Integrated Product
Prerequisites: Sophomore standing and permission.
Requires a structured practical experience under the supervision of a forensic science professional.
| Credit Hours: | 1-4 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 4 |
| Max credits per degree: | 4 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
Credit Hours:1-4
ACE:
Prerequisites: Sophomore standing and permission.
Requires an individual or group project in research or literature review, or extension of course work.
| Credit Hours: | 1-6 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 6 |
| Max credits per degree: | 6 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
Credit Hours:1-6
ACE:
Prerequisites: 3 hrs FORS or equivalent.
Description: Current issues in forensic science.
| Credit Hours: | 1-6 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 6 |
| Max credits per degree: | 12 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
Credit Hours:1-6
ACE:
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.
| Credit Hours: | 1-6 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 6 |
| Max credits per degree: | 6 |
| Grading Option: | Graded |
Credit Hours:1-6
ACE:
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...
- Research Intern, Eli Lily and Company - Indianapolis, IN
- Crime Laboratory Intern, Omaha Police Department - Omaha, NE
- Law Enforcement Intern, Cook County Sheriff - Cook County, IL
- Intern, Wichita Police Dept. - Wichita, KS
- Intern/Lab Tech, MatMaCorp - Lincoln, NE
- Troop B Intern, Nebraska State Patrol - Norfolk, NE
- Development Research Intern, DuPont Pioneer - Johnston, IA
- Student Trainee in Biological Sciences, US Department of Agriculture - Lincoln, NE
- Intern, Omaha Police Department - Omaha, NE
- Intern, Kansas City Police Department - Kansas City, MO
Graduate & Professional Schools
- Master's in 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
- Master's in Secondary Science Education, University of Nebraska-Lincoln - Lincoln, NE
- J.D., Southern Methodist University - Dallas, TX
- Master's in 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
- Master's in Applied Science - Forensic Biochemistry, University of Nebraska-Lincoln - Lincoln, NE
- Master's in Forensic Science, Saint Joseph's College - Rensselaer, IN
- More...
- Animal Breeding and Genetics, University of Nebraska-Lincoln - Lincoln, NE
- Masters in Biochemistry, University of Nebraska-Lincoln - Lincoln, NE
- Medical Laboratory Science, University of Nebraska Medical Center - Omaha, NE
- Masters in Arts - Emphasis in Science Teaching, University of Nebraska-Lincoln - Lincoln, NE
- Master of Science, Forensic Science, Nebraska Wesleyan University - Lincoln, NE
- Doctorate of Nursing Practice, University of Nebraska Medical Center - Omaha, NE
- Nursing, Nebraska Methodist College - Omaha, NE
- Master's in Forensic Science, Nebraska Wesleyan University - Lincoln, NE
- Master's in Forensic Biochemistry, Nebraska Wesleyan University - Lincoln, NE
- Master's in Forensic Technologies, University of New-Haven - New Haven, CT
- Secondary Science Education, M.A., University of Nebraska-Lincoln - Lincoln, NE
- Ph.D. - Ag & Environmental Chemistry, UC Davis - Davis, CA
- Master's in Science, University of California - Davis - Davis, CA
- Master's in Toxicology, University of Michigan - Ann Arbor, MI
- Master's - School of Natural Resources, University of Nebraska - Lincoln - Lincoln, NE