Mar 28, 2024  
2008-2009 Undergraduate Bulletin 
    
2008-2009 Undergraduate Bulletin [ARCHIVED BULLETIN]

Forensic Science, B.S. Specialization in


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Forensic science is the application of science to investigations pertaining to the legal system. Forensic scientists apply principles and techniques of various sciences to the examination and comparison of biological evidence, trace evidence, impression evidence, drugs and firearms.  A forensic scientist may specialize in a subdiscipline.  The role of a forensic scientist will depend on his/her area of concentration, type of employment (government crime lab, medical examiner’s office or private practice) and level of experience.  The profession requires critical thinking, communication skills, the application of natural and physical sciences to legal issues, and ethical responsibility.  The four-year program is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in physical and natural sciences, and to acquaint them with various relevant aspects of the legal system.

Program Requirements - Semester Hours: 128


1. Total Semester Hours: 128


The successful completion of 128 semester hours and a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 in work completed at Hofstra.

2. Liberal Arts


At least 64 semester hours of liberal arts courses. At least 59 of these semester hours must be completed in courses outside the Chemistry Department.

3. General Requirements


English


Humanities:


Foreign language


Proficiency in a foreign language through level II or an additional 6 semester hours of humanities or social science electives are strongly recommended.

4. Major Requirements


5. Electives


15 hours in forensic science specialization electives (FOR 140, 150, 160, 165, 185, or BIO 139) or advanced science electives (BCHM 163, 173; BIO 135 /136, 137, 143; CHEM 175; CSC 163, 185, 186; ENGG 27), a minimum of 9 semester hours must be forensic science electives. Selection is made in conference and with approval of a faculty adviser.

Suggested Four-Year Sequence - Total Semester Hours: 128


For full-time students.

First Year


Second Year


Fall Semester - Total Semester Hours: 16


Spring Semester - Total Semester Hours: 16


Third Year


Fall Semester - Total Semester Hours: 15


Spring Semester - Total Semester Hours: 16


Summer I and II - Total Semester Hours: 6


Fourth Year


Fall Semester - Total Semester Hours: 13


Spring Semester - Total Semester Hours: 16


Footnotes


*  Proficiency through level II of a foreign language is strongly encouraged.
**  SOC 180 and PSY 40 may be substituted for BIO 100.
***  A maximum of two additional advanced science electives can be taken; At least three forensic science electives (9 s.h.) plus internship are necessary for degree.

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