Mar 28, 2024  
2010-2011 Undergraduate Bulletin 
    
2010-2011 Undergraduate Bulletin [ARCHIVED BULLETIN]

Forensic Science, B.S. Major in


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. Residence Requirements


There are two requirements that must ordinarily be completed in residence at Hofstra: 15 semester hours in the major field of specialization and the last 30 semester hours. The 15 semester hours need not be included within the last 30 hours.

4. 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.

5. Major Requirements


 The fulfillment of the following major requirements:

6. Electives


15 hours in forensic science specialization electives as follows:

Suggested Four-Year Sequence - Total Semester Hours: 128


For full-time students.

First Year


  Fall
Spring Summer I & II
CHEM 3A , 3B , 4A , 4B  4 4 -
MATH 71 , 72  4 4 -
BIO 11 , 12  4 4 -
WSC 1 2  3 3 -
Total 15 15 0

 

Second Year


  Fall Spring Summer I & II
CHEM 131A , 131B , 132A , 132B  4 4 -
CHEM 105 , 109  3 1 -
FA 170  3 - -
FOR 100  3 - -
PHYS 11A , 11B  - 5 -
FOR 101  - 3 -
Foreign language or elective* 3 3 -
Total 16 16 0

* proficiency through level II of a foreign language is strongly encouraged.

Third Year


  Fall Spring Summer I & II
BCHM 162  3 - -
PHYS 12A , 12B  5 - -
FOR 110  1 - -
PHI 14  3 - -
SPCM 7  and literature distribution  3 3 -
BIO 100 ** - 3 -
CHEM 142  - 3 -
FOR 120  - 4 -
FOR elective or advanced science elective*** - 3 -
FOR 180 , 181  - - 3
Total 15 16 3

** SOC 180  and PSY 40  may be subbstituted 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.

Fourth Year


  Fall Spring Summer I & II
CHEM 124  2 - -
CHEM 125  2 - -
FOR 190  3 - -
FOR specialization elective*** 3 3 -
FOR elective or advanced science elective*** 6 3 -
FOR 130  - 4 -
FOR 195  - 3 -
PSC 129  - 3 -
Total 16 16

0

*** 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.

See also: Complete B.S. Requirements


Complete B.S. Requirements in Hofstra College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.