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Chemistry
Forensic Chemistry
BA/BS Degree in Chemistry - Forensic Option
Forensic chemistry is the application of chemistry to criminal investigation. This major is recommended for individuals who wish to pursue a career in criminal investigation, in the laboratory analysis of forensic evidence, or pursue graduate study in forensic science. This course of study would also develop the analytical skills required for careers in other areas of civil law such as environmental pollution, accident investigation and product liability. Due to the nature of forensic investigations, the forensic chemist requires a strong background in chemical analysis and must be able to effectively communicate the results of laboratory analyses in reports and in the courtroom. The curriculum is designed so that the major provides a strong theoretical and experimental background in chemistry as well as written and oral communication skills. This major may only be taken in conjunction with the Forensics minor designated for chemistry majors. The minor provides specialized training in forensics. Students in the program will benefit from experience gained via the required practicum.
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B.A. Chemistry Degree Requirements:
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Mathematics (Mth 252)
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Information Systems (CS 161)
- Completion of the third term of the second year of a foreign language course
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B.S. Chemistry Degree Requirements:
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Mathematics (Mth 251, 252)
- Information Systems (CS 161)
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B.A. & B.S. Degrees:
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6 credits in courses identified in the catalog as addressing multicultural, linguistic or ethnic diversity.
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The writing intensive courses Ch 350, Ch 407, Ch 461, and Ch 462.
- The sequence Ph 201, 202, 203 or 211, 212, 213 is to be completed as the LACC science requirement.
CHEMISTRY MAJOR- - FORENSIC OPTION
| Course Number | Course Description | Credit Hours | Offering Frequency |
| CHEMISTRY CORE |
| Ch 221, 222, 223 | General Chemistry | 15 | twice annually |
| Ch 312 | Quantitative Analysis | 4 | annually |
| Ch 313 | Instrumental Analysis | 4 | annually |
| Ch 334, 335, 336 | Organic Chemistry | 12 | annually |
| Ch 340 | Elementary Physical Chemistry | 4 | alternate years |
| Ch 350 | Chemical Literature | 1 | annually |
| Ch 407 | Seminar | 1 | annually |
| Ch 409 | Practicum | 1 | annually |
| Ch 450, 451 | Biochemistry | 6 | annually |
| Ch 461, 462 | Experimental Chemistry | 4 | alternate years |
| Mth 243 | Introduction to Probability and Statistics | 4 | annually |
| Wr 322 | Technical Writing | 4 | annually |
| Com 327 | Communication in the Legal Field | 3 | annually |
| LIMITED ELECTIVES (Choose one track of 8 or 10 hrs) |
| Bi 101, 102, 103 | General Biology | 5 each | annually |
| Bi 211, 212, 213 | Principles of Biology | 4 each | annually |
FORENSICS MINOR (for Chemistry majors ***)
| Course Number | Course Description | Credit Hours | Offering Frequency |
| Ch 320 | Introduction to Forensic Science | 3 | annually |
| Ch 420 | Forensic Chemistry | 4 | alternate years |
| Ch 430, 431, 432 | Applications of Forensic Science | 6 | annually |
| GS 161 | Technical Photography | 2 | alternate years |
| CJ 213D | Introduction to Criminal Justice | 4 | annually |
| CJ 321 | Principles of Forensic Investigation | 4 | annually |
| CJ 452 | Criminal Procedures | 4 | annually |
***This minor may be taken by majors in other scientific disciplines providing they complete Ch 221-223, Ch 334-336 and Ch 313.
FORENSICS MINOR (for non-Chemistry majors ****)
| Course Number | Course Description | Credit Hours | Offering Frequency |
| Ch 104, 105, 106 | Introductory Chemistry | 12 | annually |
| Ch 320 | Introduction to Forensic Science | 3 | annually |
| Ch 430, 431, 432 | Applications of Forensic Science | 6 | annually |
| CJ 321 | Principles of Forensic Investigation | 4 | annually |
| CJ 452 | Criminal Procedures | 4 | annually |
****It is suggested that students pursuing this minor take GS 106 and Bi 101 as part of their LACC science requirement. CH 104, 105, 106 may be applied to the LACC. In this case, an additional 12 hours of science elective approved by the minor advisor may be substituted. GS 161 is highly recommended as a general education elective.
http://www.wou.edu/las/physci//chemhome/programs.htm
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