2015-2016 University Catalog

Forensic Science, BS

Banner Code: SC-BS-FRSC

This program of study is offered by the Forensic Science Program in the College of Science .

Students planning professional careers in the field of forensic science should choose this degree.

Students must fulfill all requirements for bachelor’s degrees including the Mason Core . In addition, students majoring in forensic science must complete the following courses with a minimum GPA of 2.30. No more than two courses with a grade of ‘D’ (1.00) may be applied to the major. Through the coursework below, students satisfy the Mason Core requirements in ‘Natural Science’, ‘Quantitative Reasoning’, and ‘Social and Behavioral Science’.

FRSC 302 or FRSC 304 will satisfy this major’s writing-intensive requirement.

Degree Requirements

Forensic Science Core Courses (21 credits)

FRSC 200 - Survey of Forensic Science Credits: 3
FRSC 201 - Introduction to Criminalistics Credits: 3
FRSC 302 - Forensic Trace Analysis Credits: 3
FRSC 303 - Forensic Evidence and Ethics Credits: 3
FRSC 304 - Forensic Chemistry Credits: 3
FRSC 405 - Independent Studies / Research Credits: 3
CRIM 100 - Introduction to Criminal Justice Credits: 3 (Mason Core: Social and Behavioral Science course)

Natural Science Core Courses (45-46 credits)

BIOL 213 - Cell Structure and Function Credits: 4 (Mason Core: Natural Science course)
BIOL 214 - Biostatistics for Biology Majors Credits: 4 or STAT 250 - Introductory Statistics I Credits: 3 (Mason Core: Quantitative Reasoning course)
BIOL 430 - Advanced Human Anatomy and Physiology I Credits: 4
BIOL 431 - Advanced Human Anatomy and Physiology II Credits: 4
CHEM 211 - General Chemistry Credits: 4 (Mason Core: Natural Science course)
CHEM 212 - General Chemistry Credits: 4 (Mason Core: Natural Science course)
CHEM 313 - Organic Chemistry Credits: 3
CHEM 314 - Organic Chemistry II Credits: 3
CHEM 315 - Organic Chemistry Lab I Credits: 2
CHEM 318 - Organic Chemistry Lab II Credits: 2
MATH 113 - Analytic Geometry and Calculus I Credits: 4 (Mason Core: Quantitative Reasoning course)
PHYS 243 - College Physics Credits: 3 (Mason Core: Natural Science course)
PHYS 244 - College Physics Lab Credits: 1 (Mason Core: Natural Science course)
PHYS 245 - College Physics Credits: 3 (Mason Core: Natural Science course)
PHYS 246 - College Physics Lab Credits: 1 (Mason Core: Natural Science course)

Additional Courses (8 credits)

Select courses from:

BIOL 305 - Biology of Microorganisms Credits: 3
BIOL 306 - Biology of Microorganisms Laboratory Credits: 1
BIOL 311 - General Genetics Credits: 4
CHEM 321 - Elementary Quantitative Analysis Credits: 4
CHEM 422 - Instrumental Analysis Credits: 3
CHEM 423 - Instrumental Analysis Laboratory Credits: 2
CHEM 463 - General Biochemistry I Credits: 4

Mason Core and Electives (45-46 credits)

In order to meet a minimum of 120 credits, this degree requires an additional 45-46 credits, which may be applied towards any remaining Mason Core requirements (outlined below), requirements for bachelor’s degrees , and elective courses. Students are strongly encouraged to consult with their advisors to ensure that they fulfill all requirements.

Mason Core

Please note that some Mason Core requirements may already be fulfilled by the major requirements listed above.

Expand each item below for a link to specific course lists for each category:

Foundation Requirements (15-19 credits)

Core Requirements (22 credits)

Synthesis/Capstone Requirement (minimum 3 credits)

Mason Core USYN - Synthesis/Capstone Credits: minimum 3

Degree Total: Minimum 120 credits

Print-Friendly Page

Find Your Area of Study

Find Yourself at Mason

Virginia’s Largest Public Research University