Curriculum
Master of Science in Forensic Science degree
Core courses in the Master of Science in Forensic Science curriculum offer a broad exposure to forensic laboratory equipment and instrumentation as well as exposure to criminal procedures and expert testimony, forensic biology, forensic chemistry, trace evidence, physical evidence, professional ethics, quality assurance, and current topics in research and development within the forensic sciences. In addition, students entering this program specialize within the field. Students are required to select a concentration track by the end of their first semester. Tracks offered include forensic biology, forensic chemistry/drugs and toxicology, forensic chemistry/trace, and the forensic physical (evidence) track. Regardless of the track selected, the curriculum is designed to prepare students for a career in a forensic science laboratory setting.
The Master of Science in Forensic Science requires 36 semester hours of course work; this includes 24 semester hours from required core course work and 12 semester hours from the specialized course work designed for each track. The graduate program is a full-time, two-year program designed to accommodate only full-time graduate students. Courses will vary depending on the track selected; however, required and elective courses are offered at various times throughout the weekdays (morning, afternoon and evening). The 2005–06
bulletin will be available online mid-summer 2005 at http://www.vcu.edu/bulletins.
Course requirements and descriptions
Master of Science in Forensic Science degree
Core requirements (24 credits)
FRSC 570 Forensic Science Seminar
FRSC 661 Analysis of Pattern Evidence
or
FRSC 662 Firearm and Toolmark Identification
FRSC 670 Forensic Evidence and Criminal Procedure
FRSC 671 Instrumentation in Forensic Chemistry
FRSC 673 Forensic Microscopy
FRSZ 673L Forensic Microscopy Laboratory
FRSC 675 Forensic Serology and DNA Analysis
FRSZ 675L Forensic Serology and DNA Analysis Laboratory
FRSC 677 Expert Testimony in Forensic Science
FRSC 793 Forensic Science Laboratory Internship
Tracks (12 credits – choose one track)
Forensic biology track
FRSC 676 Advanced Forensic DNA Analysis
BIOL 516 Population Genetics
or
STAT 543 Statistical Methods I
Approved electives (6 credits)
Forensic chemistry/drug analysis and toxicology track
FRSC 672 Advanced Drug Analysis
PHTX 644 Forensic Toxicology
Approved electives (6 credits)
Forensic chemistry/trace analysis track
FRSC 681 Analysis of Fire Debris and Explosives
FRSC 682 Forensic Analysis of Paint and Polymers
Approved electives (6 credits)
Forensic physical track
FRSC 661 Analysis of Pattern Evidence
or
FRSC 662 Firearm and Toolmark Identification
FRSC 665 Scientific Crime Scene Investigation
Approved electives (6 credits)
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