Biology, Forensic Science Track (BS)

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Major Courses

The forensic track combines the strengths of DeSales’ biology and criminal justice programs. Centered in biology, our program is interdisciplinary with courses in biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, psychology, and law enforcement. This well-balanced combination of studies provides graduates with numerous career and graduate education opportunities.

All laboratories for the required courses below must be taken in person. Courses completed elsewhere without an in-person laboratory (i.e., with an online or at-home laboratory instead) will not be accepted for transfer even if the content is otherwise the same as in the course requirement below.

BI - 151 Introductory Biology I Credits: 4
BI - 152 Introductory Biology II Credits: 4
BI - 221 Biostatistics Credits: 3
BI - 255 Molecular Biology Credits: 4
BI - 330 Genetics Credits: 4
BI - 355 Human Structure and Function I Credits: 4
BI - 356 Human Structure and Function II Credits: 4
BI - 455 Biology Capstone Credits: 3
CH - 101 General Chemistry I Credits: 5
CH - 102 General Chemistry II Credits: 5
CH - 231 Organic Chemistry I Credits: 4
CH - 232 Organic Chemistry II Credits: 4
MA - 121 Calculus I Credits: 3
MA - 122 Calculus II Credits: 3
PH - 201 General Physics I: Mechanics and Heat Credits: 5
PH - 202 General Physics II: Wave Phenomena and Electromagnetism Credits: 5
One of the following:
BI - 280 Field Biology Credits: 3
BI - 341 Ecology Credits: 4
BI - 342 Insect-Plant Ecology Credits: 3
BI - 374 Animal Behavior Credits: 3
BI - 380 Evolution Credits: 3

Forensic Science Courses

CH - 305 Forensic Toxicology Credits: 3
CJ - 109 Crime and Society Credits: 3
CJ - 208 Crime Lab Credits: 3
CJ - 360 Forensics and Criminal Investigation Credits: 3
MA - 111 Probability and Statistics Credits: 3
One of the following:
PS - 365 Psychological Sleuthing Credits: 3
PS - 295 Forensic Psychology Credits: 3

5-year BS/MBA Degree Program

Students who major in the Biology, B.S. can earn both an undergraduate degree in Biology and a Master of Arts in Business Administration (MBA) in the five-year (4 +1) option. Students in their junior year majoring in Biology, B.S. and who have earned a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or higher, are eligible to apply for admittance into the five-year Biology BS/MBA degree program. Students begin taking three graduate level courses during their senior year of undergraduate study. These three graduate courses will count both towards the completion of the undergraduate degree and a MBA.