The major in Forensic Science is designed to provide training for students seeking to work in forensic science laboratories, or who are planning to pursue careers as scientists.  The major draws primarily from chemistry, with courses in biology, physics and law.  Students may specialize in one of two tracks:  Criminalistics or Toxicology.  Both tracks include a year of Instrumental Analysis where students learn the theory and use of analytical instruments found in forensic, industrial and clinical laboratories.  Instrumental laboratory sessions include ultraviolet and infrared spectrophotometry, emission spectrography, thin-layer and gas chromatography, and X-ray diffractometry.

Criminalistics
Criminalistics focuses on learning the techniques for the scientific examination of physical evidence. Physical evidence includes such things as fibers, glass, hair, soil, bullets, fingerprints, and shoeprints.  The students review the theoretical bases of methods of comparison and their influence on scientific interpretation. Topics taught in criminalistics lectures will cover scientific photography and microscopy, serology, imprints, impressions,  toolmarks, gunshot residue, cordage and textile examinations, blood spatter, hair examination, and crime scene reconstruction. 
Toxicology
Toxicology focuses on the use of modern analytical chemical methods for the analysis of toxic substances.  These toxic substances can include drugs of abuse, alcohol, and metals.  The student in the toxicology tract learns about the basic principles of drugs of abuse including cocaine, marijuana, sedatives, narcotics, stimulants, antidepressants, and designer drugs. Students practice the analysis of these chemicals and drugs in a variety of biological specimens using methods such as thin layer chromatography, gas chromatography, mass-spectrometry and immunoassays.
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