Forensic Science Minor

Program Requirements

Students must complete courses in criminology, chemistry, and biology for a minimum of 19 credit hours.

• BI 318 - Genetics (3)
• CH 321 - Analytical Chemistry (4)

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• CH 370 - Forensic Science (3) or
• CR 370 - Forensic Science (3)

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• CR 262 - Criminal Justice (3)

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• Six credit hours of electives may be chosen from the following:

• BI 220 - Human Anatomy & Physiology (6-8)
• BI 250 - General Microbiology (4)
• BI 325 - Pathophysiology (3)
• BI 345 - Molecular Cell Biology (4)
• CH 342 - Biochemistry I (3)
• CH 343 - Biochemistry Laboratory (1)
• CR 360 - Criminological Theory (3)
• CR 369 - Topics in Criminology & Justice Studies (1-12)
• MA 155 - Elementary Probability & Statistics (3)
• PY 350 - Behavior & the Brain (3)
• PY 383 - Drug Addiction & Use (3)

Outcomes

1. Understand the role of evidence within the criminal justice system. (CH 370 /CR 370 , CR 262 )
2. Understand the relevant biology and chemistry needed to analyze and interpret scientific data. (CH 321 ; BI 318 )
3. Understand how scientific techniques are applied to the collection and analysis of evidence. (CH 370 /CR 370 ) 

Assessment

As appropriate to each course, students will be assessed through writing, speaking, and demonstration of skills. These could take the form of:

• Examinations
• Laboratory reports
• Laboratory practical exams
• Essays
• Term papers
• Course-based discussion (in class or electronic)
• Oral presentations

Minor Note

• At least 18 semester hours in a subject area are required for a minor.
• A minimum of 9 hours in the minor must be earned at Avila University.

  • At least six of these hours must be numbered 300 or above. (Note: If the minor is in Biology or Chemistry, only four (4) of the 9 semester hours in the minor at Avila must be in courses numbered 300 or above.)

• A minimum of 9 hours must be unique between a major and a minor. 
• A grade of “C” or better must be earned for all graded courses required for the minor.