Forensic Science (BS)

The Forensic Science Program presents an interdisciplinary program of studies that aims to develop in students the knowledge and fundamental skills necessary for the application of scientific methods used to contribute to the discovery of the causes, method and circumstances of violent deaths and other crimes. The Program emphasizes the treatment of evidence and is characterized by its combination of knowledge in the natural sciences, forensic sciences and in criminology.

The Aguadilla, Barranquitas, Bayamón and Ponce campuses are authorized to offer this Program.

Program Goals

1. Develop professionals with the multidisciplinary knowledge and skills necessary to work with digital evidence, which includes the collection, management, analysis, conservation, and documentation.

2. Train students in the techniques, strategies, and technologies of computer forensic science and computerized information systems.

3. Promote ethical behavior based on knowledge of legal aspects and the codes that regulate the profession.

Program objectives

1. Teach the forensic procedures used in the collection, handling, analysis, conservation and documentation of digital evidence.

2. Present the forensic techniques to be used according to the medium or infrastructure in which the digital evidence is found.

3. Apply the management and analysis of network infrastructures and computer architectures.

4. Demonstrate the ethical and legal aspects applied to information systems and computer forensics.

Competencies Profile of Graduates

This Program is designed to develop the competencies that will enable students to:

Knowledge

1. Know the general principles of computer forensic sciences, related to cybercrime investigations.

2. Recognize patterns and procedures in the commission of cybercrimes.

3. Know the impact of technology when designing investigative processes and the analysis of a computer system and the evidence contained in it.

Skills

1. Use the tools and skills in computer security to analyze, implement and evaluate an information system that meets the legal requirements.

2. Apply computer science in the course of a cybercrime investigation.

3. Apply forensic techniques and procedures to analyze digital evidence in accordance with standard protocols and appropriate tools.

4. Manage complex infrastructures of computer networks.

5. Analyze complex infrastructures of computer networks, computer architectures including "hardware" and "software".

Attitudes

1. Demonstrate an ethical and professional attitude in the scientific analysis of the evidence and in their role as investigator.

2. Recognize the importance of the legal frame of the criminal justice system.

Requirements for the Bachelor of Science Degree in Forensic Science

General Education Requirements	45 credits
Major Requirements	27 credits
Required Related Courses	46 credits
Elective Courses	3 credits
Total	121 credits

General Education Requirements - 45 credits

Forty-five (45) credits are required as explained in the section “General Education Requirements for Bachelors’ Degrees.” Students are exempt from taking courses in the Scientific and Technological Context category. Students will take the course GEMA 1200 in the Basic Skills in Mathematics category.

Major Requirements - 27 credits

CJUS 1000	Introduction to Criminology	3
CJUS 3025	Criminal Law	3
FORS 2000	Introduction to Forensic Science	3
FORS 3970	Special Topics	3
FORS 4400	Forensic Toxicology	4
FORS 4421	Forensic Investigation I	3
FORS 4422	Forensic Investigation II	4
FORS 4910	Forensic Practice	3
FORS 4960	Integration Seminar	1

Required Related Courses - 46 credits

BIOL 1101	General Biology I	3
BIOL 1103	Biology Skills Laboratory I	1
BIOL 1116	Fundamentals of Human Anatomy and Physiology	5
CHEM 1111	General Chemistry I	4
CHEM 2212	General Chemistry II	4
CHEM 2221	Organic Chemistry I	4
CHEM 2222	Organic Chemistry II	4
CHEM 3320	Analytical Chemistry	4
CHEM 4220	Biochemistry	4
MATH 1500	Precalculus	5
PHYS 3001	General Physics I	4
PHYS 3002	General Physics II	4