Forensic Science Program
Paris F. Favorite, Ph.D., Director/Assistant Professor
Office: Natural Science Building, Room 461
Phone: (504) 286-5112
Email: pfavorite@suno.edu
Assistant Professor: Meiko Thompson, Ph.D.; Assistant Professor: Vacant
The Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science degree requires the completion of 125 credit hours of core and forensic science coursework. The program has been developed in order to provide students with the types of skills and information that are necessary for success in forensic science. The program includes sequences in chemistry, physics, mathematics, and biology. SUNO also offers a number of specialized courses specifically related to forensic science. The forensic science courses are designed for students to receive both classroom instruction and hands-on experience in the laboratory. Students will take courses in forensic biology, forensic DNA, forensic microscopy, evidence collection and processing, witness testimony, and more. Students are required to enroll in a forensic internship in their junior or senior year. A senior comprehensive exam is also required for the degree.
Requirements
All Forensic Science majors must earn a “C” or better in all Natural Science courses as listed in the Forensic Science curriculum. Continuous repetition of classes and repeated withdrawal (W) from classes are strongly discouraged. It is strongly recommended that the students follow the outlined curriculum in Forensic Science in sequence as they matriculate in the program by following timely advisement by an assigned advisor.
The minor in Forensic Science is designed for students who wish to learn the basic concepts of forensic science and how to apply them to other fields of knowledge. A minor in Forensic Science is earned by completing eighteen (18) credit hours: FRSC-201N, FRSC-210N, FRSC-220N, FRSC-305N, FRSC-430N/LN, and a 4-hour FRSC elective. No grade below C is acceptable in the minor subject. A minimum grade point average of 2.0 is required to complete the minor.
Forensic Science Curriculum
Freshman Year
Required
Required
Sophomore Year
Required
Required
Junior Year
Required
Required
Senior Year
Required
Required
Electives – Choose any 2 of the following:
• Biochemistry (BIOL-306N/306LN); • Molecular biology (BIOL-325N/325LN); • Genetics (BIOL-302N/302LN); • Inorganic chemistry (CHEM-251N); • Analytical/quantitative chemistry (CHEM-351N/351LN); •Instrumental analysis (CHEM-362N/362LN); • Cell biology (BIOL-324N/324LN); • Pharmacology (BIOL-304N/304LN); • Microbiology (BIOL-217N/217LN)
Total Credit Hours: 125
All majors are required to pass a comprehensive examination.
Students must register for the course IN THE SEMESTER PRIOR TO THE ONE IN WHICH THEY PLAN TO GRADUATE.