Loyola University Chicago

Forensic Science Program

BS in Forensic Science

The B.S. in Forensic Science at Loyola University Chicago is fully accredited by FEPAC - The Forensic Education Programs Accreditation Commission.  Learn more about FEPAC on their website.  The curriculum focuses heavily on natural and physical sciences, which prepares students for a variety of forensic science and related careers. In addition to fulfilling major requirements, students are required to complete the CORE curriculum and other requirements.  Please visit the College of Arts & Sciences College Requirements for more information.

 

Program Content and Sensitive Topics

The Forensic Science Program curriculum, by its very nature, includes sensitive topics such as drug overdose, drug-facilitated sexual assault, sexual violence, domestic violence, postmortem forensic toxicology, homicides, and other violent crime.  Our faculty endeavor to handle these topics with the appropriate respect, professionalism, gravity, and discretion.  However, students should be aware that these and other topics involving criminal behavior are covered in numerous courses throughout the curriculum.  Some courses also include in-depth discussion and case studies.

 

Degree Requirements

Science and Math Courses – Lecture and Lab

BIOL 101, 111, 102, 112: General Biology I and II and labs

BIOL 282, 283: Genetics and lab

BIOL 335: Introduction to Biostatistics (cross-listed with STAT 335)

BIOL 366L: Biochemistry lab

PHYS 111 / 111L, 112 / 112L: College Physics I and II and labs

MATH 131, 132:  Applied Calculus I and II

Old chemistry curriculum (prior to Fall 2022):

CHEM 101, 111, 102, 112:  General Chemistry I and II and labs

CHEM 212, 214:  Quantitative Analysis with lab

CHEM 223, 225, 224, 226:  Organic Chemistry I and II and labs

CHEM 361:  Biochemistry (cross-listed with BIOL 366)

-OR-

New chemistry curriculum (starting in Fall 2022):

CHEM 160 / 161: Chemical Structure and Properties and Lab

CHEM 180 / 181: Chemical Reactivity I and Lab

CHEM 240 / 241: Chemical Reactivity II and Lab

CHEM 260: Quantitative Methods in Chemistry

CHEM 272: Analytical Chemistry Lab

CHEM 280: Environmental & Chemical Analysis

CHEM 361:  Biochemistry (cross-listed with BIOL 366)

 

Forensic Science Courses 

FRSC 340:  Introduction to Forensic Science

FRSC 341:  Forensic Science Ethics and Professional Practice

FRSC 342:  Expert Witness Testimony and Court Room Demeanor

FRSC 343: Physical Organic Chemistry for the Forensic Sciences

FRSC 350 / 350L:  Pattern Evidence I and Lab

FRSC 360W / 360L:  Forensic Drug Chemistry I and Lab

FRSC 370 / 370L:  Forensic Biology and Lab

 

Forensic Capstone

Choose one of the following:

FRSC 361 / 361L:  Forensic Toxicology I and Lab

FRSC 371: Forensic Molecular Biology with Lab

ANTH 396: Anthropology Internship

          *Requires ANTH 326 as a prerequisite

 

Criminal Justice Course

CJC 101:  Criminal Justice in a Global Context

 

Electives 

Students in this program are encouraged, but not required, to select elective courses from the following list:

FRSC 390:  Forensic Science Internship

FRSC 394:  Forensic Science Research

FRSC 395:  Special Topics in Forensic Science (when offered)

 

ANTH 324: Human Evolution

ANTH 326:  Human Osteology

ANTH/BIOL 369: Paleopathology

BIOL 242: Human Structure and Function I

BIOL 243: Human Structure and Function II

BIOL 251:  Cell Biology

BIOL 341:  Histology Lecture/Lab

BIOL 342:  Human Anatomy

BIOL 363:  Entomology

BIOL 389:  Introduction to Pharmacology

CJC 201:    Theories of Criminal Behavior

CJC 202:    Criminal Courts

CJC 203:    Policing

CJC 322:    Criminal Law

CJC 323:    Criminal Procedure

CJC 371:    Victimology

 

Updated 04 Oct 2023