The focus of Forensic Chemistry involves the identification and quantitative analysis of scientific evidence, both in the environment and in urban settings, sometimes available only in very trace amounts. The value of such evidence is determined using statistical analysis of the strengths of similarities or differences in the results from known and questioned samples.
Graduates will be able to successfully pursue their career objectives in private forensic labs and law enforcement and regulatory agencies at all levels, including police departments, sheriff departments, district attorney crime labs, and laboratories of federal agencies such as the FBI, DEA, FDA, and numerous others.
The minimum number of units required for the Bachelor of Science in Applied Chemistry (Forensics) is 102 units.
Preparatory Subject Matter: 50-53 Units
General Chemistry (15 units):
Choose a series:
- CHE 2A-2B-2C
- CHE 4A-4B-4C
Physics (12-15 units):
Choose a series:
- PHY 7A-7B-7C
- PHY 9A-9B-9C
Calculus (12 units):
Choose a series:
- MAT 17A-17B-17C
- MAT 19A-19B-19C
- MAT 21A-21B-21C
Biological Science (4 units):
- BIO 002; please read below for more information on the new biology requirement and enrollment process
Environmental Toxicology (3 units):
- ETX 020
Statistics (4 units):
Choose one:
- STA 13 or STA 13Y
- STA 32
- STA 100
Depth Subject Matter: 52-61 Units
Analytical Chemistry and Instrumental Analysis (11 units):
- CHE 104
- CHE 105-115
Physical Chemistry (6-12 units):
Choose a series:
- CHE 107A-107B
- CHE 110A-110B-110C
Organic Chemistry (12-13 units):
Choose a series:
- CHE 118A-118B-118C
- CHE 128A-128B-128C and CHE 129A-129B
Environmental Toxicology (13 units):
- ETX 101
- ETX 102A-102B
Upper Division Elective #1 (4 units):
Choose 1:
- ESP 110 (Winter Offering)
- ESP 161 (Fall, Spring Offering)
Upper Division Elective #2 (3-5 units):
- BIS 101 or BIS 101V
- ETX 103A
- ETX 103B
- ETX 111
- ETX 135
- ETX 138
- STA 108
- STA 130A
Upper Division Chemistry Elective(s) (3 units):
- At least 3 upper-division units in Chemistry. CHE 199 or 194H strongly encouraged; may include units earned from CHE 197T.
Total Units for the Major: 102-114
Notes on BIO 2 Coursework and Enrollment
Beginning in Fall 2026, the BIS 2ABC series will be discontinued and replaced by BIO 123.
In light of this change, the Chemistry Department will require Applied Chemistry (Forensics) students to take BIO 2 (equivalent of BIS 2A). Students are not required to take BIO 2L alongside the lecture. If you wish to take BIO 2L, you will need to take BIO 1 and 1L beforehand.
If you have not taken BIO 1 (or BIS 2B), you will need to submit a prerequisite petition stating "My major only requires BIO 2" in order to register for the course.
However, if you have any interest in applying to a post-graduate program that requires a year of biology coursework, you will need to begin with BIO 1 and follow the listed prerequisites in order.
If you would like to discuss your coursework and enrollment in BIO 2, please schedule an Academic Advising Appointment with a Staff or Peer Advisor.