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 a variety of federal agencies including the FBI, DEA, FDA and numerous others.
Preparatory Subject Matter: 47-53 Units
- Chemistry: CHE 2A-2B-2C or 4A-4B-4C
- Mathematics: MAT 16A-16B-16C or 17A-17B-17C or 21A-21B-21C
- Physics: PHY 7A-7B-7C or 9A-9B-9C
- Biological Sciences: BIS 2A
- Environmental Toxicology: ETX 20
- Statistics: STA 13 or 32 or 100 or 102
Depth Subject Matter: 51-61 Units
- Analytical Chemistry: CHE 104, 105, 115
- Organic Chemistry: CHE 118A-118B-118C or 128A-128B-128C and 129A-129B
- Physical Chemistry: CHE 107A-107B or 110A-110B-110C
- Environmental Toxicology: ETX 101, 102A, 102B
At least two courses from:
- Biological Sciences: BIS 101
- Environmental Science and Policy: ESP 110, 161
- Environmental Toxicology: ETX 103A, 103B, 111, 130, 135, 138
- Statistics: STA 108, 130A
At least THREE additional upper division units in Chemistry. CHE 199 or 194H strongly encouraged; may include units earned from CHE 197T.
Total Units for the Major: 95-113
