Biology/Forensic Biology Concentration Why Choose Forensic Biology? You've seen them on T.V. gathering evidence at a crime scene or testing DNA samples in a lab. They are forensics experts, scientific detectives who search for clues that answer the "who, what and when" questions of a legal investigation. If you have an inquiring mind and like biology and chemistry, you may be interested in Ferris State's Forensic Biology degree. Forensic biology is the application of biological knowledge and laboratory techniques to criminal and civil investigations as well as to the identification of unknown individuals. The forensic biology degree builds on a solid foundation of biology and chemistry, with unique core courses in forensic biology, forensic chemistry, forensic human pathology and forensic DNA analysis. The degree is designed for the student who is interested in analyzing biological evidence as it relates to legal and other investigations, or collecting and processing evidence at a crime scene or in a laboratory. It is also excellent preparation for graduate work in specialized areas of forensics. Students receive extensive training in the collection and analysis of biological evidence in both lab and field settings. Students learn how to evaluate mock crime scenes that include decomposition of animal remains in the field. They also learn how to document, collect and analyze the insects, plants and other biological evidence to determine the time of death. Students learn to identify skeletal remains, and evaluate trauma. Career Opportunities Forensic biology is in the midst of a revolution, and the need for well-trained forensic biologists is growing at a rapid pace. The demand for qualified forensic biologists is increasing due to the technological advances in the last five years in genetics and molecular biology. Graduates with this degree would be eligible for entry-level positions in forensic laboratories, medical examiners offices and law enforcement agencies. It should be stressed, however, that further graduate-level education might be required for you to become employable in your chosen career. To fully prepare for any career you should understand the necessary qualifications. In the area of forensic biology, one good source of current job openings and the background required can be found at the American Academy of Forensic Sciences website (www.aafs.org). Admission Requirements First year student admission is open to high school graduates (or equivalent) who demonstrate academic preparedness, maturity and seriousness of purpose with educational backgrounds that include high school courses in science and chemistry. High school courses and grade point average, ACT composite score, and ACT reading and mathematics sub scores will be considered in the admission and placement process
General Education Requirements All general University General Education requirements can be found here: http://www.ferris.edu/htmls/academics/gened/courses/gened-bachelor.pdf Please consult this link for a complete listing of General Education Electives: https://wwws.ferris.edu/academics/gened/courses/ Graduation Requirements The Forensic Biology program leads to a Bachelor of Science degree. Graduation requires a minimum 2.0 GPA overall and a minimum of 121 credits including completion of all general education requirements as outlined on the General Education website. No grade lower than a 'C-' is acceptable in courses that apply to the major, supporting sciences, and application area of the program. At least 50% of the semester credits applying toward the Biology major must be completed at FSU with a minimum of 30 FSU credits overall. Students may earn only one B.S. degree in Biology from Ferris State University. More Information LEAD ADVISOR: Dr. Joseph Lipar PHONE: 231-591-2550 EMAIL: liparj1@ferris.edu PROFESSIONAL ADVISOR: Kim Ducat PHONE: 231-591-2745 EMAIL: duca1@ferris.edu PROFESSIONAL ADVISOR: Jenice Winowiecki PHONE: 231-591-2555 EMAIL: wino2@ferris.edu Department of Biological Sciences Ferris State University 820 Campus Drive/ASC 2004 Big Rapids, MI 49307 Phone: 231-591-2550
Required Courses Credit Hours Forensic Biology - Minimum 121 Credits Major - 37 Credits BIOL 121 General Biology 1 4 BIOL 122 General Biology 2 4 BIOL 207 Forensic Biology 4 BIOL 286 General Microbiology 3 BIOL 375 Principles of Genetics 3 BIOL 407 Forensic DNA Analysis 3 BIOL 460 Current Topics in BIOL 2 Choose One Option: BIOL 205 OR BIOL 321 and BIOL 322 BIOL 205 Human Anatomy-Physiology 5 BIOL 321 Human Physiology-Anatomy 1 4 BIOL 322 Human Physiology-Anatomy 2 4 Note: Credit toward the degree cannot be earned in both BIOL 205 and BIOL 321/BIOL 322. BIOL 386 may substitute BIOL 286.
Ecology Choose one of the following: BIOL 346 Ecological Assessment 3 BIOL 347 Environmental Conservation 3 BIOL 442 Ecology 3 BIOL Electives - 3-6 Credits 300 Level or above BIOL 300 Pathophysiology 3 BIOL 301 Exercise Physiology 4 BIOL 310 Nutrition 3 BIOL 330 Zoology 4 BIOL 340 Evolution 3 BIOL 343 Ornithology 3 BIOL 344 Entomology 3 BIOL 345 Environmental Regulations 3 BIOL 348 Animal Behavior 3 BIOL 349 Medical Parasitology 3 BIOL 350 Plants and Fungi 4 BIOL 370 Developmental Biology 4 BIOL 373 Cell Biology 3 BIOL 421 Endocrinology 3 BIOL 423 Neurobiology 3
BIOL 450 Medical Botany 3 BIOL 453 Plant Physiology 4 BIOL 470 Molecular Genetics 4 BIOL 471 Recombinant DNA Lab 3 BIOL 472 Proteins 3 BIOL 473 Proteins Laboratory 3 BIOL 474 Advanced Cell - Molecular Biol 3 BIOL 475 Bioinformatics 3 BIOL 476 Adv Techniques Biotechnology 2 BIOL 485 Biological Research 1 TO 6 BIOL 490 Special Topics in BIOL 1 TO 4 BIOL 492 Biology Internship 1 TO 6 BIOL 497 Special Studies in BIOL 1 TO 4 Supporting Sciences - 40-46 Credits MATH 220 Analytical Geometry-Calculus 1 4 CHEM 121 General Chemistry 1 5 CHEM 122 General Chemistry 2 5 CHEM 207 Science and Crime 3 CHEM 321 Organic Chemistry 1 5 CHEM 322 Organic Chemistry 2 5
Choose one: CHEM 231 Quantitative Analysis 4 CHEM 307 Forensic Chemistry 3 CHEM 332 Biochemistry Lab 1 2 Choose one: CHEM 324 Fund of Biochemistry 3 CHEM 364 Biochemistry 4 Choose One Option: PHYS 211 and PHYS 212 OR PHYS 241 and PHYS 242 PHYS 211 Introductory Physics 1 4 PHYS 212 Introductory Physics 2 4 PHYS 241 General Physics 1 5 PHYS 242 General Physics 2 5 Biology Application Area CRIM 110 Introduction to Crim Justice 3 CRIM 301 CJ Investigation Issues 3 MATH 251 Stats for the Life Sciences 3 Elective Credits 200 level or higher (consult advisor) Credit hours to reach the minimum 121 credits required for this degree.
University General Education This degree requires completion of the General Education requirements for a Bachelor of Science degree. Details of these requirements are delineated on the General Education website. Courses listed below as program/major required courses with the indicators: C, S, Z, R, G, may also be used to satisfy some of these general education requirements.