B.S. Forensic and Toxicological Chemistry:

The B.S. in Forensic and Toxicological Chemistry program is FEPAC Accredited.

Mission Statement:

The mission of the Forensic and Toxicological Chemistry program in the West Chester University Department of Chemistry is to cultivate chemistry professionals who have acquired a sound combination of fundamental chemical knowledge, basic forensic science concepts, laboratory and analytical chemical skills needed to analyze physical evidence, communication skills, and ethical principles and practices. Our graduates will be well-prepared for graduate degrees and to become highly successful Forensic and Toxicological Chemists at an introductory level in crime or related laboratories.

Forensic and Toxicological Chemistry Degree Core Goals:

Our curriculum is designed to fulfill our mission through the accomplishment of the specific goals listed below. On fulfilling the curricular requirements our graduates can expect to have gained the following:

  1. Graduates will obtain the knowledge and skills to be qualified for employment as chemical professionals in forensic and toxicology laboratories, industry, government, the health profession and related activities.
  2. Students will obtain a fundamental understanding of forensic sciences, analytical chemistry, biology, and statistics relevant to professional practice in forensic chemistry and toxicology.
  3. Students will acquire extensive laboratory skills
  4. Students will develop scientific writing and oral communication skills.

APPROVED CURRICULUM

1st Year

Course Abbreviation Course Number Course Name Credits
CHE 103 General Chemistry I 3
CRL 103 Exp. Gen. Chem. I 1
MAT 161 Calculus I 4
WRT 120 Effective Writing I 3
BIO 110 General Biology 4
FYE   1st Year Experience 4
CHE 104 General Chemistry II 3
CRL 104 Exp. Gen. Chem. II 1
WRT   Writing Course 3
MAT 162 Calculus II 4

2nd Year

Course Abbreviation Course Number Course Name Credits
CHE 231 Organic Chemistry I 4
CRL 231 Exp. Org. Chem. I 2
CHE 321 Analytical Chemistry I 3
CRL 321 Exp. Analyt. Chem. I 2
PHY 170 Physics I 4
MAT   125 3
CHE 232 Organic Chemistry II 3
CRL 232 Exp. Org. Chem. II 2
PHY 180 Physics II 4
BIO

210

210L

Genetics

Genetics Lab

4
CHE 361 Forensic Chemistry I4 3

3rd Year

Course Abbreviation Course Number Course Name Credits
PHI 180 Introduction to Ethics (Hum II) 3
CHE 341 Physical Chemistry I 4
CRL 341 Exp. Phys. Chem. I 2
CHE 371 Forensic Chemistry II 3
CRL 371 Forensic Chemistry Lab 2
CHE 418 Chemical Information 1
GEd   Humanities (1) 3
CHE 424 Analytical Chemistry II 3
CHE 343 Chemistry & the Law3 3
GEd   Arts 3
CHE 465 Forensic Microscopy 3

4th Year

Course Abbreviation Course Number Course Name Credits
CHE 476 Biochemistry I 3
CRL 476 Experimental Biochem. I 2
CHE 491 Chemistry Seminar 1
BIO 211 Cell Bio1 3
GEd   B/SS1 3
GEd   Interdisciplinary5 3
CHE 479 Toxicology 3
CHE 451 Internship 4
CRL 477 Experimental Biochem II 2
FTC Advising Sheet 2021 and After Student Success Program Contact Email

 

Program Notes:

  • (1) Counts as writing emphasis
  • (2) Counts as speaking emphasis
  • (3) This course is offered every other year. Students should plan accordingly

For General Education Courses (Ged):

  • (4) PHI 180 fulfills the Diverse Communities, Ethics, and a Humanities requirement
  • (5) An Interdisciplinary (I) course will not be fulfill distributive requirement
  • (6) Students must take three "W" courses; at least 3 credits must be in 300 or 400 level courses. These are best taken with other requirements
  • ________ Department Safety Examination

      Writing emphasis    _____  _____  _____

     Speaking emphasis _____  _____  _____

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