Department of Forensic Science < Virginia Commonwealth University

This is the preliminary (or launch) version of the 2023-2024 VCU Bulletin. This edition includes all programs and courses approved by the publication deadline; however we may receive notification of additional program approvals after the launch. The final edition and full PDF version will include these updates and will be available in August prior to the beginning of the fall semester.

Tracey Dawson Green, Ph.D.
Professor and chair

Eric Hazelrigg
Associate professor and associate chair

Stephanie Barnhouse Walcott
Undergraduate program director

Sarah Williams, Ph.D.
Associate professor and graduate program director

forensicscience.vcu.edu

The Department of Forensic Science offers programs leading to bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

The Bachelor of Science is for students who plan a career or graduate study in the forensic sciences. The forensic science program provides students with fundamental learning in forensic laboratory analyses and crime scene investigation, with academic emphasis in biology, chemistry and criminal justice. The program offers three concentrations: forensic biology, forensic chemistry and physical evidence. Students will select one of the three concentrations prior to the second semester of their sophomore year. The B.S. in Forensic Science supplies students with the necessary skills for professional careers in forensic laboratories, public and private, basic research laboratories, clinical laboratories, and/or to pursue graduate studies. Students also will be prepared to pursue advanced degrees in the physical sciences, biological sciences, forensic science, law, allied health and medicine, to name a few.

The Master of Science in Forensic Science prepares students for careers as forensic scientists in government and private laboratories. Students receive in-depth exposure to specializations within the field, including drug analysis, DNA analysis, trace evidence, criminalistics and legal issues.

For more information visit the departmental website.

Forensic science (FRSC)
Forensic science lab (FRSZ)

Forensic science

FRSC 202. Crime and Science. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Introduces the scientific theory, concepts and practices used in any physical science by relating them to the analysis of physical evidence performed in forensic laboratories and the fundamentals of crime scene investigation, and their relationship to the criminal justice system and criminal investigations. Not applicable for credit toward the B.S. in Forensic Science.

FRSC 291. Topics in Forensic Science. 1-3 Hours.

Semester course; 1-3 lecture hours. 1-3 credits. May be repeated with different topics for a maximum of six credits. A study of selected topics in forensic science. See the Schedule of Classes for specific topics to be offered each semester and prerequisites.

FRSC 300. Survey of Forensic Science. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: BIOL 151, BIOZ 151, CHEM 102, CHEZ 102 and UNIV 112, each with a minimum grade of C. Pre- or corequisites: CHEM 301 and CHEZ 301, and UNIV 200 or HONR 200. Enrollment is restricted to forensic science majors or by permission of instructor. Introduces the theory, concepts and practices used in the analysis of physical evidence performed in crime laboratories, and the fundamentals of crime scene investigation. Also introduces ethical and quality assurance issues of crucial importance in modern crime laboratories.

FRSC 309. Scientific Crime Scene Investigation. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 2 lecture and 2 laboratory hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: FRSC 300 with a minimum grade of C. Enrollment is restricted to forensic science majors or by permission of the instructor. Provides scientific theory of crime scene investigation and crime scene reconstruction and basic knowledge of proper crime scene protocol and evidence processing techniques. Includes the processes for documentation, collecting and preserving physical evidence.

FRSC 310. Forensic Anthropology. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: ANTH 210 or FRSC 300 with a minimum grade of C. A comprehensive overview of forensic anthropology including its development and the theory and methodology on which it is based. Crosslisted as: ANTH 310.

FRSC 325. Forensic Medicine. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: FRSC 300 with a minimum grade of C. Enrollment is restricted to forensic science majors or by permission of instructor. An investigation of topics in death scene investigations as well as autopsy findings associated with natural and unnatural deaths.

FRSC 351. Forensic Science Service-learning. 2 Hours.

Semester course; 2 lecture hours. 2 credits. May be repeated for a maximum of four credits. Prerequisites: FRSC 300 and at least one additional FRSC/Z course, each with a minimum grade of C. Enrollment is restricted to forensic science majors or by permission of instructor. Provides an opportunity to learn about the community’s schools and how to teach forensic science concepts to school-aged students. Each week, VCU students will provide hands-on lab activities in community-based programs to reinforce lessons learned through their school curricula. Reflective writing, partner assignments and a final presentation are required, in addition to 20 community partner hours. VCU students will improve their ability to explain forensic concepts to those with differing scientific backgrounds, have increased confidence when addressing audiences and deepen their understanding of civic responsibility.

FRSC 365. Forensic Microscopy. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 2 lecture and 2 laboratory hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: FRSC 300 with a minimum grade of C. An in-depth course in the theory and practical application of microscopy to the examination, identification and individualization of physical evidence submitted to forensic laboratories.

FRSC 375. Forensic Evidence, Law and Criminal Procedure. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: BIOL 151, BIOZ 151, CHEM 102, CHEZ 102 and UNIV 112, each with a minimum grade of C. Pre- or corequisites: FRSC 300, CHEM 301 and CHEZ 301; and UNIV 200 or HONR 200. Enrollment is restricted to forensic science majors or by permission of the instructor. The law of criminal procedure and rules of evidence as applied to forensic science. Topics will include scientific versus legal burdens of proof, legal terminology and trial procedure.

FRSC 385. Forensic Serology. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 2 lecture and 2 laboratory hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: CHEM 301 and FRSC 300, each with a minimum grade of C. Examines the application of basic chemical, biological, immunological and microscopic laboratory techniques to the examination and identification of body-fluid stains, including both presumptive and/or confirmatory identification of blood, semen, saliva, urine and feces. Applies methods that are used in forensic laboratories to identify the species of origin and includes a review of advanced methods for automated serological analysis. Laboratory exercises will supplement lectures to give students practical knowledge of the laboratory procedures.

FRSC 391. Topics in Forensic Science. 1-3 Hours.

Semester course; 1-3 lecture hours. 1-3 credits. A maximum total of six credits for all forensic science topics courses may be applied to the major. Prerequisite: FRSC 300 with a minimum grade of C. A study in selected topics in forensic science. See the Schedule of Classes for specific topics to be offered each semester and additional prerequisites.

FRSC 400. Forensic Chemistry. 4 Hours.

Semester course; 2 lecture and 4 laboratory hours. 4 credits. Prerequisites: CHEM 409 and CHEZ 409, each with a minimum grade of C. Examines core principles and instrumentation used in forensic chemistry applications to include microchemical tests, gas chromatography, liquid chromatography, spectroscopy and mass spectrometry, with emphasis on forensic casework. These topics may include accelerants, explosives, paints, polymers and drug analysis. Students will gain experience in experimental design, operation and troubleshooting of instrumentation, as well as the analysis and interpretation of chromatographic and spectroscopic data sets.

FRSC 410. Forensic Pattern Evidence. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 2 lecture and 2 laboratory hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: FRSC 309 with a minimum grade of C. Enrollment is restricted to forensic science majors or by permission of the instructor. Covers topics in pattern evidence analysis including analysis of latent prints and impression evidence of footwear and tire treadmarks as applied to forensic casework. Covers both the theoretical and practical aspects using lectures and laboratory exercises focusing on the visualization, examination and interpretation of pattern evidence.

FRSC 412. Forensic Analysis of Firearms and Toolmarks. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 2 lecture and 2 laboratory hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: FRSC 300 with a minimum grade of C. Enrollment is restricted to forensic science majors or by permission of the instructor. An investigation of topics in firearms and toolmark examination for forensic applications. Covers both theoretical and practical aspects using lectures and laboratory exercises.

FRSC 438. Forensic Molecular Biology. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: BIOL 310 with a minimum grade of C. Provides an understanding of molecular biology testing methodologies as applied to analysis of forensic samples. Current topics in forensic DNA analysis will include quality assurance, DNA databanking, contemporary research and population genetics. Crosslisted as: BIOL 438.

FRSC 445. Forensic Toxicology and Drugs. 4 Hours.

Semester course; 2 lecture and 4 laboratory hours. 4 credits. Prerequisites: CHEM 301, CHEM 302, CHEZ 301 and CHEZ 302, each with a minimum grade of C. Provides a comprehensive overview of the basic principles of drug analysis and forensic toxicology. Students will perform hands-on lab exercises in these areas. Students will learn to identify the controlled substances and toxic agents most commonly abused and/or encountered in criminal investigations, including issues of interpretation and impairment.

FRSC 490. Professional Practices in Forensic Science. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: FRSC 300; and one additional FRSC or FRSZ course, each with a minimum grade of C. Enrollment is restricted to seniors in forensic science with at least 85 credit hours toward the degree. An examination and evaluation of historical and current issues in the scientific analysis of physical evidence in criminal investigations. Individual and group activities relating to professional practices (ethics, quality control and testimony) of forensic scientists.

FRSC 492. Forensic Science Independent Study. 1-3 Hours.

Semester course; 1-3 independent study hours. 1-3 credits. May be repeated for a maximum of six credits. Prerequisites: CHEZ 301 and FRSC 300, each with a minimum grade of C. Enrollment is restricted to forensic science majors with at least sophomore standing and a minimum GPA of 2.5. Independent studies must be research-based. A determination of the amount of credit and the written permission of both the instructor and the program director must be procured prior to registration for the course.

FRSC 493. Forensic Science Internship. 1-3 Hours.

Semester course; 1-3 field experience hours. 1-3 credits. Prerequisite: FRSC 300 with a minimum grade of C. Enrollment is restricted to forensic science majors with a minimum GPA of 2.75. An application is required in advance of admission with permission of the internship coordinator. Through placement in an approved organization, the student will obtain a broader, more practical knowledge of forensic science and its applications. Written progress and final reports are required. Graded as pass/fail.

Forensic science lab

FRSZ 391. Topics in Forensic Science Laboratory. 1-3 Hours.

Semester course; 3-9 laboratory hours. 1-3 credits. A maximum total of six credits for all forensic science topics courses may be applied to the major. Prerequisite: FRSC 300 with a minimum grade of C. Laboratory investigations in a selected topic in forensic science. See the Schedule of Classes for specific topics to be offered each semester and additional prerequisites.

FRSZ 438. Forensic Molecular Biology Laboratory. 2 Hours.

Semester course; 4 laboratory hours. 2 credits. Pre- or corequisite: BIOL/FRSC 438. Provides comprehensive coverage of the various types of DNA testing currently used in forensic science laboratories. Students will have hands-on experience with the analytical equipment employed in forensic science laboratories and the techniques for human identification in forensic casework. Students also will explore and practice both scientific writing and writing of DNA case reports. Crosslisted as: BIOZ 438.