Departments & Programs
Forensic and Investigative Sciences Program
Bachelor of Science
This degree is for students who plan to work in the criminal justice system as scientists in crime laboratories or other enforcement environments.
Degree Requirements
See the School of Science requirements under “Undergraduate Programs” in this bulletin for additional restrictions.
First-Year Experience Course Beginning freshmen and transfer students with fewer than 19 credit hours are required to take SCI-I120 Windows on Science (1 cr.) or an equivalent first-year experience course.
Area I English Composition and Communication Competency (9 cr.)
Written Communication (6 cr.)
A minimum grade of C must be obtained in both composition courses.
- ENG-W131 Reading, Writing and Inquiry
- The second semester of English composition may be satisfied only by ENG-W270, ENG-W231, ENG-W320, ENG-W350 or TCM 32000.
Oral Communication (3 cr.)
A minimum grade of C must be obtained.
- COMM-R110 Fundamentals of Speech Communication
Area II World Language Competency
No world language proficiency is required for a Bachelor of Science degree.
Area IIIA Arts and Humanities, Social Sciences, and Cultural Understanding Competencies (12 cr.)
- List H course: Choose one course (3cr.) from this list. The list of course choices is located under the School of Science requirements “Undergraduate Programs” in this bulletin.
- List S course: Choose one course (3cr.) from this list. The list of course choices is located under the School of Science requirements “Undergraduate Programs” in this bulletin.
- One additional course (3 cr.) from either List H or List S.
- List C course: Choose one course (3cr.) from this list. The list of course choices is located under the School of Science requirements “Undergraduate Programs” in this bulletin.
For the most current list of courses in the areas of Arts and Humanities, Social Sciences and Cultural Understanding, please refer to the IUPUI General Education Curriculum.
Area IIIC Life and Physical Sciences Competency (20 cr.)
- Physics Two semesters of basic physics: PHYS-P201 General Physics I (5 cr.) and PHYS-P202 General Physics II (5 cr.)
- Chemistry Two semesters of introductory college chemistry with a laboratory: CHEM-C105 Principles of Chemistry I (3 cr.) / CHEM-C125 Experimental Chemistry I (2 cr.) and CHEM-C106 Principles of Chemistry II (3 cr.) / CHEM-C126 Experimental Chemistry II (2 cr.)
Area IIID Analytical Reasoning Competency (9 cr.)
- Mathematics MATH 23100 Calculus for the Life Sciences I (3 cr.) and MATH 23200 Calculus for the Life Sciences II (3 cr.)
- Computer Programming Choose one course from the following: CSCI-N200, CSCI-N201, CSCI-N207, CSCI-N211, or CSCI-N301 (all are 3 cr.)
Note: Computer Science CSCI-N100 level courses and CIT 10600 do not count for credit toward any degree in the School of Science. Also, CSCI-N241 and CSCI-N299 do not count in Area IIID but may count as a general elective.
Area IV Forensic and Investigative Sciences Major Concentration
A) Required forensic science courses in addition to those required for the concentration (17 cr.) All FIS courses applicable to the major must have a minimum grade of C.
- FIS 20500 Concepts of Forensic Science I (3 cr.)
- FIS 20600 Concepts of Forensic Science II (3 cr.)
- FIS 30500 Professional Issues in Forensic Science (3 cr.)
- FIS 41500 Forensic Science and the Law (3 cr.)
- FIS 49000 Capstone Experience (5 cr.) This is a required course that can be completed during any Summer, Fall, or Spring semester during/after the Junior year. Semester and method of completion will be determined on an individual basis. Please see your academic advisor for guidance.
B) Required biology courses (10 cr.)
- BIOL-K101 Concepts of Biology I (5 cr.)
- BIOL-K103 Concepts of Biology II (5 cr.)
C) Required chemistry courses beyond introductory chemistry (10 cr.)
- CHEM-C341 Organic Chemistry Lectures I (3 cr.)
- CHEM-C343 Organic Chemistry Laboratory I (2 cr.)
- CHEM-C342 Organic Chemistry Lectures II (3 cr.)
- CHEM-C344 Organic Chemistry Laboratory II (2 cr.)
D) Required statistics course (3 cr.)
- STAT 30100 Elementary Statistical Methods (3 cr.)
E) Concentrations
- Biology Concentration (24 cr.)
- BIOL-K322 Genetics and Molecular Biology (3 cr.)
- BIOL-K323 Genetics and Molecular Biology Laboratory (2 cr.)
- BIOL-K338 Intro Immunology (3 cr.)
- BIOL-K339 Immunology Laboratory (2 cr.)
- BIOL-K384 Biochemistry (3 cr.)
- or BIOL-K483 Biological Chemistry (3 cr.)
- BIOL-K484 Cellular Biochemistry (3 cr.)
- FIS 40200 Forensic Biology (Fall) (3 cr.)
- FIS 40201 Forensic Biology Lab (Fall) (2 cr.)
- FIS 40300 Forensic Genetics (Spring) (3 cr.)
- FIS 40401 Forensic Genetics Lab (Spring) (2 cr.)
- Chemistry Concentration (19 cr.)
- CHEM-C310 Analytical Chemistry (Spring/Summer) (3 cr.)
- CHEM-C311 Analytical Chemistry Laboratory (1 cr.)
- CHEM-C360 Elementary Physical Chemistry (3 cr.)
- CHEM-C410 Principles of Chemical Instrumentation (Fall) (3 cr.)
- CHEM-C411 Prin of Chemical Instrumentation Laboratory (Fall) (2 cr.)
- or CHEM-C325 Introduction to Instrumental Analysis (5 cr.)
- FIS 40100 Forensic Chemistry I (Fall) (3 cr.)
- FIS 40101 Forensic Chemistry I Lab (Fall) (1 cr.)
- FIS 40400 Forensic Chemistry II (Spring) (3 cr.)
- FIS 40401 Forensic Chemistry II Lab (Spring) (1 cr.)
- FIS 30600 Forensic Microscopy (3 cr.)
F) Advanced science / specialization courses, based on the concentration selected; refer to the lists below (12 cr. minimum)
- Biology Concentration advanced science / specialization elective course list
- ANTH-B426 Human Osteology (3 cr.)
- ANTH-A460 Bio-Archaeology (3 cr.)
- ANTH-A460 Forensic Anthroplogy (3 cr.)
- BIOL-K324 Cell Biology (3 cr.)
- BIOL-K325 Cell Biology Laboratory (2 cr.)
- BIOL-K356 Microbiology (3 cr.)
- BIOL-K357 Microbiology Laboratory (2 cr.)
- BIOL-N217 Human Physiology (5 cr.)
- BIOL-N261 Human Anatomy (5 cr.)
- CHEM-C310 Analytical Chemistry (3 cr.)
- CHEM-C311 Analytical Chemistry Laboratory (1 cr.)
- CHEM-C360 Elementary Physical Chemistry (3 cr.)
- CHEM-C325 CHEM-C325 Introduction to Instrumental Analysis (5 cr.)
- or CHEM-C410 Principles of Chemical Instrumentation (3 cr.)
- plus CHEM-C411 Prin of Chemical Instrumentation Laboratory (2 cr.)
- CHEM-C430 Inorganic Chemistry (3 cr.)
- CHEM-C435 Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory (1 cr.)
- CHEM-C384 Biochemistry (3 cr.)
- or CHEM-C484 Biomolecules and Catabolism (3 cr.)
- CHEM-C485 Biosynthesis and Physiology (3 cr.)
- CHEM-C486 Biological Chemistry Laboratory (2 cr.)
- FIS 40100 Forensic Chemistry I (3 cr.)
- FIS 40101 Forensic Chemistry I Lab (1 cr.)
- FIS 40400 Forensic Chemistry II (3 cr.)
- FIS 40401 Forensic Chemistry II Lab (1 cr.)
- FIS 30600 Forensic Microscopy (3 cr.)
- GEOL-G306 Earth Materials (4 cr.)
- SPEA-J260 Death Investigation (1 cr.)
- SPEA-J260 Indiana Homicides (1 cr.)
- SPEA-J260 Investigating Post-Blast Crime Scenes (1 cr.)
- SPEA-J260 Serial Murder (1 cr.)
- Chemistry Concentration advanced science / specialization elective course list
- ANTH-B426 Human Osteology (3 cr.)
- ANTH-A460 Bio-Archaeology (3 cr.)
- ANTH-A460 Forensic Anthroplogy (3 cr.)
- BIOL-K322 Genetics and Molecular Biology (3 cr.)
- BIOL-K323 Genetics and Molecular Biology Laboratory (2 cr.)
- BIOL-K324 Cell Biology (3 cr.)
- BIOL-K325 Cell Biology Laboratory (2 cr.)
- BIOL-K338 Intro Immunology (3 cr.)
- BIOL-K339 Immunology Laboratory (2 cr.)
- BIOL-K356 Microbiology (3 cr.)
- BIOL-K357 Microbiology Laboratory (2 cr.)
- BIOL-K384 Biochemistry (3 cr.)
- or BIOL-K483 Biological Chemistry (3 cr.)
- or CHEM-C384 Biochemistry (3 cr.)
- or CHEM-C484 Biomolecules and Catabolism (3 cr.)
- BIOL-K484 Cellular Biochemistry (3 cr.)
- BIOL-N217 Human Physiology (5 cr.)
- BIOL-N261 Human Anatomy (5 cr.)
- CHEM-C430 Inorganic Chemistry (3 cr.)
- CHEM-C435 Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory (2 cr.)
- CHEM-C485 Biosynthesis and Physiology (3 cr.)
- CHEM-C486 Biological Chemistry Laboratory (2 cr.)
- FIS 40200 Forensic Biology I (3 cr.)
- FIS 40201 Forensic Biology Lab (2 cr.)
- FIS 40300 Forensic Genetics (3 cr.)
- FIS 40301 Forensic Genetics Lab (2 cr.)
- GEOL-G306 Earth Materials (4 cr.)
- SPEA-J260 Death Investigation (1 cr.)
- SPEA-J260 Indiana Homicides (1 cr.)
- SPEA-J260 Investigating Post-Blast Crime Scenes (1 cr.)
- SPEA-J260 Serial Murder (1 cr.)
Area V Electives A minimum of 123 - 126 credit hours must be completed for graduation. The number of electives required will depend upon your situation.
Additional Policies
1) Overlapping Courses
The Forensic and Investigative Sciences Program will not grant credit for a course when considerable duplication of course content occurs with another course that has been taken for credit. In general, credit will be allowed for the higher-level course, but not for the lower-level course. The following listings are considered to be duplications (lower-level courses listed first):
- MATH 22100 / MATH 22200 and MATH 23100 / MATH 23200 and MATH 16500 / MATH 16600
- PHYS-P201 / PHYS-P202 and PHYS 15200 and PHYS 25100
For example, if a student has earned credit for MATH 16500 / MATH 16600, the student will receive no credit for MATH 22100 / MATH 22200, even if earned previously.
2) Minor earned as a result of completing degree requirements for the Forensic and Investigative Sciences major
As a result of completing a Bachelor of Science in Forensic and Investigative Sciences and depending on the concentration selected, a student may earn enough credit hours to satisfy the requirements for a minor in chemistry in addition to the major in FIS. Also, a student majoring in FIS, with the selection of additional electives, may also earn minors in other areas (e.g., biology minor or criminal justice general minor). Please consult with the academic advisor for the FIS program and the appropriate academic unit that awards the minor.
Bachelor of Science: Forensic and Investigative Sciences Biology Concentration Sample Plan of Study (126 cr.)
Freshman Year
| First Semester | |
| BIOL-K101 Concepts of Biology I | 5 |
| CHEM-C105 Principles of Chemistry I | 3 |
| CHEM-C125 Experimental Chemistry I | 2 |
| MATH 23100 Calculus for the Life Sciences I | 3 |
| FIS 20500 Concepts of Forensic Science I | 3 |
| SCI-I120 Windows on Science | 1 |
| Total | 17 |
| Second Semester | |
| BIOL-K103 Concepts of Biology II | 5 |
| CHEM-C106 Principles of Chemistry II | 3 |
| CHEM-C126 Experimental Chemistry II | 2 |
| MATH 23200 Calculus for the Life Sciences II | 3 |
| FIS 20600 Concepts of Forensic Science II | 3 |
| Total | 16 |
Sophomore Year
| Third Semester | |
| ENG-W131 Reading, Writing and Inquiry | 3 |
| BIOL-K322 Genetics and Molecular Biology | 3 |
| BIOL-K323 Genetics and Molecular Biology Lab (Fa) | 2 |
| CHEM-C341 Organic Chemistry I | 3 |
| CHEM-C343 Organic Chemistry Laboratory I | 2 |
| Arts and Humanities/Social Sciences (choose from list) | 3 |
| Total | 16 |
| Fourth Semester | |
| COMM-R110 Fundamentals of Speech Communication | 3 |
| CHEM-C342 Organic Chemistry II | 3 |
| CHEM-C344 Organic Chemistry Laboratory II | 2 |
| BIOL-K324 Cell Biology | 3 |
| BIOL-K325 Cell Biology Laboratory | 2 |
| STAT 30100 Elementary Statistical Methods 1 | 3 |
| Total | 16 |
Junior Year
| Fifth Semester | |
| BIOL-K483 Biological Chemistry | 3 |
| PHYS-P201 General Physics I | 5 |
| Advanced Science Elective (FIS 30600 recommended) | 3 |
| 2nd written communication course | 3 |
| Total | 14 |
| Sixth Semester | |
| FIS 30500 Professional Issues in Forensic Science | 3 |
| PHYS-P202 General Physics II | 5 |
| Advanced Science Elective | 3 |
| BIOL-K484 Cellular Biochemistry | 3 |
| Arts and Humanities/Social Sciences (choose from list) | 3 |
| Total | 17 |
Senior Year
| Seventh Semester | |
| FIS 40200 Forensic Biology I | 3 |
| FIS 40201 Forensic Biology I Laboratory | 2 |
| FIS 49000 Forensic Science Capstone | 2 |
| Computer Programming (approved elective course) | 3 |
| Advanced Science Elective | 3 |
| Arts and Humanities/Social Sciences (choose from list) | 3 |
| Total | 16 |
| Eighth Semester | |
| FIS 40300 Forensic Biology II | 3 |
| FIS 40301 Forensic Biology II Laboratory | 2 |
| FIS 41500 Forensic Science and the Law | 3 |
| Advanced Science Elective | 3 |
| Cultural Understanding (choose from list) | 3 |
| CAND 99100 Candidate for Graduation | 0 |
| Total | 14 |
Bachelor of Science: Forensic and Investigative Sciences Chemistry Option Sample Plan of Study (123 cr.)
Freshman Year
| First Semester | |
| BIOL-K101 Concepts of Biology I | 5 |
| CHEM-C105 Principles of Chemistry I | 3 |
| CHEM-C125 Experimental Chemistry I | 2 |
| MATH 23100 Calculus for the Life Sciences | 3 |
| FIS 20500 Concepts of Forensic Science I | 3 |
| SCI-I120 Windows on Science | 1 |
| Total | 17 |
| Second Semester | |
| BIOL-K103 Concepts of Biology II | 5 |
| CHEM-C106 Principles of Chemistry II | 3 |
| CHEM-C126 Experimental Chemistry II | 2 |
| MATH 23200 Calculus for the Life Sciences II | 3 |
| FIS 20600 Concepts of Forensic Science II | 3 |
| Total | 16 |
Sophomore Year
| Third Semester | |
| CHEM-C341 Organic Chemistry I | 3 |
| CHEM-C343 Organic Chemistry Laboratory I | 2 |
| PHYS-P201 General Physics I | 5 |
| ENG-W131 Reading, Writing and Inquiry | 3 |
| Culutural Understanding (choose from list) | 3 |
| Total | 16 |
| Fourth Semester | |
| CHEM-C342 Organic Chemistry II | 3 |
| CHEM-C344 Organic Chemistry Laboratory II | 2 |
| PHYS-P202 General Physics II | 5 |
| STAT 30100 Elementary Statistical Methods | 3 |
| COMM-R110 Fundamentals of Speech Communication | 3 |
| Total | 16 |
Junior Year
| Fifth Semester | |
| Computer Programming (approved elective course) | 3 |
| Advanced Science Elective | 3 |
| FIS 30600 Forensic Microscopy | 3 |
| 2nd written communication course | 3 |
| Arts and Humanities/Social Sciences (choose from list) | 3 |
| Total | 15 |
| Sixth Semester | |
| CHEM-C310 Analytical Chemistry | 3 |
| CHEM-C311 Analytical Chemistry Laboratory | 1 |
| CHEM-C360 Introductory Physical Chemistry | 3 |
| FIS 30500 Professional Issues in Forensic Science | 3 |
| Advanced Science Elective | 3 |
| Arts and Humanities/Social Sciences (choose from list) | 3 |
| Total | 16 |
Senior Year
| Seventh Semester | |
| CHEM-C410 Principles of Chem. Instrumentation | 3 |
| CHEM-C411 Principles of Chem. Instrumentation Lab | 2 |
| FIS 40100 Forensic Chemistry I | 3 |
| FIS 40101 Forensic Chemistry I Laboratory | 1 |
| FIS 41500 Forensic Science and the Law | 3 |
| FIS 49000 Forensic Science Capstone | 2 |
| Total | 14 |
| Eighth Semester | |
| FIS 40400 Forensic Chemistry II | 3 |
| FIS 41401 Forensic Chemistry II Laboratory | 1 |
| Advanced Science Electives | 6 |
| Arts and Humanities/Social Sciences (choose from list) | 3 |
| CAND 99100 Candidate for Graduation | 0 |
| Total | 13 |