Forensic Science at University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Instruction
Forensic science is any science that is conducted for use in the legal system. Often, this science is applied to criminal cases. The Forensic Science Program provides undergraduate students with a well-rounded education in the sciences, mathematics, and statistics, and includes the choice of three instructional tracks depending upon a student's interests and career goals: Crime Scene Investigation (CSI), Forensic Biology, and Forensic Chemistry.
Instructional Tracks
The CSI option prepares a student to collect, preserve, and interpret physical evidence using standard crime scene investigatory and evidence analysis techniques. Courses include genetics, microbiology, forensic entomology (insects), crime scene investigation lab, bloodstain evidence, crime scene management, DNA analysis, taphonomy (decomposition), and pollen analysis.
The Forensic Biology option prepares students for graduate study or professional careers in academia, research, industry, law or medicine. Courses include biochemistry, molecular and cellular biology, genetics, human physiology, microbiology, immunology, forensic biology, forensic photography, bloodstain evidence, bioinformatics, and pollen analysis.
The Forensic Chemistry option teaches techniques used for chemical analysis of forensically important materials and non-biological evidence; it prepares a student to work in a laboratory setting, identifying and analyzing a wide range of biological evidence, including DNA and body fluids. Courses include biochemistry, human physiology, analytical chemistry, DNA analysis, toxicology, taphonomy (decomposition), and pollen analysis.
There is also a pre-law option that allows students to receive their bachelor's degree in forensic science and their Juris Doctor degree in six years, rather than the traditional seven.
Forensic science graduates have found careers in the military, governmental, medical, legal, and law enforcement fields.
The primary audiences for this subject guide are the students, staff, and faculty of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Others are welcome to use this guide. However, if you are not affiliated with University of Nebraska-Lincoln, you will not be able to access all of the content linked to these pages.
