Forensic Chemistry

Bachelor of Science Program

A Collaboration of the University at Albany with the New York State Police Forensic Investigation Center The Department of Chemistry at the University at Albany, in conjunction with the New York State Police Forensic Investigation Center, offers a new forensic chemistry sequence within the Bachelor of Science degree program. Graduates of this program will be prepared to enter rewarding careers in all fields of chemistry, especially forensic chemistry and analytical chemistry.

Careers

A new academic track in undergraduate chemistry is part of a unique collaboration between the University at Albany and the New York State Police called the Northeast Regional Forensic Institute. The program ensures that students are ready to work in forensic laboratories across the nation when they graduate. The chemistry track emphasizes the fundamental science underlying forensic chemistry. As such, it offers rigorous training in the theories and practical aspects of chemistry, especially analytical chemistry. The program prepares students to enter a professional career in forensic or analytical chemistry.

Job opportunities abound in the field of forensic science, where the demand is great for trained professionals who adhere to the highest standards in the analysis of evidence. According to a survey conducted by the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors (ASCLD), "An additional 9,000 new forensic scientists are needed nationwide" to address the needs of our forensic crime laboratories. Newly trained forensic scientists will provide the valuable research and development underlying the new technologies needed to carry forensics into the future while providing the current resources and technologies required to ensure that the analysis of evidence is performed in a timely manner.

Individuals seeking employment in a forensic science laboratory may be required to undergo a background check. This background check could be extensive and include a lie detector test, fingerprinting, and drug testing.

Admissions Requirements

Undergraduates who seek to enter the Bachelor of Science in Chemistry major with an emphasis in forensic chemistry must have satisfied the prerequisites A Chm 225 (Quantitative Analysis), and A Chm 430 (Instrumental Analysis). In addition, they must have senior class standing to take A Chm 450 A, B (Forensic Chemistry). The forensic chemistry emphasis requires a combined major and minor sequence of 69 credit hours. For a complete description of the curriculum, see the University at Albany's Undergraduate Bulletin, and the UAlbany Web site.

Internships

A recent study in the Journal of Forensic Science states that internships be developed so that "college level students participate in science activities as a forerunner to a career." Students in the University at Albany Bachelor of Science in Chemistry program with an emphasis on forensics will have the chance to enroll in internships that will give them hands-on training in a professional forensic laboratory. Students must apply six months in advance of the internship, and may become interns in their senior year. Students may be eligible for paid internships.

Financial Aid

Contact the Office of Financial Aid at (518) 442-5757 for more information.

For More Information

In you are interested in applying to this program, please contact the University at Albany Undergraduate Admission Office.

Course Requirements

Students in the B.S. program will be instructed by a team of interdisciplinary faculty from the Department of Chemistry, other departments within the University, and the professional staff from the New York State Police Forensic Investigation Center. The list of required courses is given below and in the Undergraduate Bulletin.

B. S. in Chemistry with an Emphasis in Forensic Chemistry

  • A Chm 120 N, 121 N General Chemistry (3,3)
  • A Chm 122 A, B General Chemistry Lab (1,1)
  • A Chm 216 A, B Organic Chemistry (3,3)
  • A Chm 217 A, B Organic Chemistry Lab (1, 1)
  • A Chm 225 Quantitative Analysis (3)
  • A Chm 340 A, B Physical Chemistry (3,3)
  • A Chm 341 Z Physical Chemistry (3)
  • A Chm 342 Biological Chemistry (3)
  • or A Chm 440 A Comprehensive Biochemistry (3)
  • A Chm 417 Advanced Synthesis (3)
  • A Chm 420 A Inorganic Chemistry (3)
  • A Chm 430 Instrumental Analysis (3)
  • A Chm 450 A, B Forensic Chemistry (3,3)
  • A Mat 111 or 112 or 118 Differential Calculus (4)
  • A Mat 113 or 119 Integral Calculus (4)
  • A Mat 214 Multivariable Calculus (4)
  • A Mat 108 Elementary Statistics (3)
  • A Phy 140N Mechanics (4)
  • A Phy 145 Mechanics Lab (1)
  • A Phy 150 Electricity and Magnetism (3)
  • A Phy 155 Electricity and Magnetism Lab (1)