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- College of Science
College of Science
Forensic science focuses on applying science and technology to the field of law. At LIU, we prepare you for a variety of jobs working in crime labs as a crime scene investigator, evidence technician with the police department and other similar roles.
As a forensic scientist you will bring the most advanced scientific tools to bear on the most pressing problems, including solving crimes and saving lives. The challenge of forensic science is to look back in time to determine the who, what, when, where and why of disputed events. In your search for clues that dispel mysteries and serve justice, you will investigate everything from DNA, blood and other body fluids to textiles, footwear, footprints, tire tracks, documents and signatures, flammables, pollutants and much more.
LIU Post's BS in Forensic Science degree prepares students for a rewarding careers in the lab, from police departments to medical examiners’ offices, toxicology and pathology. The program integrates lecture courses with laboratory work and hands-on field experiences. Students study a broad range of forensic applications such as molecular pathology, criminalistics, human genetics and forensic anthropology. Classes are taught by practicing forensic scientists, medical professionals and LIU Post professors of biomedical sciences, chemistry, criminal justice and forensic science. In addition, students serve as interns at highly-productive Long Island and Manhattan crime laboratories, health departments and medical examiners’ offices.
| Course # | Course Name | Credits |
| Required Foundation Courses | ||
| BIO 120 | General Biology I | 4 |
| BIO 122 | General Biology II | 4 |
| CHM 103 | Principles of Chemistry I | 4 |
| CHM 104 | Principles of Chemistry II | 4 |
| CHM 121 | Organic Chemistry I | 4 |
| CHM 122 | Organic Chemistry II | 4 |
| One of the following | ||
| BIO 341 | Biostatistics | 3 |
| ECO 272 | Statistics | 3 |
| MTH 119 | Basic Statistics | 3 |
| MTH 423 | Foundations of Statistical Analysis | 3 |
| PSY 210 | Psychological Statistics I | 4 |
| SOC 353 | Sociological Statistics | 3 |
| One of the following sequences | ||
| PHY 103 | University Physics I | 4 |
| PHY 104 | University Physics II | 4 |
| OR | ||
| PHY 131 | College Physics I | 4 |
| PHY 132 | College Physics II | |
| Required Specialized Science Courses (19 credits) | ||
| BIO 207 | Genetics | 4 |
| CHM 37 | Quantitative Analysis | 4 |
| CHM 71 | Basic Biochemistry | 4 |
| BMS 80 | Immunology | 3 |
| BMS 256 | Diagnostic Techniques in Molecular Pathology | 4 |
| Required Forensic Science Courses (22 credits) | ||
| FSC 51 | Forensic Anthropology | 3 |
| FSC 201 | Introduction to Criminalistics | 4 |
| FSC 255 | Toxicology | 3 |
| FSC 257 | Applications of Forensic Biology | 4 |
| BMS 255 | Toxicology | 3 |
| BMS 257 | Forensic Molecular Technology | 4 |
| BMS 271 | Forensic Internship | 2 |
| BMS 271 | Forensic Instrumentation | 4 |
| BMS 271 | Criminal Procedure | 3 |
| Recommended Elective courses: CHM 24, BIO 201, BMS 90 or BIO 250, BMS 51, 63, 244, PSY 281 or CRJ 35, CRJ 47, PHI 19, FSC 359 | ||
|
Institutional Learning Outcome (ILO) |
Courses |
|
ILO 1: Creative and Reflective Capacities (3 credits) Openness to new ideas, integrative and reflective thinking, investigation, and synthesis of existing knowledge as a way of creating, appreciating, and reflecting on original, innovative work grounded in scientific, humanistic, historical, and/or aesthetic disciplinary knowledge. |
ART 101: Introduction to Art ART 105: Introduction to Beginning Drawing ART 106: 3D Visualization and Production ART 131: Pottery and Ceramic Sculpture I CIN/FIL 109: Screenwriting II CIN 111: History of World Cinema CMA 109: Media Arts and Technology DNC 108: History of Dance ENG 167: Creativity and Nature ENG 182: Introduction to Creative Writing ENG 183: Creative Non-Fiction JOU 110: Journalism, Media and You MA 109: Media Arts and Technology MUS 101: Introduction to Musical Concepts MUS 102: Music Fundamentals MUS 110: Introduction to World Music PHI 172: Philosophy and the Mind SPE/ORC 105: Public Speaking THE 100: Introduction to Drama THE 111: The Art of Theatre THE 143: Shakespeare in Performance THE 193: Theatre Research/Performance |
|
ILO 2: Historical and Intercultural Awareness (6 credits) Recognition of oneself as a member of a global community consisting of diverse cultures with unique histories and geographies. |
History HIS 100: American Civilization to 1877 HIS 101: Perspectives on Premodern World History HIS 102: Perspectives on Modern World History HIS 108: American Civilization since 1877 Intercultural Awareness ANT #: Any Anthropology Course ART 104: Introduction to Visual Arts CIN 105: The Art of Documentary ENG 115: Global Literatures ENG 132: Shakespeare ENG 158: American Literature FRE 111: Introduction to French I FRE 112: Introduction to French II GGR 102: Geography and the Global Citizen HIS 144: Topics in Asian History HIS 157: Topics in Latin American History ITL 111: Introduction to Italian I ITL 112: Introduction to Italian II MUS 103: Music in Western Civilization MUS 146: History of Hip Hop MUS 147: History of Rock Music MUS 159: History of Country Music PHI 170: Philosophies of Love and Sex POL 150: International Relations POL 161: Introduction to Comparative Politics SPA 111: Introduction to Spanish I SPA 112: Introduction to Spanish II SOC 103: Gender and Sexual Diversity SOC 135: Global Cultures SOC 165: Culture and Society SOC 103: Gender and Sexual Diversity SOC 165: Culture and Society SPE 100: Oral Communication THE 142: Modern Theatre History |
|
ILO 3: Quantitative and Scientific Reasoning (7-8 credits) Competence in interpreting numerical and scientific data in order to draw conclusions, construct meaningful arguments, solve problems, and gain a better understanding of complex issues within a discipline or in everyday contexts. |
Scientific Reasoning AST 109/109A: Introductory Astronomy I AST 110/110A: Introductory Astronomy II BIO 120/120L: General Biology I BIO 124/124L: Foundations of Biology I BIO 125/125L: The Science of Sustainability BIO 126/126L: DNA and Human Life BIO 137/137L: Human Anatomy and Physiology I CHM 101/101L: Chemistry for Health Science I CHM 103/103L: Principles of Chemistry I ERS 101/101L: Weather and Climate ERS 102/102L: Planet Earth ERS 103/103L: Oceanography ERS 125/125L: Environmental Sustainability Science FSC 100/100L: Introduction to Forensic Chemistry PHY 103: University Physics I PHY 104: University Physics II PHY 120/120L: The Physical Universe PHY 127/127L: Physics for Pharmacy PHY 131/131L: General Physics I PHY 131/131L: College Physics I PHY 132/132L: General Physic II PHY 132/132L: College Physics II Quantitative Reasoning MTH #: Any Mathematics Course |
|
ILO 4: Oral and Written Communication (6 credits) Knowledge and skill in exchanging informed and well-reasoned ideas in effective and meaningful ways through a range of media to promote full understanding for various purposes, among different audiences and in a variety of contexts and disciplines. |
Written Communication ENG 110: Writing I – Composition and Analysis ENG 111: Writing II – Research and Argumentation |
|
ILO 5: Information and Technological Literacies (3 credits) Ability to use information and communication technologies to find, evaluate, create, and effectively and responsibly use and share that information, requiring both cognitive and technical skills. |
CGPH 126: Web Design for Everyone EDI 100: Contemporary Issues in Education ENG 148: Ideas and Themes n Literature ENG 173: Writing in the Community ENG 175: Writing in the Professions ENG 178: Writing in the Sciences HIS 107: Engaging the Past HIS 190: Research Problems in History POL 100: Research Problems in Political Science SOC 102: Social Problems SOC 148: Medical Sociology SOC 148: Sociology of Health and Illness |
|
ILO 6: Critical Inquiry and Analysis (3 credits) Reflective assessment and critique of evidence, applying theory, and practicing discernment in the analysis of existing ideas and in the production of new knowledge across a broad array of fields or disciplines. |
ENG 103: Grammar and the Structure of English ENG 112: World Literatures I ENG 113: World Literatures II ENG 140: Introduction to Literature ENG 180: Literary Genres FRE 100: French Cinema GGR 101: The Geography of Sustainable Development HIS 104: Topics in American History HIS 120: Topics in Medieval History HIS 164: History of Gender and Sexuality HIS 167: History of Science and Technology PHI 100: Beginning Philosophy PHI 163: Philosophy of Art PHI 179: Social and Political Philosophy POL 147: Political Psychology POL 156: Diplomacy and Negotiation PSY 103: General Psychology PSY 111: Psychological Perspectives on Teaching and Learning SOC 100: Introduction to Sociology SOC 112: Gender, Race and Ethnicity SOC 126: Sociology of Gender SOC 161: Sociology of Sport |
|
ILO 7: Ethical Reasoning and Civic Engagement (3 credits) Evaluation of ethical issues in conduct and thinking, development of ethical self-awareness, consideration of various perspectives, and responsible and humane engagement in local and global communities. |
ART 177: High Impact Art CIN/FIL 103: Major Forces in the Cinema ECO 101: Microeconomics ECO 102: Macroeconomics ENG 150: Empathy and Literature HIS 116: History of Race and Society HIS 158: History of Politics and Power PHI 105: Bioethics PHI 113: Philosophy and Film PHY 178: Ethics and Society POL 101: Introduction to Political Science POL 102: Introduction to American Politics POL 123: Political Parties and Public Opinion SOC 108: Sociology of Youth SOC 109: Social Movements and Change SOC 110: Human Rights and Social Justice SOC 119: Sociology of the Family SOC 122: American Social Problems/Global Context SPA 105: The Hispanic World |
|
Institutional Learning Outcome (ILO) |
Courses |
|
ILO 1: Creative and Reflective Capacities (3 credits) Openness to new ideas, integrative and reflective thinking, investigation, and synthesis of existing knowledge as a way of creating, appreciating, and reflecting on original, innovative work grounded in scientific, humanistic, historical, and/or aesthetic disciplinary knowledge. |
ART 101: Introduction to Art ART 105: Introduction to Beginning Drawing ART 106: 3D Visualization and Production ART 131: Pottery and Ceramic Sculpture I CIN/FIL 109: Screenwriting II CIN 111: History of World Cinema CMA 109: Media Arts and Technology DNC 108: History of Dance ENG 167: Creativity and Nature ENG 182: Introduction to Creative Writing ENG 183: Creative Non-Fiction JOU 110: Journalism, Media and You MA 109: Media Arts and Technology MUS 101: Introduction to Musical Concepts MUS 102: Music Fundamentals MUS 110: Introduction to World Music PHI 172: Philosophy and the Mind SPE/ORC 105: Public Speaking THE 100: Introduction to Drama THE 111: The Art of Theatre THE 143: Shakespeare in Performance THE 193: Theatre Research/Performance |
|
ILO 2: Historical and Intercultural Awareness (6 credits) Recognition of oneself as a member of a global community consisting of diverse cultures with unique histories and geographies. |
History HIS 100: American Civilization to 1877 HIS 101: Perspectives on Premodern World History HIS 102: Perspectives on Modern World History HIS 108: American Civilization since 1877 Intercultural Awareness ANT #: Any Anthropology Course ART 104: Introduction to Visual Arts CIN 105: The Art of Documentary ENG 115: Global Literatures ENG 132: Shakespeare ENG 158: American Literature FRE 111: Introduction to French I FRE 112: Introduction to French II GGR 102: Geography and the Global Citizen HIS 144: Topics in Asian History HIS 157: Topics in Latin American History ITL 111: Introduction to Italian I ITL 112: Introduction to Italian II MUS 103: Music in Western Civilization MUS 146: History of Hip Hop MUS 147: History of Rock Music MUS 159: History of Country Music PHI 170: Philosophies of Love and Sex POL 150: International Relations POL 161: Introduction to Comparative Politics SPA 111: Introduction to Spanish I SPA 112: Introduction to Spanish II SOC 103: Gender and Sexual Diversity SOC 135: Global Cultures SOC 165: Culture and Society SOC 103: Gender and Sexual Diversity SOC 165: Culture and Society SPE 100: Oral Communication THE 142: Modern Theatre History |
|
ILO 3: Quantitative and Scientific Reasoning (7-8 credits) Competence in interpreting numerical and scientific data in order to draw conclusions, construct meaningful arguments, solve problems, and gain a better understanding of complex issues within a discipline or in everyday contexts. |
Scientific Reasoning AST 109/109A: Introductory Astronomy I AST 110/110A: Introductory Astronomy II BIO 120/120L: General Biology I BIO 124/124L: Foundations of Biology I BIO 125/125L: The Science of Sustainability BIO 126/126L: DNA and Human Life BIO 137/137L: Human Anatomy and Physiology I CHM 101/101L: Chemistry for Health Science I CHM 103/103L: Principles of Chemistry I ERS 101/101L: Weather and Climate ERS 102/102L: Planet Earth ERS 103/103L: Oceanography ERS 125/125L: Environmental Sustainability Science FSC 100/100L: Introduction to Forensic Chemistry PHY 103: University Physics I PHY 104: University Physics II PHY 120/120L: The Physical Universe PHY 127/127L: Physics for Pharmacy PHY 131/131L: General Physics I PHY 131/131L: College Physics I PHY 132/132L: General Physic II PHY 132/132L: College Physics II Quantitative Reasoning MTH #: Any Mathematics Course |
|
ILO 4: Oral and Written Communication (6 credits) Knowledge and skill in exchanging informed and well-reasoned ideas in effective and meaningful ways through a range of media to promote full understanding for various purposes, among different audiences and in a variety of contexts and disciplines. |
Written Communication ENG 110: Writing I – Composition and Analysis ENG 111: Writing II – Research and Argumentation |
|
ILO 5: Information and Technological Literacies (3 credits) Ability to use information and communication technologies to find, evaluate, create, and effectively and responsibly use and share that information, requiring both cognitive and technical skills. |
AI 105: AI Fundamentals CGPH 126: Web Design for Everyone DA 108: Applied AI: Strategy and Innovation EDI 100: Contemporary Issues in Education ENG 148: Ideas and Themes n Literature ENG 173: Writing in the Community ENG 175: Writing in the Professions ENG 178: Writing in the Sciences HIS 107: Engaging the Past HIS 190: Research Problems in History POL 100: Research Problems in Political Science SOC 102: Social Problems SOC 148: Medical Sociology SOC 148: Sociology of Health and Illness |
|
ILO 6: Critical Inquiry and Analysis (3 credits) Reflective assessment and critique of evidence, applying theory, and practicing discernment in the analysis of existing ideas and in the production of new knowledge across a broad array of fields or disciplines. |
ENG 103: Grammar and the Structure of English ENG 112: World Literatures I ENG 113: World Literatures II ENG 140: Introduction to Literature ENG 180: Literary Genres FRE 100: French Cinema GGR 101: The Geography of Sustainable Development HIS 104: Topics in American History HIS 120: Topics in Medieval History HIS 164: History of Gender and Sexuality HIS 167: History of Science and Technology PHI 100: Beginning Philosophy PHI 163: Philosophy of Art PHI 179: Social and Political Philosophy POL 147: Political Psychology POL 156: Diplomacy and Negotiation PSY 103: General Psychology PSY 111: Psychological Perspectives on Teaching and Learning SOC 100: Introduction to Sociology SOC 112: Gender, Race and Ethnicity SOC 126: Sociology of Gender SOC 161: Sociology of Sport |
|
ILO 7: Ethical Reasoning and Civic Engagement (3 credits) Evaluation of ethical issues in conduct and thinking, development of ethical self-awareness, consideration of various perspectives, and responsible and humane engagement in local and global communities. |
AI 110: AI Ethics and Society ART 177: High Impact Art CIN/FIL 103: Major Forces in the Cinema ECO 101: Microeconomics ECO 102: Macroeconomics ENG 150: Empathy and Literature HIS 116: History of Race and Society HIS 158: History of Politics and Power PHI 105: Bioethics PHI 113: Philosophy and Film PHY 178: Ethics and Society POL 101: Introduction to Political Science POL 102: Introduction to American Politics POL 123: Political Parties and Public Opinion SOC 108: Sociology of Youth SOC 109: Social Movements and Change SOC 110: Human Rights and Social Justice SOC 119: Sociology of the Family SOC 122: American Social Problems/Global Context SPA 105: The Hispanic World |
FSC 100 Introduction to Forensic Chemistry I
This course is the first part of a two-semester sequence in forensic chemistry for non-science majors. Students learn basic forensic chemistry and its application in real-world forensic investigations. Topics include law and science, the scientific method, forensic crime laboratories, crime scenes, fingerprint development and analysis, narcotics, toxicology, and death investigation. Three hours lecture, three hours laboratory.
FSC 100 and FSC 100L must be taken as co-requisites.
Credits: 3
Every Fall
FSC 100L Intro Forensic Chemistry I Lab
Laboratory component of Introduction to Forensic Chemistry I.
FSC 100 and FSC 100L must be taken as co-requisites.
Credits: 1
Every Fall and Spring
FSC 201 Introduction to Criminalistics
This course provides an overview of forensic science laboratory techniques including crime scene procedures, chain of custody, photography, physical evidence analysis, microscopy, serology, drug analysis, toxicology, quality control, accreditation, and recent criminal cases. Two-hour lecture and three-hour laboratory.
Credits: 3
Every Spring
FSC 239 Forensic Instrumentation
Introduction to instrumental analysis of physical crime scene evidence with emphasis on theory and use of analytical instruments commonly found in forensic laboratories. Laboratory methods include spectroscopy and chromatography techniques. Three hours lecture, four hours laboratory.
Prerequisites: CHM 222, CHM 237; Not open to Chemistry majors
Co-requisite: FSC 239L
Credits: 3
Every Spring
FSC 239L Forensic Instrumentation Lab
Laboratory component of FSC 239 Forensic Instrumentation.
Co-requisite: FSC 239
Credits: 1
Every Fall
FSC 251 Forensic Anthropology
Study of scientific techniques in physical anthropology used to identify human remains and interpret circumstances surrounding death, including contributions to criminal and humanitarian investigations.
Credits: 3
Every Spring
FSC 255 Toxicology
This course provides a foundation in forensic toxicology, applying analytical and clinical chemistry methods to medicolegal investigations involving drugs, poisonings, and death. Methodologies are explored through student presentations based on peer-reviewed literature.
Prerequisite: CHM 222 or CHM 271
Credits: 3
Every Fall
FSC 256 Diagnostic Techniques in Molecular Pathology
This course covers molecular diagnostic methods used in biotechnology to assist disease diagnosis at the cellular level, including PCR, immunohistochemistry, cloning, genetic probes, and cell culture. Lecture and laboratory components included.
Prerequisite: BMS 203
Co-requisite: FSC 256L
Credits: 3
Every Spring
FSC 256L Forensic Concepts in Biochemical Diagnostics
Laboratory component for forensic concepts in biochemical diagnostics.
Co-requisite: FSC 256
Credits: 1
Every Spring
FSC 257 Forensic Molecular Techniques
Detailed introduction to forensic molecular techniques including DNA profiling, STR analysis, PCR-based typing, DNA databases, mitochondrial DNA, linkage and pedigree analysis, and applied statistics. Three-hour lecture and four-hour laboratory.
Prerequisite: FSC 256
Co-requisite: FSC 257L
Credits: 3
Every Fall
FSC 257L Applications of Forensic Biology – Lab
Laboratory component of Applications of Forensic Biology.
Co-requisite: FSC 257
Credits: 1
Every Fall
FSC 271 Forensic Science Internship
Supervised internship requiring students to apply forensic evidence analysis including document examination, chemistry, toxicology, serology, photography, and microscopy. A final report is required. Internship placements may be on-campus or at approved external facilities. Two hundred hours are required.
Prerequisites: FSC 271, FSC 239, FSC 256
Credits: 2
Every Fall, Spring and Summer
FSC 359 Interpretive Crime Scene Case Reconstruction
This course emphasizes leadership, teamwork, and peer mentorship through investigation of a staged homicide scene. Students reconstruct crime scene events and present findings across multiple forensic concentration areas.
Prerequisite: Sophomore, Junior or Senior status
Credits: 3
Every Fall
FSC 360 Honors Advanced Elective
Focuses on homicide investigation practices including witness interviews, suspect interrogations, and forensic evaluation of evidence. Students complete a term project analyzing a selected homicide case.
Prerequisite: Sophomore, Junior or Senior status
Credits: 3
Every Spring
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