Embedded Certificate in Forensic Sciences
Forensic Science is a growing field and offers an excellent point of entry for students interested in combining natural and social scientific method and theory. The goal of this certificate is to use lecture, lab, and field work to prepare students for careers in Anthropology, Biology, Chemistry, or Criminology, with a focus on forensic applications. Interdisciplinary and practical training in forensics offers high-quality employment opportunities in the private sector and in federal, state, and local agencies including law enforcement, The Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and state and federal bureaus of investigation.
For more information, please see the Academic Catalog.
The program offers a flexible path towards completion for students from any department of origin and with any previous level of experience in forensics. Achieving this certificate will give our students an edge in today's highly competitive labor market while encouraging a positive social contribution and commitment to community.
To apply for the Forensic Sciences Certificate complete the Online Application.
Program Location
Carrollton Campus
Method of Delivery
Face to Face
Accreditation
The University of West Georgia is accredited by The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Credit and transfer
Total semester hours required: 16-17
This program may be earned entirely face-to-face. However, depending on the courses chosen, a student may choose to take some partially or fully online courses.
Save money
UWG is often ranked as one of the most affordable accredited universities of its kind, regardless of the method of delivery chosen.
Details
- Total tuition costs and fees may vary, depending on the instructional method of the courses in which the student chooses to enroll.
- The more courses a student takes in a single term, the more they will typically save in fees and total cost.
- Face-to-face or partially online courses are charged at the general tuition rate and all mandatory campus fees, based on the student's residency (non-residents are charged at a higher rate).
- Fully or entirely online course tuition rates and fees my vary depending on the program. Students enrolled in exclusively online courses do not pay non-Resident rates.
- Together this means that GA residents pay about the same if they take all face-to-face or partially online courses as they do if they take only fully online courses exclusively; while non-residents save money by taking fully online courses.
- One word of caution: If a student takes a combination of face-to-face and online courses in a single term, he/she will pay both all mandatory campus fees and the higher eTuition rate.
- For cost information, as well as payment deadlines, see the Student Accounts and Billing Services website
There are a variety of financial assistance options for students, including scholarships and work study programs. Visit the Office of Financial Aid's website for more information.
General
Requirements - minimum 5 courses (16-17 hours)
- Any two basic science courses from the list below:
- BIOL 1010 Fundamentals of Biology and BIOL 1010L Fundamentals of Biology Lab
- BIOL 1107 Principles of Biology and BIOL Principles of Biology I Lab
- BIOL 1108 Principles of Biology and BIOL Principles of Biology II Lab
- CHEM 1100 Introductory Chemistry and CHEM 1100 Introductory Chemistry Laboratory
- CHEM 1151K Survey of Chemistry I
- CHEM 1152K Survey of Chemistry II
- CHEM 1211 Principles of Chemistry I and CHEM 1211L Principles of Chemistry I Laboratory
- CHEM 1212 Principles of Chemistry II and CHEM 1212L Principles of Chemistry II Laboratory
- At least one forensic course from the list below:
- ANTH 4125 Forensic Anthropology
- CHEM 3130 Modern Forensic Science
- Any two other courses with themes in forensic science from the list immediately above or below (one must be from COSS [ANTH or CRIM]
- ANTH 3110 Human Osteology
- BIOL 4241 Entomology
- BIOL 2021/L Anatomy and Physiology I or BIOL 2022/L Anatomy and Physiology II
- CHEM 3140 Drugs and Drug Abuse
- CRIM 3411 Criminal Investigations
- CRIM 3242 Drug Abuse
- CRIM 4000 Research Methodology
- ANTH 3250 Field Methods in Physical Anthropology or Archaeological Field Research
- ANTH 3200 (or 4983) Directed Research or ANTH 4112 Senior Thesis - min 3 credit level, Forensic topic*
- BIOL 4981 Independent Study or BIOL 4983 Senior Biology Research - min 3 credit level, Forensic Topic*
- CRIM 4981 Directed Readings - min 3 credit level, Forensic* experience/topic*
This course will introduce students to the basics of skeletal biology and learn how to accurately identify the elements of the human skeleton. It will include the major landmarks of each skeletal element with an aim to understanding the functional morphology of bones in an individual and as an anatomical system.
This is a research project carried out under the guidance of a faculty member. Discussion of research areas with the faculty must be completed before registration. A formal report of the results of the research must be presented to the faculty of the Anthropology program.
In this practical course, students will learn and apply basic lab and field methods in Forensic Archaeology and Biological Anthropology. We will explore techniques used in osteology, forensics, bioarchaeology, paleoanthropology, and primatology through hands-on activities, guided research, presentation, and written reports.
This course will include a detailed study of the human skeleton. Primary focus will be on the methods used to identify human remains within a legal context. Responsibilities and ethics of a forensic anthropologist will be discussed.
An introduction in basic biological phenomena. Emphasis will be placed on humans and processes within the human biology. Topics include: biological molecules, cells, organ systems, genetics, biological diversity, and the interaction of man with his environment.
Laboratory component of BIOL 1010.
This course is the first of a two-part sequence for nursing and non-biology science majors. Topics include biomolecules, cell structure and function, energy metabolism, photosynthesis, cell reproduction, and genetics.
The laboratory component for BIOL 1107. Lecture and lab must be taken in the same term.
This course is the second of a two-part sequence for nursing and non-biology science majors. Topics include evolution, plant and animal physiology, and ecology.
The laboratory component for BIOL 1108.
The study of insects. This course is designed to provide students with a basic understanding of insect taxonomy, morphology, physiology, behavior, and evolution. The relationships between insects and humans, other animals, and plants will be examined. The influences of insects on culture, religion, art, history, and colonization will be discussed. The laboratory will be devoted primarily to developing an understanding of insect identification.
Independent study of topics not offered in the current term. Independent study is only available for topics addressed by current courses if the topical course will not be offered during the academic year, or if the scheduling of the topical course is such that it will require a delay in timely completion of the degree for the student.
A one semester course covering some basic concepts and applications of chemistry for non-science majors. There is an optional laboratory component.
First course in a two-semester sequence covering the fundamental principles and applications of chemistry for science majors. Topics to be covered include composition of matter, stoichiometry, periodic relations, and nomenclature. MATH 1113 and CHEM 1211L may be taken concurrently.
Laboratory exercises supplement the lecture material of CHEM 1211.
Second course in a two-semester sequence covering the fundamental principles and applications of chemistry for science majors. Topics to be covered include chemical bonding, properties of solids, liquids and gases, solutions, equilibria, acids and bases, solubility, thermodynamics, kinetics and electricity. Corequisite: CHEM 1212L
Laboratory exercises supplement the lecture material of CHEM 1212.
An examination of the current and historical patterns of alcohol, drug use, abuse, and control. Emphasis will be given to the patterns of usage, way these drugs affect body and types of rehabilitation centers. See CRIM 3242. Not applicable as a Chemistry elective for students majoring or minoring in Chemistry.
An examination of the current and historical patterns of alcohol and drug use, abuse, and control. Strong emphasis will be given to patterns of usage and types and kinds of programs used by helping agencies in the rehabilitation process. Same as CHM 3140.
This course examines the basic principles of criminal investigation. Coverage includes study of current investigative procedures used in handling of crime scenes, interviews, evidence, surveillance, report writing, modus operandi, and technical resources. In addition, this course explores theories, philosophies, and concepts related to prevention, apprehension, and suppression of crimes.
An introduction to the logic and procedures of quantitative and qualitative research methods. Focuses on research design, use of computer and statistical packages, date interpretation, the relation of research and theory, and the writing of scientific research reports.
Title and description of the type of independent study to be offered will be specified on the variable credit form students must complete before registering for the class. May be repeated three times for credit.
No faculty members listed
Application Deadlines
For more information, go to UWG Admission Deadlines
Contact
678-839-6455 phone
678-839-6466 fax
Email: anth@westga.edu
Specific dates for Admissions (Undergraduate Only), Financial Aid, Fee Payment, Registration, Start/End of Term Dates, Final Exams, etc. are available in THE SCOOP.
Specific Graduate Admissions Deadlines are available via the Graduate School
Objectives not available