Curriculum Overview
Core Curriculum
This professional Master's program in Forensic Toxicology and Analytical Genetics is now currently accepting online applications.
The following core courses provide foundational information and skill set in advanced forensic science, writing, communication, professionalism, ethics, legal perspectives, and workplace-specific laboratory skills (18 credits). The courses listed in the core curriculum are required for both concentrations. Additional required courses specific to each concentration and electives are listed below.
TOX 780: Special Problems in Toxicology
Exposure to and actual research experience in an area of toxicology other than that encountered by students in their graduate thesis and dissertation research, or in their professional degree. May be repeated to a maximum of ten credits. (With permission of DGS)
(1–10 credits)
TOX 780: Special Problems in Toxicology
Exposure to and actual research experience in an area of toxicology other than that encountered by students in their graduate thesis and dissertation research, or in their professional degree. May be repeated to a maximum of ten credits. (With permission of DGS)
(1–10 credits)
TOX 800: Fundamentals In Forensic Sciences (4)
Fall Term
This course will broadly survey the disciplines and technology within the field of Forensic Sciences. These disciplines include crime scene investigation techniques, medico-legal death investigation, patterned evidence examination, and traditional crime laboratory (criminalistics) disciplines––specifically forensic drug chemistry, forensic toxicology, trace evidence, fire debris, explosives, and forensic molecular biology. A laboratory component provides hands-on exercise with current instrumentation used in Forensic Sciences. This course can be enrolled in by persons not admitted to the professional program, with approval of the Instructor of Record.
TOX 800: Fundamentals In Forensic Sciences (4)
Fall Term
This course will broadly survey the disciplines and technology within the field of Forensic Sciences. These disciplines include crime scene investigation techniques, medico-legal death investigation, patterned evidence examination, and traditional crime laboratory (criminalistics) disciplines––specifically forensic drug chemistry, forensic toxicology, trace evidence, fire debris, explosives, and forensic molecular biology. A laboratory component provides hands-on exercise with current instrumentation used in Forensic Sciences. This course can be enrolled in by persons not admitted to the professional program, with approval of the Instructor of Record.
TOX 810: Communicating in the Forensic Science Profession (1)
Fall Term
This course will introduce students to the science and art of effective communication with a focus on enhancing communication and presentation skills related to the profession of forensic science. This course will prepare students to communicate (in written and oral format) highly technical and scientific information to lay audiences, which could include government and/or political policymakers, attorneys, juries, judges and the like.
TOX 810: Communicating in the Forensic Science Profession (1)
Fall Term
This course will introduce students to the science and art of effective communication with a focus on enhancing communication and presentation skills related to the profession of forensic science. This course will prepare students to communicate (in written and oral format) highly technical and scientific information to lay audiences, which could include government and/or political policymakers, attorneys, juries, judges and the like.
TOX 820: Special Problems in Toxicology: Preparing Professionals in Forensic Science and Analytical Genetics (1)
Spring Term
This course will introduce and develop the professional skills required for obtaining workplace employment in the areas ofForensic Chemistry/Toxicology and Forensic Analytical Genetics. It will prepare students to understand workplace professionalism including proper use of social media, how to search and apply for jobs, and understand goal setting and the importance of work-life balance. Students will learn how to clearly articulate their skill sets, their understanding of their training and how to apply their training to specific workplace environments.
TOX 820: Special Problems in Toxicology: Preparing Professionals in Forensic Science and Analytical Genetics (1)
Spring Term
This course will introduce and develop the professional skills required for obtaining workplace employment in the areas ofForensic Chemistry/Toxicology and Forensic Analytical Genetics. It will prepare students to understand workplace professionalism including proper use of social media, how to search and apply for jobs, and understand goal setting and the importance of work-life balance. Students will learn how to clearly articulate their skill sets, their understanding of their training and how to apply their training to specific workplace environments.
TOX 840: Forensic Science Standards and Practices (3)
Spring Term
This course will examine the day to day considerations of operating a forensic laboratory with emphasis on quality assurance and quality control. Discussions will include considerations of laboratory accreditation and individual certification, employee continuing education, equipment qualification, method validation, rates of error in analytical procedures, proficiency testing, calibration issues, choosing the appropriate sample preparation and analytical technique, and quality control considerations of the actual analysis. Proper documentation with respect to chain of custody, record keeping, and uniform language in reports will also be discussed.
TOX 840: Forensic Science Standards and Practices (3)
Spring Term
This course will examine the day to day considerations of operating a forensic laboratory with emphasis on quality assurance and quality control. Discussions will include considerations of laboratory accreditation and individual certification, employee continuing education, equipment qualification, method validation, rates of error in analytical procedures, proficiency testing, calibration issues, choosing the appropriate sample preparation and analytical technique, and quality control considerations of the actual analysis. Proper documentation with respect to chain of custody, record keeping, and uniform language in reports will also be discussed.
TOX 880: Ethics and Professional Practice in Forensic Science and Analytical DNA (3)
Fall Term
This course will train students in professional practices as they relate to the forensic scientist of the professional working in a modern crime laboratory or DNA testing laboratory (public or private). This course will focus on scientific integrity, ethical behavior, ethics standards and various examples of ethics violations and misconduct in the forensic science and DNA analysis fields. A second focus is on education and training in quality assurance programs and practices and the audit and accreditation processes. The third major focus is on the relationships between forensic science or DNA analysis and the legal system and will include courtroom testimony procedures and oral mock-court scenarios to train the student as an expert witness in the courtroom setting.
TOX 880: Ethics and Professional Practice in Forensic Science and Analytical DNA (3)
Fall Term
This course will train students in professional practices as they relate to the forensic scientist of the professional working in a modern crime laboratory or DNA testing laboratory (public or private). This course will focus on scientific integrity, ethical behavior, ethics standards and various examples of ethics violations and misconduct in the forensic science and DNA analysis fields. A second focus is on education and training in quality assurance programs and practices and the audit and accreditation processes. The third major focus is on the relationships between forensic science or DNA analysis and the legal system and will include courtroom testimony procedures and oral mock-court scenarios to train the student as an expert witness in the courtroom setting.
TOX 980: Internships in Forensic Toxicology and Analytical Genetics (2x3=6)
Spring Term
The internship component of the program provides the student with an opportunity for immersed participation in the professional work environment associated with a laboratory practicing methods in forensic toxicology or analytical genetics. Through hands-on experience in a real work site the student applies the formal classroom knowledge to the real work setting. The work/learning arrangement is supervised by a program faculty member plus the designated representative of the internship site, which will be a private industry, governmental, hospital or other appropriate setting providing real world training in practices and procedures of forensic toxicology or analytical genetics.
TOX 980: Internships in Forensic Toxicology and Analytical Genetics (2x3=6)
Spring Term
The internship component of the program provides the student with an opportunity for immersed participation in the professional work environment associated with a laboratory practicing methods in forensic toxicology or analytical genetics. Through hands-on experience in a real work site the student applies the formal classroom knowledge to the real work setting. The work/learning arrangement is supervised by a program faculty member plus the designated representative of the internship site, which will be a private industry, governmental, hospital or other appropriate setting providing real world training in practices and procedures of forensic toxicology or analytical genetics.
Internship Experiences
The internship component of the program provides the student with an opportunity for immersed participation in the professional work environment associated with laboratory practicing methods in forensic toxicology or analytical genetics.
For more information on Internships, click here.
Forensic Toxicology/Chemistry Concentration
The following courses in pharmacology, toxicology, and instrumentation relevant to advanced training in forensic toxicology/chemistry are required for this concentration. 14 of your total hours are within this curriculum, 36 total hours are required for this concentration.
TOX 860: Forensic and Analytical Toxicology
First Year
Study of chemistry, biochemical activity, isolation and identification of drugs of forensic interest in biological materials. Postmortem, human performance and drug testing scenarios commonly encountered in forensic laboratories are appraised. Advanced concepts in sample preparation and analytical methods for presumptive and confirmatory testing are covered. Many factors affecting the interpretation of toxicology results are considered. A molecular level approach is taken on many topics.
(3 credits)
TOX 860: Forensic and Analytical Toxicology
First Year
Study of chemistry, biochemical activity, isolation and identification of drugs of forensic interest in biological materials. Postmortem, human performance and drug testing scenarios commonly encountered in forensic laboratories are appraised. Advanced concepts in sample preparation and analytical methods for presumptive and confirmatory testing are covered. Many factors affecting the interpretation of toxicology results are considered. A molecular level approach is taken on many topics.
(3 credits)
TOX 663: Drug Metabolism and Disposition
Second Year
Drug metabolism and disposition. Lectures and discussion of the chemistry and biochemistry of drug biotransformation with emphasis on the mixed-function oxidase system.
(2 credits)
TOX 663: Drug Metabolism and Disposition
Second Year
Drug metabolism and disposition. Lectures and discussion of the chemistry and biochemistry of drug biotransformation with emphasis on the mixed-function oxidase system.
(2 credits)
TOX 920: General Instrumental Techniques in Forensic Chemistry
Second Year
Theory and practice of modern instrumental methods used in forensic chemistry laboratories, including mass spectrometry. The class offers an in-depth description of the processes and techniques involved in detection, identification, and quantification of elemental or molecular ionic species by mass spectrometry techniques, and other sensitive analytical techniques. Topics covered in the course include: theory of mass spectrometry, methods of ionization, instrument design, combined chromatography and mass spectrometry, quantitative aspects of mass spectrometry, meta-stable ions in mass spectrometry, recent applications of mass spectrometry techniques, analytical chemistry instrumentation and methods used by forensic scientists for analysis of drugs, toxicology, trace evidence, and sample collection and processing.
(4 credits)
TOX 920: General Instrumental Techniques in Forensic Chemistry
Second Year
Theory and practice of modern instrumental methods used in forensic chemistry laboratories, including mass spectrometry. The class offers an in-depth description of the processes and techniques involved in detection, identification, and quantification of elemental or molecular ionic species by mass spectrometry techniques, and other sensitive analytical techniques. Topics covered in the course include: theory of mass spectrometry, methods of ionization, instrument design, combined chromatography and mass spectrometry, quantitative aspects of mass spectrometry, meta-stable ions in mass spectrometry, recent applications of mass spectrometry techniques, analytical chemistry instrumentation and methods used by forensic scientists for analysis of drugs, toxicology, trace evidence, and sample collection and processing.
(4 credits)
STA 570: Basic Statistical Analysis
1st year
Introduction to methods of analyzing data from experiments and surveys; the role of statistics in research, statistical concepts and models; probability and distribution functions; estimation; hypothesis testing; regression and correlation; analysis of single and multiple classification models; analysis of categorical data.
(3 credits)
STA 570: Basic Statistical Analysis
1st year
Introduction to methods of analyzing data from experiments and surveys; the role of statistics in research, statistical concepts and models; probability and distribution functions; estimation; hypothesis testing; regression and correlation; analysis of single and multiple classification models; analysis of categorical data.
(3 credits)
Forensic/Analytical Genetics Concentration
The following courses in genetics, molecular biology, and instrumentation relevant to advanced training in forensic/analytical genetics are required for this concentration. 17 of your total hours are within this curriculum, 36 total hours are required for this concentration.
IBS 602: Molecular Biology and Genetics
First Year
An introductory graduate-level course focused on molecular biology and genetics (concepts and techniques) necessary for advanced graduate courses. The course will emphasize basic genetic principles and the molecular mechanisms that underlie the regulated expression of genes, including transcription, mRNA processing and translation, as well as mechanisms of DNA replication/repair and recombination. Genetic engineering and other experimental approaches that are critical to molecular biology research will be covered.
(3 credits)
IBS 602: Molecular Biology and Genetics
First Year
An introductory graduate-level course focused on molecular biology and genetics (concepts and techniques) necessary for advanced graduate courses. The course will emphasize basic genetic principles and the molecular mechanisms that underlie the regulated expression of genes, including transcription, mRNA processing and translation, as well as mechanisms of DNA replication/repair and recombination. Genetic engineering and other experimental approaches that are critical to molecular biology research will be covered.
(3 credits)
TOX 830: Advanced Human Genetics
First Year
This course will train students in advanced genetics and the rapidly progressing and influential field of human genetics. Through lectures, the primary literature and review articles, students will gain in-depth knowledge of inheritance, genetic variation, genetic diseases and the impacts of epigenetic alterations and the environment. Students will gain advanced knowledge of contemporary methods used to investigate the human genome and their applications to genetic testing. Students will improve their critical reading skills of relevant primary scientific literature and apply their knowledge in the writing and oral presentation of a term paper.
(2 credits)
TOX 830: Advanced Human Genetics
First Year
This course will train students in advanced genetics and the rapidly progressing and influential field of human genetics. Through lectures, the primary literature and review articles, students will gain in-depth knowledge of inheritance, genetic variation, genetic diseases and the impacts of epigenetic alterations and the environment. Students will gain advanced knowledge of contemporary methods used to investigate the human genome and their applications to genetic testing. Students will improve their critical reading skills of relevant primary scientific literature and apply their knowledge in the writing and oral presentation of a term paper.
(2 credits)
ABT 461G: Population Genetics
Second Year
This survey course examines the population dynamics and equilibria of genes in nuclei, chloroplasts, and mitochondria. Emphasis will be on biological relevance (in plants, animals, and micro-organisms), but some theoretical derivations will also be introduced.
(3 credits)
ABT 461G: Population Genetics
Second Year
This survey course examines the population dynamics and equilibria of genes in nuclei, chloroplasts, and mitochondria. Emphasis will be on biological relevance (in plants, animals, and micro-organisms), but some theoretical derivations will also be introduced.
(3 credits)
TOX 910: Forensic and Analytical DNA
Second Year
This course will train students to become experts in the collection, identification, and evaluation of biological evidence in criminal matters and DNA testing using current DNA technologies. Methods routinely used for the isolation of DNA from cells, DNA quantitation, PCR, electrophoretic separation, and DNA sequence determination will be discussed in detail. Students will understand the theory and practice underlying the use of instrumentation in PCR, Real-Time PCR, capillary electrophoresis, next-generation sequencing, the applications of robotics and the use of DNA databases. The complex range of considerations that need to be considered in data collection, sample storage, data interpretation, analysis, and reporting will also be covered in detail. Current uses of single nucleotide polymorphisms, mitochondrial DNA analysis, Y or X chromosome analysis, and nonhuman DNA will be described. The legal aspects specific to DNA testing will be incorporated to prepare students for expert witness testimony.
(4 credits)
TOX 910: Forensic and Analytical DNA
Second Year
This course will train students to become experts in the collection, identification, and evaluation of biological evidence in criminal matters and DNA testing using current DNA technologies. Methods routinely used for the isolation of DNA from cells, DNA quantitation, PCR, electrophoretic separation, and DNA sequence determination will be discussed in detail. Students will understand the theory and practice underlying the use of instrumentation in PCR, Real-Time PCR, capillary electrophoresis, next-generation sequencing, the applications of robotics and the use of DNA databases. The complex range of considerations that need to be considered in data collection, sample storage, data interpretation, analysis, and reporting will also be covered in detail. Current uses of single nucleotide polymorphisms, mitochondrial DNA analysis, Y or X chromosome analysis, and nonhuman DNA will be described. The legal aspects specific to DNA testing will be incorporated to prepare students for expert witness testimony.
(4 credits)
STA 570: Basic Statistical Analysis
1st year
Introduction to methods of analyzing data from experiments and surveys; the role of statistics in research, statistical concepts and models; probability and distribution functions; estimation; hypothesis testing; regression and correlation; analysis of single and multiple classification models; analysis of categorical data.
(3 credits)
STA 570: Basic Statistical Analysis
1st year
Introduction to methods of analyzing data from experiments and surveys; the role of statistics in research, statistical concepts and models; probability and distribution functions; estimation; hypothesis testing; regression and correlation; analysis of single and multiple classification models; analysis of categorical data.
(3 credits)
Electives
Electives include the following courses related to research and current issues in the forensic disciplines and professional courses which can relate to the nature of the professional employment site in which the student is interning or contemplating a career or additional Graduate Level course electives approved by the DGS (3-5 credits total).
TOX 509: Environmental and Regulatory Toxicology
Presentation of basic and advanced concepts to provide an integrated description of toxicology, its scope, the unique application of principles that characterize it as a science, and its professional practice. Emphases will include an extensive treatment of relationships between toxicology and environmental exposures and the influence of federal regulations on the practice of toxicology.
(2 credits)
TOX 509: Environmental and Regulatory Toxicology
Presentation of basic and advanced concepts to provide an integrated description of toxicology, its scope, the unique application of principles that characterize it as a science, and its professional practice. Emphases will include an extensive treatment of relationships between toxicology and environmental exposures and the influence of federal regulations on the practice of toxicology.
(2 credits)
TOX 790: Research in Toxicology
Research in Toxicology and Cancer Biology. Research will be conducted in specific areas of toxicology and cancer biology. Learning Outcomes:
- Conduct independent, hypothesis driven research
- Demonstrate the ability to read, understand and apply the scientific literature that is relevant to the research activities
- Demonstrate the ability to develop original hypotheses, develop strategies and design experiments to test hypotheses
- Demonstrate competency in the collection, analysis and interpretation of data that is relevant to the research activities.
(1–6 credits)
TOX 790: Research in Toxicology
Research in Toxicology and Cancer Biology. Research will be conducted in specific areas of toxicology and cancer biology. Learning Outcomes:
- Conduct independent, hypothesis driven research
- Demonstrate the ability to read, understand and apply the scientific literature that is relevant to the research activities
- Demonstrate the ability to develop original hypotheses, develop strategies and design experiments to test hypotheses
- Demonstrate competency in the collection, analysis and interpretation of data that is relevant to the research activities.
(1–6 credits)
BCH 401G: Fundamentals of Biochemistry
First Year
Descriptive chemistry of amino acids and proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids. Discussion of structure and function; metabolism and bioenergetics; and biological information flow. At the undergraduate level, understanding is demonstrated through hour examinations; at the graduate level, understanding is demonstrated through hour examinations and a brief paper. Lecture, three hours; one optional conference.
(3 credits)
BCH 401G: Fundamentals of Biochemistry
First Year
Descriptive chemistry of amino acids and proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids. Discussion of structure and function; metabolism and bioenergetics; and biological information flow. At the undergraduate level, understanding is demonstrated through hour examinations; at the graduate level, understanding is demonstrated through hour examinations and a brief paper. Lecture, three hours; one optional conference.
(3 credits)
Suggested Curriculum Plan
| Core Classes | #1 Concentration Classes | #2 Concentration Classes | Total Hours | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forensic Toxicology/Chemistry | Forensic/Analytical Genetics | #1 Concentration | #2 Concentration | |
| Year 1: Fall Semester | 9 | 11 | ||
| TOX 800: Fundamentals in Forensic Sciences (4) | TOX 860: Forensic and Analytical Toxicology (3) | IBS 602: Molecular Biology and Genetics (3) | ||
| TOX 810: Communicating in the Forensic Science Profession (1) | TOX 780: Literature Research (1) | STA 570: Basic Statistical Analysis (3) | ||
| Year 1: Spring Semester | 9–10 | 9–10 | ||
| TOX 840: Forensic Science Standards and Practices (3) | STA 570: Basic Statistical Analysis (3) | TOX 830: Advanced Human Genetics (2) | ||
| TOX 820: Preparing Professionals in Forensic Science and Analytical Genetics (1) | Elective BCH 401G: Fundamentals of Biochemistry (3), Elective TOX 509: Environmental and Regulatory Toxicology (2), or another elective | Elective BCH 401G Fundamentals of Biochemistry (3) or another elective | ||
| TOX 780: General Lab Techniques (1) | TOX 780: General Lab Techniques (1) | |||
| Year 2: Fall Semester | 9 | 10 | ||
| TOX 880: Ethics and Professional Practice in Forensic Science and Analytical DNA (3) | TOX 920: General Instrumental Techniques in Forensic Chemistry (4) | ABT 461G: Population Genetics (3) | ||
| TOX 663: Drug Metabolism and Disposition (2) | TOX 910: Forensic and Analytical DNA (4) | |||
| Year 2: Spring | 8–9 | 6 | ||
| TOX 980: Internships in Forensic Toxicology and Analytical Genetics (2 x 3 = 6) (Could take 3 credits during Summer of first year) | Elective (2) (TOX 790 can be a review paper and done remotely) | |||
| Total Credits: | 36 | 36 |