BIO 103 (4 credits)
Principles of Biology I

Provides a survey of important biological concepts and principles to all living organisms. Topics include prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, energetic comparative physiology, evolution and ecology. Integrates laboratory and classroom work. this course is limited to science majors, biology minors, and biology-secondary education majors.

BIO 115 (3 credits)
Human Form and Function

A one semester survey of human anatomy and physiology. Discusses all the major organ systems with an emphasis on structure and function. Required for biochemistry, forensic science, and biology-secondary education students. Available as an elective for biology majors.

BIO 116 (1 credit)
Human Form and Function Laboratory

Laboratory course accompanying BIO 115 Human Form and Function. Includes both gross and microscopic examination of cells, tissues and organs with a hands-on approach to further develop, reinforce and apply lecture concepts. required for forensic and biochemistry majors.

BIO 303 (3 credits)
Genetics

Introduction to Mendelian and Molecular genetics, chromosome transmission during cell division, non-Mendelian Inheritance, variation in chromosome structure and number, DNA structure and replication, genetic linkage and mapping, genetic transfer, gene transcription and translation, gene mutation and repair, DNA technologies, evaluation and cancer. Prerequisites: BIO 103 or instructor permission. Co-requisite: BIO 309

BIO 304 (3 credits)
Cell Biology

This course covers major aspects of eukaryotic animal cell biology, with an emphasis on understanding the molecular processes that occur at the subcellular level. topics include a review of basic cellular composition and fundamentals of metabolism, followed by more complex topics including regulation of eukaryotic gene expression, protein processing and transport, cytoskeleton structure and function, cell signaling, cell cycle regulation, cell death, stem cell biology and cancer. Includes a strong focus on experimental techniques and approaches that are used in modern cell and molecular biology research. Three hours of lecture per semester week. prerequisite: BIO 103; CHE 105, 202. Co-requisite: BIO 311.

BIO 309 (1 credit)
Genetics Laboratory

Study of meiosis and mitosis, monohybrid and dihybrid Mendelian inheritance using plants and Drosophila, alcohol tolerance in Drosophila, DNA extraction, amplification and electrophoreses separation, DNA fingerprinting and Bacterial transformation experiments. Co-requisite: BIO 303.

BIO 311 (1 credit)
Cell Biology Laboratory

This course provides an introduction to the laboratory methods and techniques employed in the study of mammalian cells in culture. Students experiment with in vitro cell culture techniques including cell quantitation, growth curve analysis, microscopy (phase contrast and fluorescence), cellular differentiation and gene expression analysis, through participation in class projects that span the semester. These projects are designed to provide an experiential course-based research experience that highlights the types of experiments and techniques that are performed in the first of cell and molecular biology. Three hours of laboratory per semester week. Co-requisite: BIO 304.

BIO 315 (3 credits)
Forensic Medicine

Provides an understanding of the basic scientific, ethical and legal principles that are relevant to the practice of forensic medicine. Students will be exposed to post-mortem examination including issues related to dealing with bereaved relatives of a deceased person or victim of crime. An understanding of basic human anatomy and physiology is expected. Graphic photos and/or attendance at a forensic autopsy will be included. Prerequisites: BIO 115 and 116.

BIO 430 (4 credits)
Forensic Biology

This course will provide an overview of biology as it relates to forensics. topics will include sources and analysis of biological evidence, serology, species identification, identification of biological fluids, blood group typing, DNA extraction, DNA amplification, and electrophoresis. Laboratory activities will reinforce the concepts taught in lecture and provide hands-on experience with techniques. Integrates laboratory and classroom work. Prerequisite: BIO 304/311, 303/309, CHE 202/211.

CHE 104    (3 credits)
General Chemistry I

Study of basic principles and theories of chemistry including stoichiometry, atomic and molecular structures, the periodic law and its application, solutions, and gas laws. Problem solving is introduced. Three hours lecture per week. Co-requisite: CHE 110 or 112.

CHE 105    (3 credits)
General Chemistry II

Introductory thermodynamics, kinetics, acid bases, chemical equilibrium, electro-chemistry and fundamental descriptive chemistry. Three hours lecture per week.  Prerequisites: CHE 104, 110 or 112; Co-requisite: CHE 111.

CHE 107    (1 credit)
Laboratory Safety

Basic study of all laboratory safety rules and regulations including fire hazards, chemical toxicity, waste control, explosive chemicals, emergency procedures, protective equipment, and laboratory equipment hazards. Required: science majors.

CHE 110    (1 credit) 
General Chemistry Laboratory I

Laboratory techniques will be discussed and applied to the solution of typical chemical problems and the experimental nature of chemistry. Three hours of laboratory per week. Co-requisite: CHE 104.

CHE 111    (1 credit)
General Chemistry Laboratory II

Laboratory techniques emphasizing qualitative analysis. Three hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisites: CHE 104, 110 or 112; Co-requisite: CHE 105.

CHE 201    (3 credits)
Organic Chemistry I

Study of fundamental principles of organic chemistry emphasizing topics involving structure, reactivity, bonding, stereochemistry, acids and bases, electrophilic addition and nucleophilic substitution. Three lecture hours per week. Prerequisites: CHE 104, 105, 110 or 112, 111; Co-requisite: CHE 210. 275, 403, 408.

CHE 202    (3 credits)
Organic Chemistry II

Study of functional groups, reaction mechanisms and problems in synthesis. Three hours lecture per week. Prerequisites: CHE 201, 210; Co-requisite: CHE 211.

CHE 210    (1 credit)
Organic Chemistry Laboratory I

Study and practice in the basic techniques employed in an Organic Chemistry laboratory, including crystallization, melting point determination, extraction, chromatography, distillation and other techniques for the isolation and purification of organic compounds. Three hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisites: CHE 104, 110; 105, 111 or 112. Co-requisite: CHE 201.

CHE 211    (1 credit)
Organic Chemistry Laboratory II

Focus is placed on the chemical synthesis of organic compounds using routine reactions including nucleophilic substitution and elimination, Williamson ether synthesis, Aldol and Claisen condensations, aromatic substitution, and condensation polymerization. Three hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisites: CHE 201, 210. Co-requisite: CHE 202.

CHE 212    (4 credits)
Analytical Chemistry

Quantitative study of gravimetric and volumetric methods of analysis with emphasis on problem solving. Other topics will include a survey on the use of instrumental methods of analysis. Attention will be directed primarily to practical aspects of solving analytical problems. Integrates laboratory and classroom work. Prerequisite: CHE 104, 105, 110 or 112, 111.

CHE 221    (4 credits)
Instrumental Analysis

Introduction to modern methods of chemical analysis involving the analytical instrumentation routinely employed in chemical, pharmaceutical, biomedical and forensic science laboratories. Students will be introduced to UV-Vis, IR, GC-MS, AA, Raman, HPLC, and other types of instrumental analysis. Will integrate lab and lecture coursework. Prerequisites: CHE 212.

CHE 230   (4 credits)
The Forensics Profession

This course will address the current state of the Forensics' Professional in the workplace. Topics include introduction to forensic science, the legal system, courtroom testimony, ethics, quality assurance, profession practice, evidence (collection, processing, and identification), and a survey of forensic science. This does not fulfill the lab science requirement in the core.

CHE 301    (3 credits)
Physical Chemistry I

Study of properties of gases, laws of thermodynamics and thermochemistry. Three lecture hours per week. Prerequisites: CHE 104, 105, 110 or 112, 111.

 

CHE 310   ( 1 credit)
Physical Chemistry I Laboratory

Experimental investigation of physical forces acting on matter and various chemical properties. Examination of thermodynamics, kinetics, viscosity, and other physical-chemical phenomena is performed. Prerequisites: CHE 105 and 111. Co-requisite: CHE 301.

CHE 315   (3 credits)
Forensic Toxicology

Provides a broad exposure and understanding of the field of modern Forensic Toxicology. Methods and concepts including Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacodynamics, Human performance, Post Mortem, and Forensics Drug testing will be addressed. Prerequisites: CHE 212 and 221.

CHE 405    (4 credits)
Forensic Chemistry

A study of chemistry as it pertains to law. Focus is on the many facets of forensic science, such as drug analysis, toxicology, trace analysis, arson analysis, and DNA/serology. Numerous methods of analyses will be covered, including gas chromatography (GC), mass spectrometry (MS), high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), thin layer chromatography (TLC), infrared spectrometry (IR) and ultraviolet/visible spectrometry (UV/Vis). Integrates laboratory and classroom work. Prerequisites: CHE 104, 105, 111, 112, 201, 202; CJ 203.

SCI 406    (3 credits)
Research I

this is the first of two courses in the student research sequence. Students will develop a research project with a faculty member of their choice. this course will focus on a literature review, developing a research plan, conducting experiments, and interpreting results.

SCI 407    (3 credits)
Research II

This is the second of two courses in the student research sequence. Students will continue to work the research project with the faculty member of their choice from the previous semester; this will include completing any final experiments and wrapping-up their research project. Students will work to formulate conclusions and output their data in a presentable research format.

SCI480    (6 credit)s
Internship

Student must participate in 252 hours or more of math/science related activities at an off-campus site under the supervision of an internship sponsor. Internships may be procured at any business, academic, government or non-profit agency willing to engage interns in meaningful work or research activities. Prerequisites: junior status and a 2.5 GPA.

Contact Information

Dr. Eric Recktenwald

Interim Science Department Chair

Bernardine Hall 120

610.796.8247

eric.recktenwald@alvernia.edu

 

Forensic Science