[programName=Forensic Chemistry Concentration]
Provides preparation for professional work in chemistry or forensic science; graduate work in chemistry, environmental or forensic science; or pre-professional training in the health sciences or secondary education. Coupling the program with an appropriate minor prepares students to enter related fields such as biochemistry, oceanography, pharmacy, toxicology and the atmospheric sciences. Through the study of general, organic, analytical and physical chemistry, students gain an understanding of the world around them.
credits required for major
credits required for minor
Program Details
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate an understanding of major concepts, theoretical principles and experimental findings in chemistry.
- Employ critical thinking and quantitative analytical skills to solve problems and evaluate scientific data.
- Use and application of laboratory methods and scientific instrumentation to investigate a scientific hypothesis, conduct experiments, analyze data and interpret results.
- Demonstrate effective written and oral communication skills including the ability to transmit complex scientific or technical information in a clear and concise manner.
- Gather, comprehend, apply and communicate credible information on scientific and technical topics and recognize the proper use of scientific data, principles and theories to assess the quality of stated conclusions.
- Demonstrate ethical awareness and conduct with regards to: (1) honesty in data reporting; (2) the safety of practitioners, test subjects and the local community/environment; and (3) their social responsibility to recognize the impact that our actions have on the natural and human world.
Courses
- CH 221 General Chemistry Credits: 5
- CH 222 General Chemistry Credits: 5
- CH 223 General Chemistry Credits: 5
- CH 311 Inorganic Chemistry Credits: 4
- CH 312 Analytical Chemistry Credits: 4
- CH 334 Organic Chemistry Credits: 4
- CH 335 Organic Chemistry Credits: 4
- CH 336 Organic Chemistry Credits: 4
- CH 350 Chemical Literature Credits: 1
- CH 365 Materials Chemistry Credits: 4
- CH 407 Seminar Credits: 1
- CH 440 Physical Chemistry I Credits: 4
- CH 450 Biochemistry I Credits: 4
- CH 461 Experimental Chemistry Credits: 3
- MTH 251 Calculus I Credits: 4
- MTH 252 Calculus II Credits: 4
Concentration Courses
[courses]
Courses
- CH 312 Analytical Chemistry Credits: 4
- CH 320 Introduction to Forensic Science Credits: 4
- CH 334 Organic Chemistry Credits: 4
- CH 335 Organic Chemistry Credits: 4
- CH 336 Organic Chemistry Credits: 4
- CH 420 Forensic Laboratory Techniques and Documentation Credits: 4
- COM 327 Communication in the Legal Field Credits: 4
Elective Credits: 3-4
- CH 161 Crime Scene Analysis Credits: 4
- CH 345 Introduction to Toxicology Credits: 3
- CH 430 Applications of Forensic Science Credits: 3
- CJ 321 Principles of Forensic Investigations Credits: 4
PATRICIA FLATT
Department Head of Chemistry/Professor, Chemistry
flattp@wou.edu
FEIER HOU
Associate Professor, Chemistry
houf@wou.edu
KEITH SCHWARTZ
Assistant Professor, Chemistry
schwartzk@wou.edu
KELSIE YOUNCE
Research Assistant, Chemistry
youncek@wou.edu
Where This Degree Can Take You
A forensic chemistry degree teaches you how to analyze substances and solve problems using scientific methods. You’ll learn to work in a lab, use special equipment, and test materials like chemicals and biological samples. This degree also helps you develop critical thinking and attention to detail, as you’ll be piecing together evidence to understand how different substances interact. It’s about solving mysteries using science and presenting your findings clearly.
Potential Careers
- Forensic Scientist
- Crime Lab Analyst
- Toxicologist
- Drug Analyst
- Environmental Chemist
- Chemical Safety Officer
- Quality Control Analyst
- Arson Investigator
- Forensic Toxicologist
- Forensic Lab Manager
Potential Employers
- Oregon State Police Forensic Services Division
- Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU)
- State of Oregon Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
- Portland Police Bureau
- Legacy Health
- Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL)
Consider This Degree If You…
Are Resilient Under Pressure
A forensic chemist can remain calm and focused when working on challenging cases or tight deadlines, as their work often involves high-stakes situations.
Have a Strong Ethical Sense
Forensic Chemistry requires a commitment to integrity and honesty, as the work can impact legal cases, and it’s important to present findings accurately and without bias.
Value Curiosity and Inquisition
Exploring how things function and discovering the truth behind intricate situations involved in forensic science, entails a curious and inquisitive mind.
