Forensic Science (BS) – Biochemistry

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Central Florida

Program Overview

The Forensic Science (BS) – Biochemistry Track at the University of Central Florida combines chemistry, biology, molecular science and forensic investigation, with a strong emphasis on DNA and other biochemical evidence used in crime laboratories. The program prepares students to apply scientific methods, laboratory techniques and evidence interpretation to forensic investigations while also meeting the requirements for ACS certification.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Students build their scientific foundation through Biology, General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Calculus and Physics as part of the program's common prerequisites. Courses such as BSC 2010C Biology I, CHM 2045C General Chemistry I, CHM 2046/2046L General Chemistry II and MAC 2311C Calculus I establish the core knowledge needed for advanced forensic study.

Year 2: Students progress into laboratory-based science and begin developing the analytical and biological knowledge required for forensic work. Key coursework includes BSC 2011C Biology II, CHM 3120 Analytical Chemistry, CHM 3120L Analytical Chemistry Laboratory, PCB 3063 Genetics and PCB 3063L Genetics Laboratory.

Year 3: The curriculum moves into specialized forensic science, covering both scientific analysis and the legal context surrounding evidence. Students study BCH 4053 Biochemistry I, CHS 3501 Introduction to Forensic Science, CHS 3505C Forensic Microscopy, CHS 3511 Trace Evidence, CHS 3530 Forensic Analysis of Controlled Substances and CHS 3533 Forensic Biochemistry I.

Year 4: Students concentrate on forensic biochemistry and molecular evidence through courses such as CHS 4534C Forensic Biochemistry II, MCB 3020C General Microbiology and PCB 3522 Molecular Biology I. The degree concludes with CHS 4591 Forensic Science Capstone or CHS 4920L Research Methods in Forensic Science, giving students an opportunity to integrate their scientific and forensic training.

Focus Areas: Forensic biochemistry, DNA analysis, molecular biology, genetics, analytical chemistry, forensic microscopy, trace evidence, controlled-substance analysis, crime-scene investigation, forensic laboratory quality assurance, scientific writing and forensic evidence in the courtroom.

Learning Outcomes: Students develop the ability to operate and interpret forensic laboratory instruments, plan and evaluate scientific investigations, communicate scientific findings effectively, apply chemistry and biology to forensic problems, and understand the ethical and legal responsibilities associated with forensic science.

Professional Alignment: The Forensic Science B.S. is accredited by the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC), and the Biochemistry Track is structured to meet the requirements for ACS certification.

Reputation & Graduate Outcomes: UCF states that its forensic science bachelor's program began in 1974, with the first degree awarded in 1977. For Summer 2022–Spring 2025, responding graduates reported employment in crime laboratories (42%), graduate or professional study (17%), non-forensic laboratories (20%), crime-scene employment (9%), military or law enforcement (5%), and other employment (7%).

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

UCF's Forensic Science program places strong emphasis on practical laboratory and investigative skills. Students work with forensic laboratory methods and instruments and gain experience with techniques such as forensic microscopy, trace-evidence examination, forensic biochemistry, crime-scene investigation and analysis of biochemical evidence. The program's laboratory environment includes polarized light microscopes, stereo microscopes and comparison microscopes, allowing students to perform microscopic analysis of simulated forensic samples.

Students can also engage in high-impact and integrative experiences through forensic internships, research and capstone work. UCF's National Center for Forensic Science provides a research environment focused on areas including biological evidence such as DNA, RNA and body fluids, while UCF reports recent forensic science internships and capstone projects as part of the program's student experience.

Practical opportunities include:

Forensic microscopy and microscopic analysis of simulated forensic samples
Forensic Biochemistry laboratory techniques for body-fluid identification and genetic-marker analysis
Trace-evidence laboratory work
Controlled-substance analysis
Crime-scene investigation laboratory exercises
Forensic laboratory quality assurance and professional-practice training
Research Methods in Forensic Science
Forensic Science Capstone
Undergraduate forensic research through the National Center for Forensic Science
Exposure to DNA, RNA and body-fluid research through UCF's forensic science research environment

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Biochemistry Track are prepared for forensic laboratory and scientific roles involving DNA and biochemical evidence, as well as further education in forensic science and related disciplines. UCF specifically notes that the program prepares students to compete for forensic positions in government agencies, laboratories and hospitals, while its graduate forensic science offerings provide pathways into advanced study in forensic biochemistry and related areas.

Typical career options include: Forensic Scientist, DNA Analyst, Forensic Biochemist, Crime Laboratory Analyst, Forensic Laboratory Technician, Trace Evidence Analyst, Drug Chemist, Crime Scene Investigator, Forensic Biology Analyst, Molecular Biology Technician, Laboratory Scientist, Research Scientist.

Career and industry exposure:

UCF reports that 42% of responding graduates from Summer 2022–Spring 2025 were employed at crime laboratories.
The National Center for Forensic Science conducts research in physical, biological and digital evidence and has partnerships with organizations including the UCF Police Department, Orange County Sheriff's Office, U.S. Secret Service and FBI.
The program is FEPAC accredited, providing alignment with established forensic science education standards.
The Biochemistry Track is designed around the scientific coursework needed for examination of DNA and other biochemical evidence and also meets requirements for ACS certification.
UCF's forensic science program has awarded 831 B.S. degrees since its beginning, according to the department's student-achievement information.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates can continue into UCF's M.S. in Chemistry – Forensic Science Track, including the Forensic Biochemistry concentration, or pursue related graduate/professional programs in areas such as forensic science, chemistry, biology and biomedical sciences. UCF's Forensic Biochemistry graduate concentration provides advanced study focused on biochemical and DNA evidence.