Bachelor of Science in Forensic Biochemistry

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of North Texas

Program Overview

The University of North Texas Forensic Biochemistry degree combines biochemistry, molecular biology, chemistry and forensic science to prepare students to analyze evidence and pursue careers in crime laboratories, while also providing a foundation for medical-school pathways such as medical examiner careers. The 125-credit, on-campus program is especially suited to students who enjoy laboratory science and want to apply scientific methods, analytical instrumentation and biochemical knowledge to real forensic investigations.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Students establish their scientific foundation through Biology for Science Majors I, General Chemistry I and Lab, and General Chemistry II and Lab, while also developing mathematics and communication skills. These courses provide the biology, chemistry and quantitative background needed before progressing to advanced biochemistry and forensic coursework.

Year 2: The second year builds stronger chemistry and physics knowledge through Organic Chemistry I and Lab, Organic Chemistry II and Lab, and calculus-based General Physics courses. This stage gives students the analytical and scientific preparation needed for the advanced laboratory and forensic subjects that follow.

Year 3: Students move into specialist biochemistry and forensic study with Biochemistry I, Biochemistry II, Biomedical Criminalistics, Forensic Microscopy, Forensic Science Analysis and Principles of Forensic Science. Students begin examining biological evidence and trace materials while developing an understanding of criminalistics, evidence handling and forensic laboratory techniques.

Year 4: The final year brings together molecular biology, cellular biology, physical chemistry and instrumental analysis through courses such as Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of the Gene, Cell Biology and Lab, Physical Chemistry I, Instrumental Analysis and Lab, and Forensic Chemistry. Students also complete Forensic Molecular Biology Lab and the Forensic Science Internship, providing a direct transition from academic study to professional forensic experience.

Focus Areas

Biochemistry, molecular biology, forensic science, criminalistics, forensic microscopy, forensic chemistry, forensic molecular biology, DNA and genetics, cellular biology, analytical chemistry, physical chemistry, instrumental analysis, trace evidence and biological evidence.

Learning Outcomes

Students develop oral and written communication, application of the scientific method, operation of modern analytical instrumentation, data organization and interpretation, in-depth biochemistry knowledge, forensic laboratory skills, critical thinking, evidence analysis and professional understanding of forensic ethics and courtroom techniques.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

UNT's Biochemistry, Biology and Chemistry bachelor's degrees with the Forensic Science concentration are fully accredited by the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC), administered by the American Academy of Forensic Sciences. The current accreditation term is January 1, 2024 through January 1, 2029, providing formal recognition that the program meets FEPAC accreditation standards.

Reputation (Employability / Official Statistics)

UNT states that its Forensic Science curriculum has been in place for more than 50 years and is designed around current forensic practices, laboratory experience, research and internship opportunities. The university also states that its curriculum follows National Institute of Justice recommendations and prepares students for the American Board of Criminalistics certification examination.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students gain practical experience by combining laboratory-based instruction with forensic analysis, research and professional placements. UNT provides access to specialized forensic facilities and analytical equipment, while the curriculum gives students opportunities to work with areas such as trace evidence, biological evidence, DNA science and instrumental analysis. The program also requires a capstone experience in a laboratory or justice-system environment, helping students connect classroom knowledge with professional forensic practice.

Students can develop these practical skills through:

Forensic laboratory instruction: Students receive laboratory-based instruction throughout the forensic curriculum and develop skills related to evidence analysis, scientific investigation and current forensic techniques.
Criminalistics laboratory: UNT has a criminalistics lab focused on fingerprint, ballistic and laser analysis, giving students access to equipment and techniques relevant to modern crime laboratories.
Forensic microscopy: Forensic Microscopy introduces microscopic examination of trace evidence including glass, hair, fibers, soil, paint and biological samples.
Biomedical criminalistics: Biomedical Criminalistics examines human remains and biological evidence while introducing students to areas including toxicology, entomology, DNA science, forensic geology/palynology and remote sensing.
Molecular laboratory experience: Forensic Molecular Biology Lab provides specialist preparation in the molecular analysis of forensic evidence.
Instrumental analysis: Students study Instrumental Analysis and Lab, while UNT's Shared Instrumentation Lab provides access to spectroscopy, chromatography, mass spectrometry, thermal analysis and imaging. Instrument training can lead to independent instrument access after certification.
Forensic internship: The degree includes BIOL 4900 Forensic Science Internship. UNT faculty work with students to identify internships suited to their interests, including crime laboratories, crime-scene investigations, forensic anthropology, forensic chemistry and forensic DNA/genetics laboratories.
Capstone experience: FEPAC-accredited students complete approximately 90–120 contact hours in a laboratory or justice-system-related environment. Depending on the student's goals, this may involve an internship, shadowing, research assistance or entry-level employment, followed by a scientific paper and presentation.
Research facilities: UNT's BioAnalytical Facility provides advanced mass spectrometry and analytical support in areas including metabolomics and lipidomics, with student and research training opportunities.
Genomics resources: UNT's Genomics Center provides RNA and DNA sequence analysis using current research technologies, supporting the wider biological research environment available to students.
Professional exposure: The Forensic Science Program encourages students to participate in professional societies and learn from nationally certified faculty who conduct forensic research and have provided expert testimony.

Progression & Future Opportunities

UNT's Forensic Biochemistry degree is designed to prepare students for entry-level forensic science careers, particularly in crime laboratories where scientific principles are applied to physical and biological evidence. The program can also support progression into graduate study, medical school and other health-profession pathways, while its required internship and FEPAC accreditation provide students with structured exposure to professional forensic practice.

Typical career directions include:

Forensic Chemist
Forensic Biologist
Forensic Laboratory Scientist
Forensic DNA Analyst

Students can build their professional pathway through:

Forensic Science Program support: UNT has dedicated undergraduate advisors who help students plan their academic careers, while the program's internship system connects students with local laboratories and law-enforcement opportunities.
Internship experience: Faculty work directly with students to identify suitable placements in crime labs, crime-scene investigations, forensic anthropology, forensic chemistry and forensic DNA/genetics laboratories.
Employment preparation: The curriculum develops communication, scientific-method application, analytical-instrument operation, data interpretation and biochemistry skills that UNT identifies as marketable skills.
Professional accreditation: FEPAC accreditation provides an established quality standard for the forensic science component of the degree. UNT's current accreditation term runs from 2024 to 2029.
Industry and laboratory exposure: The capstone can take place in a laboratory or justice-system environment and may involve an internship, research assistantship, shadowing or entry-level employment, giving students opportunities to build professional contacts and practical skills.
Certification preparation: UNT states that the curriculum follows National Institute of Justice recommendations and prepares students for the American Board of Criminalistics certification test.
Employment and salary statistics: The official UNT Forensic Biochemistry program page does not publish a program-specific employment rate or salary figure. Therefore, no salary or employment percentage is provided here rather than substituting a general forensic-science statistic.
Graduation outcomes: The program prepares students for entry-level forensic science careers, graduate school, education and health professions. Students completing the FEPAC-accredited degree also complete a capstone experience designed to provide deeper professional exposure.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates can continue into graduate-level study in forensic science, biochemistry, molecular biology or related scientific fields. The degree also provides preparation for professional health pathways, including medical school for students interested in careers such as medical examiners, subject to the additional admission requirements of the professional program.