Courses
Program Track and units requirements
The Forensic Science program at UC Davis offers a Plan I Thesis and a Plan II Non-Thesis option.
The Plan I option requires the submission of a thesis whereas the Plan II option requires more course work and the submission of a much more limited capstone project followed by an oral examination on that project. Both plans allow for a DNA track or a criminalistics track. We encourage all students to follow the Plan I Thesis option. But for some students, the Plan II option may be a more viable option.
Both plans require the completion of 48 quarter units with a combination of classes and applied research, and both plans have the same tuition costs.
FOR200 - Fundamental Concepts of Forensic Science
(Required)
Offered every winter quarter
3 units
Overview of forensic science—problem definition, strategies for problem solving, analytical tools, and professional and ethical considerations. Specific topics include the scope and history of forensic science; reconstruction of past events; the scientific method; scientific and legal concepts of evidence and proof; establishing unique connections using physical, chemical and biological foundations; reconstructing dynamic processes in terms of physical, chemical and biological aspects; recognition, collection and preservation of evidence; statistical considerations in evidence interpretation; heuristic considerations in evidence analysis; and professional standards, ethics and quality assurance.
FOR205 - Microscopy and Micro Analytical Methods in Forensic Science
(Required Criminalistics track)
Offered every Spring Quarter
3 units
Introduction to optical and electron microscopy. Topics span microscopy and photography, including transmission, diffraction, reflection and absorption; polarized light and polarizing crystals; phase contrast and radiography; image recording and the various methods of processing and enhancement; scanning electron microscopy in the analysis of gunshot residues, paints and glass; EDS and XRF spectroscopic analysis and interpretation; and the boundaries of trace analysis including the significance of signal-to-noise ratios, and minimum detectable levels and homogeneity.
FOR210 - Personal Identification Methods in Forensic Science
(Required)
Offered every spring quarter
3 units
This course explores methods by which individuals may be identified using physical evidence from crime scenes and related events. Students will be exposed to a variety of identification methods and required to evaluate them by application of criteria of reliability, accuracy and usefulness. Students will develop an understanding of the value and reliability of methods of personal identification in forensic science.
FOR212 - Scientific Evidence and Courtroom Testimony
(Required)
Offered every fall quarter
3 units
Explore the relationship between science and the criminal justice system. Admissibility of scientific testimony and documentary proof during the trial, concepts of relevancy, hearsay and opinion rule, examination of expert witnesses, impact of Kelley-Fry and Daubert decisions and court testimony will be discussed.
FOR215 - Arson Investigation
(Elective)
Offered every other spring quarter
3 units
This course will address principles and techniques of scientific investigation of fires and related crimes; offer peerreviewed protocols for processing fire and explosion scenes; discuss recognition, collection and analysis of physical evidence; and describe the scientific method for decision-making in fire/arson investigation.
FOR220 (ETX220) - Analysis of Toxicants
(Required Criminalistics track)
Offered every fall quarter
3 units
This course will present an introduction to the analysis of toxic chemicals, including the theoretical and practical considerations regarding the separation, detection and quantitative determination of toxicants by chemical and instrumental techniques.
FOR221L - Forensic Science Analytical Instrumentation
(Elective)
Offered every other winter quarter
2 units
This course will cover methodology and instruments used for the analysis of substances of interest in the discipline of forensic science. Students will gain practical experience with modern instrumental techniques and methodologies used in the advanced forensic science laboratory.
FOR240 - Homicide Crime Scene Investigation
(Required)
Offered every fall quarter and winter quarter as needed
3 units
This course explores processing and evaluating complex homicide scenes. Functions and activities of police agencies are also covered, as well as recognition, documentation, identification, and collection of evidence; event sequence reconstruction; and evidence collection, preservation, report writing and courtroom presentation.
FOR268 - Forensic Statistics
(Elective)
Offered every other winter quarter
3 units
This course deals with basic statistical methods as well as the common statistical methods used in forensic science. The course covers the limitations and application of these methods as well as the foundations upon which they are based.
FOR278 (ETX278) - Molecular Techniques
(Required DNA Track)
Offered every other fall quarter
3 units
Directed toward those graduate students (and advanced undergraduates) who have some background in biochemistry, this course will familiarize students with a variety of basic molecular biological techniques/approaches, including how these techniques are used and what information they can provide. Examples of the application of these techniques will be taken from current scientific literature.
FOR280 (ETX 280) - DNA Analysis
(Required DNA Track)
Offered every winter quarter
3 units
This course provides a foundation in theory and practice of forensic DNA analysis; past, present and emerging technologies; legal and quality assurance issues. DNA extraction, DNA quantitation, multiplex amplification of STR loci, capillary electrophoresis of amplified products, and analysis of STR typing data are also covered.
FOR281 - Principles and Practice of Forensic DNA Analysis
(Elective)
Offered every winter quarter
2 units
Lecture—1 hour; laboratory—3 hours. Prerequisite: FOR280. This course is designed to provide an overview of the principles underlying forensic DNA typing and will allow students to apply this knowledge in a laboratory setting using techniques to extract, quantify and type human DNA.
FOR290 - Seminar Series
(Mandatory for new students in the fall quarter)
Offered fall and spring quarters
1 unit
The seminar series brings in renowned speakers in forensic science who will present subject matter important to all students. This is also the forum in which students are required to present the results of their thesis research.
FOR293 - Research Methods in Forensic Science
(Elective)
Offered every spring quarters
2 units
This course introduces identification, formulation and solution of meaningful scientific problems encountered in forensic science including experimental design and/or theoretical analysis of new and prevailing techniques, theories and hypotheses. Students will present their thesis research.
FOR298 - Group Study in Forensic Science:
(Elective)
Offered as needed.
3 units
Group focused study for the presentation of special topics as the opportunity arises.
FOR 299 - Research in Forensic Science
(Required)
Offered each quarter
Students are expected to complete research units in their desired area of specialization (PLAN I - 18 units; PLAN II - 6 units). A principal advisor will guide students in shaping their research plan.
The following are examples of some of the courses available as electives.
CHE219 - Spectroscopy of Organic Compounds
(Elective)
Offered every fall quarter
4 units
Lecture—3 hours; laboratory—2.5 hours. Prerequisite: 128C or the equivalent. This course provides an identification of organic compounds and the investigation of stereochemical and reaction mechanism phenomena using spectroscopic methods—principally NMR, IR and MS.
CHE240 - Advanced Analytical Chemistry
(Elective)
Offered every fall quarter
3 units
Lecture—3 hours. Prerequisite: 110A and 115 or the equivalent. Course topics include numerical treatment of experimental data; thermodynamics of electrolyte and non-electrolyte solutions; complex equilibria in aqueous and nonaqueous solutions; potentiometry and specific ion electrodes; mass transfer in liquid solutions; and fundamentals of separation science, including column, gas and liquid chromatography.
EMS182 - Failure Analysis
(Elective)
Offered every winter quarter
4 units
Analysis of the way materials fail. This course examines the effects of temperature, mechanical deformation and corrosion on the properties of materials. Forensics and methodologies for investigating failures of materials including optical microscopy, x-ray analysis and scanning electron microscopy, and investigation of practical problems are also covered.
ETX102B - Quantitative Analysis of Environmental Toxicants
(Elective)
Offered every spring quarter
5 units
This course examines toxic chemicals, primarily pollutants, in the environment; concepts and techniques of sampling, detecting and quantifying toxicants; collection, interpretation and use of analytical data. This course has been approved by the California Department of Health as meeting the quantitative analysis requirement.
FPS161 - Structure and Properties of Fibers
(Elective)
Offered every fall quarter
3 units
Prerequisite: Textiles and Clothing 6 and Chemistry 8B. This course covers the structure, properties and reactions of natural- and man-made fibers; the relations between molecular structure of fibers and their physical properties; and interactions of fibers and detergents.
FPS161L - Textile Chemical Analysis Laboratory
(Elective)
Offered every fall quarter
1 unit
Prerequisite: FPS161 (may be taken concurrently). This course teaches laboratory methods and procedures employed in qualitative and quantitative analysis of textile fibers and auxiliaries.
ETX220L - Analysis of Toxicants Laboratory
(Elective)
Offered every fall quarter
2 units
Prerequisite: ETX220 (may be taken concurrently). This course teaches laboratory methods and procedures for the microanalysis of toxicants. Students learn to use chemical and instrumental techniques for separation, detection and quantitative determination of toxicants.
GGG201A - Transmission Genetics
(Elective)
Offered every fall quarter
3 units
Prerequisite: Biological Sciences 101, introductory statistics and calculus. This course covers segregation, linkage, and the mapping and the modifications of Mendel's original genetic model.
GGG201D - Quantitative and Population Genetics
(Elective)
Offered every winter quarter
3 units
Prerequisite: GGG 201A or consent of instructor. Study the basic concepts of quantitative and population genetics including gene and genotypic frequencies, multiple factor hypothesis, phenotypic and genotypic values, heritability, selection, genetic variation, the detection of quantitative trait loci and evolution in populations. Experimental and analytical methods are also explored.
GGG211 - Concepts in Human Genetics and Genomics
(Elective)
Offered every other winter quarter
3 units
Prerequisite: GGG 201A or equivalent (201B and 201C are recommended). Topics include: human genomic organization; genetic structure of human populations; positional cloning of genes for human disease, application of linkage, association, and haplotypes for human studies; quantitative trait loci analyses; integrative genetic studies of gene expression; DNA repair mechanisms in genetic disease; mutation analyses; epigentics in human disease; human mitochondrial DNA disease; gene manipulation and gene therapy.
GGG294 - Seminar in Human Genetics
(Elective)
Offered every quarter
2 units
Seminar- 2 hours. Prerequisite: GGG 201A and consent of instructor. Topics of current interest in human genetics and genomics are discussed.
LAW229 - Scientific Evidence
(Elective)
Taken concurrently as a FOR298 Group Study Course
Law School—semester schedule varies
3 units
Prerequisite: 219. This course examines evidence law governing the admission of scientific testimony and considers trial advocacy in presenting and attacking such testimony. Each student is required to make an oral class presentation and prepare a research paper dealing with a particular forensic technique. Limited enrollment.
MCB162 - Human Genetics
(Elective)
Offered every fall quarter
3 units
The goals of this course are to 1) explain central concepts of current human genetics; 2) illustrate how molecular and genomic approaches have revolutionized the practice of human genetics; 3) discuss the professional practice of human genetics and; 4) develop proficiency in reading primary literature and querying databases in human genetics.
MAE217 - Combustion
(Elective)
Offered every other winter quarter
4 units
Prerequisite: Engineering 103 and 105. This course reviews chemical thermodynamics and chemical kinetics. Discussions include reacting flows, their governing equations and transport phenomena; detonations; laminar flame structure and turbulent combustion.
MIC215 - Recombinant DNA Technology
(Elective)
Offered every fall quarter
3 units
This courses covers application of recombinant DNA technology to modern problems in biological, biochemistry and genetics, emphasizing molecular cloning strategies, choice of vectors, preparation of insert DNA and selection procedures.
Note that elective courses may change. Other graduate courses are available depending on students’ research focus. While the required courses will be offered either evenings or late afternoon, the electives are usually taught during the day. Elective courses may also have their own particular academic prerequisites. Students should take these courses in conjunction with the recommendations of their academic advisors.
Plan I and Plan II Specifics
Effective January 2008, the UC Davis Graduate Council approved a substantially revised Forensic Science MS program. This program now consists of two plans. Both of these plans require 48 quarter units which encompass a combination of classes, seminars and research. All students are required to take four core courses for 12 units, six units of core track courses (DNA or Criminalistics), and 3 seminar units.
The Plan I students have an additional 9 units from any accepted elective classes and 18 units of research with the submission of a thesis. The Plan II students have an additional 21 units of classes with 6 units of research for the capstone project.
The standard program sequence is:
Common core courses (4): 12 units
Specialty trac core courses (2): 6 units
Seminar classes (3): 3 units
Electives Plan I: 9 units
Research units Plan I: 18 units
OR
Elective Plan II: 21 units
Research units Plan II: 6 units
Total: 48 units
| Plan I MS Degree | Plan II MS Degree | |
|---|---|---|
| Total Units | 48 units | 48 units |
| Thesis | Required | No—instead, a capstone project followed by oral examination |
| Course Units | 27 units | 39 units |
| Seminar Units | 3 units | 3 units |
| Research Units | 18 units | 6 units |
| Plan I Specifics | Plan II Specifics | |
|---|---|---|
| Core Required Courses | 12 Units FOR200 Fundamental Concepts of Forensic Science (3) FOR210 Personal Identification and Analytical Methods (3) FOR240 Homicide Crime Scene Investigation FOR212 Scientific Evidence (3) |
12 Units FOR200 Fundamental Concepts of Forensic Science (3) FOR210 Personal Identification and Analytical Methods (3) FOR240 Homicide Crime Scene Investigation FOR212 Scientific Evidence (3) |
| Track Required Courses | 6 units DNA Track (6 units) FOR278 Molecular Techniques (3) FOR280 Forensic DNA Analysis (3) OR Criminalistics Track (6 units) FOR205 Microscopy and Microanalytical Methods (3) FOR220 Analysis of Toxicants (3) |
6 units DNA Track (6 units) FOR278 Molecular Techniques (3) FOR280 Forensic DNA Analysis (3) OR Criminalistics Track (6 units) FOR205 Microscopy and Microanalytical Methods (3) FOR220 Analysis of Toxicants (3) |
| Elective Courses | 9 units (from any of the following): FOR215 Forensic Arson and Fire Investigation (3) FOR221L Instrumental Laboratory (2) FOR268 Forensic Statistics (3) FOR281 Principles and Practices of Forensic DNA Typing (2) FOR293 Research Methods in Forensic Science (2) Campus Elective Options CHE115 Instrumental Analysis (4) CHE205 Symmetry, Spectroscopy, and Structure (3) CHE217 X-Ray Structure Determination (3) CHE219 Organic Spectra (4) CHE240 Adv. Analytical Chemistry (3) CHE241C Mass Spectrometry (3) EME298 Impact Biomechanics and Design of Crash Protection Systems (4) EMS182 Failure Analysis (4) EMS230 Electron Microscopy ETX102B Quantitative Analysis of Environmental Toxicants (5) ENT158 Forensic Entymology (3) FPS161 Structure and Properties of Fibers (3) FPS161L Textile Chemical Analysis Lab (1) GGG201A Transmission Genetics (3) GGG201D Quantitative and Population Genetics (3) GGG211 Concepts in Human Genetics and Genomics (3) GGG294 Seminar in Human Genetics (2) MCB120L Biochemistry Lab (6) MCB162 Human Genetics (3) MAE161 Combustion and the Environment (4) MAE217 Combustion (4) MCB221C Molecular Biology (4) Other courses as approved by the Graduate Advisor |
21 units (from any of the following): FOR215 Forensic Arson and Fire Investigation (3) FOR221L Instrumental Laboratory (2) FOR268 Forensic Statistics (3) FOR281 Principles and Practices of Forensic DNA Typing (2) FOR293 Research Methods in Forensic Science (2) Campus Elective Options CHE115 Instrumental Analysis (4) CHE205 Symmetry, Spectroscopy, and Structure (3) CHE217 X-Ray Structure Determination (3) CHE219 Organic Spectra (4) CHE240 Adv. Analytical Chemistry (3) CHE241C Mass Spectrometry (3) EME298 Impact Biomechanics and Design of Crash Protection Systems (4) EMS182 Failure Analysis (4) EMS230 Electron Microscopy ETX102B Quantitative Analysis of Environmental Toxicants (5) ENT158 Forensic Entymology (3) FPS161 Structure and Properties of Fibers (3) FPS161L Textile Chemical Analysis Lab (1) GGG201A Transmission Genetics (3) GGG201D Quantitative and Population Genetics (3) GGG211 Concepts in Human Genetics and Genomics (3) GGG294 Seminar in Human Genetics (2) MCB120L Biochemistry Lab (6) MCB162 Human Genetics (3) MAE161 Combustion and the Environment (4) MAE217 Combustion (4) MCB221C Molecular Biology (4) Other courses as approved by the Graduate Advisor |
| Seminars | 3 units 2 - FOR290 Seminars 1 - XXX290 Seminar session (a seminar session in another group) |
3 units 2 - FOR290 Seminars 1 - XXX290 Seminar session (a seminar session in another group) |
| Research | 18 units FOR299 Research in Forensic Science |
6 units FOR299 Research in Forensic Science |
