Western Illinois University: Macomb Campus

Undergraduate Minor in Chemistry

Forensic Chemistry & Forensic Science

Differences Between the Two Options:

The main differences between the forensic science and chemistry minors are:

• The required courses for the forensic science minor are of a lower level and do not provide a sound background to pursue a graduate degree in the field. On the other hand, the required chemistry courses for the forensic chemistry minor are strong enough to pursue an advanced degree in forensic chemistry. The additional knowledge gained through Chemistry 201, 202, and 330 is necessary for pursuing graduate studies.
• The forensic science minor has a total of 19 credit hours while the forensic chemistry minor has a total of 20 hours.
• Although employment opportunities depend on several factors, a forensic chemistry background will be more helpful.

Career Opportunities

Civilians are employed by many police forces to provide a variety of technical services, including photography, the collection and comparison of fingerprints, vehicle examination, and the detailed examination of the science of crime. Scene examiners will normally have some scientific training.

Program Descriptions

Forensic Chemistry Minor ... 20 s.h.

• Core Courses (4 s.h. each except for Chem 330, which is 5 s.h.)
• Chemistry 201, Inorganic Chemistry I
• Chemistry 202, Inorganic Chemistry II
• Chemistry 330, Elements of Organic Chemistry
• Chemistry 440, Forensic Chemical Techniques

Forensic Science Minor ... 19 s.h.

• Core Courses (4 s.h. each)
• Chemistry 101, General Chemistry I
• Chemistry 102, General Chemistry II
• Chemistry 221, Elementary Biochemistry
• Chemistry 440, Forensic Chemical Techniques

Directed Electives for Either Minor

Choose one of the following options (3 s.h.):

1. Chemistry 485 internship at a state laboratory, with placement approval by minor advisor.
2. One course from Agri 372, Biol 330, Micro 200, Micro 434, Zoology 430, Chemistry 342, Anthropology 405, and Chemistry 421.