The Forensic Science Track of the M.S. Chemistry Program is designed to serve the needs of both practicing professionals and full-time students who desire an advanced program of study in the forensic analysis of biological materials.
Focal areas of the track include the following:
- Forensic Analysis: The Forensic Analysis emphasizes the application of modern chromatographic, spectroscopic and micro-analytical techniques to problems in forensic science.
- Forensic Biochemistry: The Forensic Biochemistry has a strong biochemistry-DNA focus to serve the needs of supervisory personnel in DNA sections of crime laboratories. National DNA standards mandate that such personnel have advanced degrees.
Graduate Forensic Science Advising
As a graduate student you may seek advising from your selected research advisor, the graduate coordinator, the track program advisor, and the graduate admissions program coordinator.
Additionally, the graduate program handbook should serve as your main advising guide. The handbook includes curriculum, timeline for completion, graduate milestones and useful links.
Opportunities and Partnerships
The National Center for Forensic Science (NCFS) is a research center at the University of Central Florida with an 18 year history of research and partnership with the forensic science community. NCFS was formed in support of an industrial need as expressed in the results of a 1994 survey of UCF Forensic Science graduates working in crime laboratories. The NCFS has focused on research in the areas of Physical Evidence (ignitable liquids, explosives, etc.), Biological Evidence (DNA, RNA, body fluids, etc.) and Digital Evidence (recovery of digital evidence, digital tools validation, etc.). The Chemistry Department at UCF has also developed an extensive network of partnerships with Central Florida business and industry. These alliances enrich the learning experience and provide unique opportunities both during and after the advanced degree programs. Companies recently offering partnership programs for UCF Chemistry students include Lucent Technologies, NASA, Lockheed-Martin Corporation, MBI International, Cirent Corporation, Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, M. D. Andersen Cancer Center of the Orlando Regional Medical Center, and the Walt Disney Cancer Institute at Florida Hospital.
More Information about NCFS