WHAT IS FORENSIC & INVESTIGATIVE SCIENCES?

1. WHAT IS FORENSIC & INVESTIGATIVE SCIENCES?

2. How do youdefine Forensic Science? Applied scientific methods and processes to solving crimes A multi-disciplinary approach that covers everything from biological methods to analytical chemistry techniques The application of sciences such as physics, chemistry, biology, mathematics, computer science and engineering to matters of law. A TV show that solves crimes and settles civil disputes in 45mins A, B, & C

3. SIMPLY PUT….

4. Forensic Science is applied science. According to one definition, the word “forensic” means the application of scientific knowledge to legal problems. The term “forensic science” refers to a group of scientific disciplineswhich are concerned with the application of their particular scientific area of expertise to law enforcement, criminal, civil, legal, and judicial matters.

5. DID YOU KNOW?

6. FIVS is often confused with criminal justice, which is often focused more on the rehabilitation of offenders rather than the analysis, interpretation, and presentation of scientific evidence in a court of law A FIVS degree is not a criminal justice degree.

7. So…….Do you like science?What about math?

8. Forensic scientists perform both physical and chemical analysis on physical evidence obtained by crime scene investigators and law enforcement officials at the crime scene. These scientific experts use microscopic examining techniques, complex instruments, mathematical principles, scientific principles, and reference literature to analyze evidence as to identify both class and individual characteristics.

9. DID YOU KNOW?

10. Forensic science is a rewarding career where the loveof science can be applied to the good of society, public health, and public safety. The most common requirement found on any forensic scientist job description is a bachelor’s or graduate degree in forensic science, biology, chemistry, or a related field.

11. AGAIN,….Do you like science?What about math?

12. The field of forensic science draws from a number of scientific branches, including physics, chemistry, and biology, with its focus being on the recognition, identification, and evaluation of physical evidence. 

13. DID YOU KNOW?

14. Our FIVS degree is the only bachelor’s degree in the state of Texas that is nationally accredited by the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC) of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences. Many employers look for programs that have been approved by the FEPAC)

15. DO YOU KNOW?

16. In the first 2 years of the FIVS Program you will take the following science & math courses: 2 semesters of fundamental chemistry 2 semesters of introductory biology 2 semesters calculus based math 2 semesters of organic chemistry 2 semesters of college physics Our FIVS-SCE degree meets all the pre-requisites for Medical School whether you want to go or not.

17. DID YOU KNOW?

18. Forensic science can help investigators understand how blood spatter patterns occur (physics), learn the composition and source of evidence such as drugs and trace materials (chemistry) or determine the identity of an unknown suspect (biology).

19. DO YOU KNOW?

20. In the Upper Level(Jr & Sr years) portion of our program students will take: Quantitative Analysis (chemistry) Genetics Comprehensive Biochemistry Statistics Forensic Entomology Forensic Soil Science Biotechnology and Forensics Practices and Principles of Science and Law Crime Scene Investigation Case Studies in Problem Solving (Capstone Course)

21. DID YOU KNOW?

22. As of January 1, 2019 Article 38.01 Section 4 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedures requires that forensic analysts who perform work in disciplines subjected to accreditation by the Texas Forensic Science Commission be licensed. Texas Administrative Code Title 37 Part 15 Chapter 651 Subchapter C (contains the rules published by the Texas Forensic Science Commission pertaining to the licensure program).

23. Applicants will have to meet certain education requirements to obtain licensure. A Bachelor’s (or higher level) degree in forensic science meets the degree requirements but there will also be specific coursework requirements effective for anyone who applies for a license after January 1, 2019. The FIVS program meets these specific coursework requirements! Applicants will need to complete a written examination. Individuals will not be able to apply until they begin working in a qualifying position at an accredited laboratory Applicants will be required to take a general knowledge test.

24. DID YOU KNOW?

25. Semester Credit Hours – Semester Requirement Semester Credit Hours – Weekly Requirement 12 credit hours requires a minimum of 504 hours of course preparation a semester!! 15 credit hours requires a minimum of 630 hours of course preparation a semester! 12 credit hours requires a minimum of 36 hours of course preparation a week! 15 credit hours requires a minimum of 42 hours of course preparation a week! These time requirements are the equivalent to a full time job!

26. ARE YOU READY FOR FIVS?

27. WAS ANY OF THIS INFORMATION NEW TO YOU? DID YOU KNOW THAT THIS DEGREE REQUIRED SO MUCH SCIENCE? HOW ARE YOUR TIME MANAGEMENT SKILLS? HOW ARE YOUR STUDY SKILLS? READY FOR 2 SCIENCES, 1 MATH AND AN INTRO FIVS COURSE IN YOUR FIRST SEMSTER? READY TO PUT IN THE WEEKLY HOURS TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN THIS PROGRAM?

28. WE ARE READY FOR YOU!

29. ADVISING TEAM MS. ANN POOL – SR. ACADEMIC ADVISOR 404 HEEP BLDG. annpool@tamu.edu 979-845-0122 MS. REBECCA HAPES – SR. ACADEMIC ADVISOR 404 HEEP BLDG. rhapes@tamu.edu 979-845-9733