Department of Biological and Forensic Sciences

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The Department of Biological and Forensic Sciences offers degrees in Biology and Forensic Science. Studies in these areas of the biological and forensic sciences are designed to prepare students for careers in government, industry, health-related professions, education, forensic crime laboratories, or for pursuing study in graduate or professional schools. Regardless of the major, all students must successfully complete the University College Core Curriculum and the advanced courses in their majors.

Students in other undergraduate majors may elect to minor in biology or biotechnology in order to achieve their career goals. The Department of Biological and Forensic Sciences offers non-major courses that will satisfy the natural sciences requirement of the University College Core Curriculum.

The department offers, in conjunction with the College of Education, the following:

• Licensure in Secondary Education 9-12, Biology Specialty Area  
• Licensure in Middle Grades Education 6-9, Science Concentration  

Please refer to College of Education program listings in this catalog for more information on these licensure programs. 

Cooperative Program

Fayetteville State University and Logan University have entered into an educational assistance agreement to help students from populations under-represented in the chiropractic health-care profession improve their academic competitiveness and facilitate their entry into and graduation from a chiropractic health professional school.

Learning Outcomes

BS in Biology

• Students will be able to define and explain major concepts in the biological sciences.
• Student will be able to correctly use biological instrumentation and proper laboratory techniques.
• Students will be able to communicate biological knowledge in oral and written form.
• Students will be able to explain and apply the scientific method including designing and conducting experiments and testing hypotheses.
• Student will be able to recognize the relationship between structure and function at all levels: molecular, cellular, and organismal.
• Student will be able to demonstrate the ability to read, understand, and critically review scientific information.
• Student will be able to demonstrate ethical conduct in scientific activities.

BS in Forensic Sciences

The educational objectives of the Bachelor of Science in Forensic Sciences degree program are consistent with the mission of Fayetteville State University and the accreditation standards of the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC) of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences (www.aafs.org). Students should be able to:

• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of a range of concepts and issues in Forensic science.
• Show proficiency in assessing, evaluating, analyzing, and synthesizing scientific information and data interpretation from a variety of sample sources.
• Demonstrate knowledge and techniques fundamental to the practice of forensic science.
• Demonstrate an understanding of ethical standards in the forensic science profession.
• Work cooperatively with others, while demonstrating an increasing understanding of how to be an independent learner.
• Communicate forensics knowledge in written and oral forms.

These learning objectives will be measured through the successful completion of coursework, laboratory experiences, exams, papers, and an internship/capstone as determined by faculty responsible for teaching in the degree program.

Programs

• Biology, Biotechnology and Molecular Biology Concentration, B.S.
• Biology, Organismal Biology Concentration, B.S.
• Biology, Pre-Health Sciences Concentration, B.S.
• Forensic Science, B.S.

• Biology Minor
• Biology, Biotechnology Minor
• Biotechnology Minor for Chemistry Majors
• Forensic Science Minor (Chemistry and Materials Science Students)

• STEM Undergraduate Research Certificate

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