Forensic Genetics
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John V. Planz, Ph.D., Graduate Advisor
Education and Administration Building 310E
817-735-2397
E-mail: jplanz@hsc.unt.edu
Graduate Faculty: Eisenberg, Planz, Warren, Williamson
The forensic genetics program is designed to offer a broad-based learning experience in forensic science with teaching and research emphasis in DNA technology. The Master of Science degree requirements are met upon satisfactory completion of 58 semester credit hours (SCH) of course work, including six semester hours of an internship that culminates in a practicum report. In addition to completing selected components of the integrative core curriculum, students in forensic genetics are required to take, among other subjects, population genetics, several forensic DNA methodology laboratories, and courses that prepare them to give legal evidence in forensic science. The program prepares individuals for careers in forensic DNA sciences, emphasizing the application of current methods and technologies to legal proceedings. Upon completion of the program, graduates will be qualified to become DNA analysts and, later, after obtaining job experience, to develop into forensic DNA laboratory managers. The program was designed to meet all educational and many training requirements as outlined in the National Quality Assurance Standards for Forensic DNA Testing Laboratories adopted by the FBI. Graduates will also find the program helpful in building a foundation to pursue further studies at the doctoral level. Certain individuals interested in related investigative fields or practicing law might find the curriculum appropriate for their professional objectives as well.
Degree Plans
The following is a typical degree plan for students in the forensic genetics discipline. This degree plan may vary depending upon availability of course offerings in a given semester and each student's progress.
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MS Degree Plan for Cell Biology and Genetics |
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Year 1: Summer |
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| BMSC 5200 | Biostatistics for Biomedical Sciences | 4 SCH |
| CGEN 5550 | Forensic Laboratory Quality Assurance | 1 SCH |
| 5 SCH | ||
| Year 1: Fall | ||
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BMSC 5600 |
Integrative Biomedical Sciences I: Principles of Biochemistry |
4 SCH |
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BMSC 5610 |
Integrative Biomedical Sciences II: Molecular Cell Biology |
4 SCH |
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BMSC 5960 |
Biomedical Ethics |
1 SCH |
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CGEN 5600 |
Current Topics in Forensic and Molecular Genetics |
2 SCH |
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11 SCH |
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Year 1: Spring |
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BMSC 5710 |
Integrative Biomedical Sciences IV: Immunology and Microbiology |
3 SCH |
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CGEN 5300 |
Population Genetics
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3 SCH |
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CGEN 5600 |
Current Topics in Forensic and Molecular Genetics |
2 SCH |
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Elective |
3 SCH |
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12 SCH |
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Year 2: Summer |
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CGEN 5050 |
Methods in Forensic Molecular Biology |
4 SCH |
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Year 2: Fall |
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CGEN 5100 |
Biological Evidence Evaluation |
4 SCH |
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CGEN 5310 |
Genetic Data Analysis |
4 SCH |
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Current Topics in Forensic and Molecular Genetics |
2 SCH |
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Elective |
2 SCH |
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12 SCH |
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Year 2: Spring |
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CGEN 5200 |
Expert Testimony in Forensic Science |
3 SCH |
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CGEN 5600 |
Current Topics in Forensic and Molecular Genetics |
2 SCH |
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CGEN 5950 |
Forensic Anthropology |
3 SCH |
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Electives |
1 SCH |
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9 SCH |
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Year 3: Summer |
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BMSC 5920 |
Laboratory Internship Practicum |
6 SCH |
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TOTAL |
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58 SCH |
The following courses are electives that can be taken as part of the program. Courses from other disciplines may also be used as electives, upon approval of the advisory committee.
| BMSC5900 | Special Problems: Introductory Biochemistry | 2 SCH |
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BMSC5550 |
Laboratory Management |
2 SCH |
| CGEN5060 | Forensic Biology: The History and Science of Human Identification | 2 SCH |
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CGEN5101 |
Applications of Y-Chromosome Analysis in Forensic and Genealogical Investigations |
1 SCH |
| CGEN5400 | Non-Human Forensic Genetics (Focused Topics) | 1-3 SCH |
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CGEN5700 |
Forensic Hair Analysis |
1 SCH |
| CGEN5800 | Blood Spatter Analysis | 1 SCH |
| CGEN6100 |
Forensic Mitochondrial DNA Analysis |
2 SCH |
|
CGEN6210 |
Molecular Evolutionary Genetics |
3 SCH |
This page last updated May 20, 2008
