Prerequisites and Curriculum for Current Students

Prerequisite Courses

Applicants must have completed the minimum equivalent of the courses listed below. UC Davis is on the quarter system. For reference, the appropriate UC Davis courses and comparable semester-system courses are provided.

  • General Chemistry with lab
    • UC Davis quarter system: 9 quarter units & 6 lab units (CHE 2A/B/C)
    • Semester system: General Chemistry I/Lab (4 cr) and General Chemistry II/Lab (4cr)
  • Organic Chemistry with lab
    • UC Davis quarter system: 6 quarter units & 2 lab units (CHE 118A/B)
    • Semester system: Organic Chemistry I (3 cr) & Organic Chemistry II (3 cr) & Organic Chemistry Lab (2 cr)
  • Physics with lab
    • UC Davis quarter system: 12 quarter units (PHY 7A/B/C)
    • Semester system: Physics I/Lab (4 cr) & Physics II/Lab (4 cr)
  • Calculus
    • UC Davis quarter system: 9 quarter units (MAT 16A/B/C)
    • Semester system: Calculus I (4-5 cr) & Calculus II (4-5 cr)
  • Statistics
    • UC Davis quarter system: 4 quarter units (STA 13)
    • Semester system: Statistical Methods I (3 cr)

For information on course equivalency to UC Davis courses, please refer to the course descriptions. Applicants must list courses taken to satisfy the prerequisites on the application for admission.

If you do not meet all of these requirements, it may be possible to complete them in your first quarter at UC Davis. Please contact us to discuss.

 

Forensic Criminalistics Track Curriculum

Our Forensic Criminalistics track lets you tailor your degree to support your career path. The Forensic Criminalistics track focuses on the methodologies, applications and interpretations of forensic instrumental analysis, trace evidence, drug chemistry, and toxicology. The coursework, research and hands-on experience will prepare you for forensic casework in government and private laboratories.

Core Curriculum

FOR201A Forensic Science Fundamentals (3)
FOR201B Forensic Science Fundamentals (3)
FOR201C Forensic Science Fundamentals (3)
FOR240 Homicide Crime Scene Investigation (3)
FOR290 Seminar Series (Fall and Winter) (3)
FOR218 Forensic Case Reports (3)

Criminalistics Track Courses

FOR268 Forensic Statistics (3)
FOR207 Advanced Spectroscopy (3)
FOR220 Analysis of Toxicants (3)

Criminalistics Laboratory Course

FOR221L Forensic Science Analytical Instrumentation (2)

Thesis Research

FOR299 Research in Forensic Science (18)

Electives

Minimum 7 Units

Total: 54 Units

Explore Your Course Plan!

2023-24 Forensic Criminalistics Advising Worksheet

 

Forensic DNA Track Curriculum

Our Forensic DNA track lets you tailor your degree to support your career path. Graduate students can specialize in the methodologies, applications and interpretation of forensic DNA analysis. Through scholarly coursework and research, graduate students will be well prepared for forensic case work and meet the SWGDAM educational guidelines for DNA Analysts and DNA Technical Leaders.

Core Curriculum

FOR201A Forensic Science Fundamentals (3)
FOR201B Forensic Science Fundamentals (3)
FOR201C Forensic Science Fundamentals (3)
FOR240 Homicide Crime Scene Investigation (3)
FOR290 Seminar Series (Fall and Winter) (3)
FOR218 Forensic Case Reports (3)

Forensic DNA Track Courses

FOR278 Molecular Techniques (3)
FOR280 Forensic DNA Analysis (3)
FOR276 Population Genetics (3) or any 200-level Genetics or Bioinformatics Course (3)

DNA Laboratory Course

FOR281 Principles and Practices of DNA Typing (3)

Thesis Research

FOR299 Research in Forensic Science (18)

Electives

Minimum 6 Units

Total: 54 Units

Explore Your Course Plan!

2023-24 Forensic DNA Advising Worksheet