At a glance: Forensic Biology
At a glance: Forensic Biology
Forensic Biology Features:
CSI: ONU
Each semester, Dr. Dennis DeLuca stages a mock crime scene at a University-owned house for his students to investigate. This semester’s scenario included an added twist of introducing the law enforcement element.
The major in forensic biology is a program within the Department of Biological and Allied Health Sciences. The program is a cohort of courses specifically designed to meet the needs of forensic crime laboratories in the field of forensic biology and follows the recommendations of the Forensic Education Program Accreditation Commission. Student graduating from Ohio Northern University with a major in Forensic Biology have been exposed to the direct application of science relevant to the field of forensic biology including the emerging field of forensic serology and analysis of DNA at the nuclear and mitochondrial levels. The coursework teaches students the actual procedures utilized in the modern forensic laboratory. These approaches, plus productive internships, enable the department to produce graduates prepared for the forensic and biomedical laboratory or graduate programs in the forensic sciences. Visit the department's web site.
Degrees offered
Forensic biology majors earn a bachelor of science degree.
Distinctive features
The major has two goals: to provide students with a solid foundation in the forensic sciences through a core of four forensic biology courses and to provide a focused and coherent study in the practice of the scientific techniques used to analyze physical evidence found at the scene of a crime with five upper-level forensic courses. For additional information on this major, contact the program coordinator Dr. Dennis De Luca at 419-772-2331 or by email at d-deluca@onu.edu.
Facilities
10 laboratory classrooms, 11 Independent Research Laboratories, Animal vivarium facilities, Physiological measurements laboratory, Cadaver dissection laboratory, ONU Metzger Field Station in eastern Ohio, "Animal Body Farm"
Student organizations
Midwestern Association of Forensic Scientists, American Academy of Forensic Sciences, Beta Beta Beta, Biology Student Association
Professional placement
University biomedical research centers, Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratories (AFDIL), Private forensic testing laboratories, Contract research organizations
Graduate schools
Ball State University, Clemson University, The Ohio State University, University of Florida, University of Michigan, University of North Carolina, University of Indiana, Ohio University, The Ohio State University, University of Toledo, Washington University, University of Cincinnati.
