MS in Biomedical Forensic Sciences

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Forensic Science Education at the Boston University School of Medicine

All of our faculty remain actively involved in casework and commonly utilize their own experience to teach students about science and the application of science to the law.

The forensic curriculum and courses at Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM) are specially developed for forensic science education. A significant number of courses are designed such that there is a laboratory or practical component included. This ensures that our students obtain a significant amount of hands-on experience not available through lecture classes alone. The master’s degree program is a 38-credit program that can be completed in two years.

The BMFS program is housed in the Boston University School of Medicine and the master’s degree awarded is an MS in Biomedical Forensic Sciences from the Boston University School of Medicine. Therefore, our students primarily take courses and perform research in BUSM facilities and laboratories.

Our criminal law classes (Criminal Law I and II) are taught by Boston University School of Law professors and practicing attorneys. This allows our students to get a real sense of expert testimony while receiving advice and expertise from the attorneys who regularly practice direct and cross examination.

All students actively engage in independent research. Experience gained through this endeavor has allowed our students not only to present at conferences and publish in journals, but also to develop expertise in a field of study not accessible through courses alone.

These requirements, experiences, and in-depth laboratory practice are what allow us to offer high-quality, graduate-level, research-grade, forensic science education to MS students at BUSM.

Program Requirements

Core Curriculum

  • Criminal Law and Ethics (FS 700, 2 cr)
  • Crime Scene Investigation (FS 701, 3 cr)
  • Forensic Biology (FS 702, 3 cr)
  • Forensic Chemistry (FS 703, 3 cr)
  • Trace Evidence Analysis (FS 707, 3 cr)
  • Forensic Pathology and Medicolegal Death Investigation (FS 712, 3 cr)
  • Molecular Biology of Forensic DNA Analysis (FS 720, 3 cr)
  • Criminal Law II-Mock Court (FS 800, 2 cr)
  • Directed Research and Professionalism in Biomedical Forensic Sciences (FS 870, 2 cr)
  • Research in Biomedical Forensic Sciences (FS 970 and/or 971, 2 cr)

Forensic Laboratory Courses

Each student is required to complete 4 credits of laboratory coursework. The BMFS program offers the following laboratory courses throughout the year.

  • Forensic Instrumental Analysis Laboratory (FS 708, 2 cr)
  • Forensic Biology Laboratory (FS 704, 2 cr)
  • Forensic DNA Analysis Laboratory (FS 721, 2 cr)
  • Trace Evidence Analysis Laboratory (FS 807, 2 cr)

Electives

  • Pattern Evidence Analysis (FS 706, 2 cr)
  • Bloodstain Pattern Analysis (FS 713, 2 cr)
  • Advanced Topics in DNA Analysis (FS 730, 2 cr)
  • Analysis of Controlled Substances (FS 740, 2 cr)
  • Advanced Topics in Forensic Chemistry (FS 803, 2 cr)
  • Forensic Toxicology (FS 830, 2 cr)
  • Case Practicum in Forensic Biology-DNA (FS 840, 2 cr)
  • Internship in Biomedical Forensic Sciences (FS 871, 2 cr)

Transcript Designation

Students may choose to focus their elective courses and thesis research on one general scientific area (e.g., forensic biology or forensic chemistry). If a student completes the designated Specialty Track curriculum and passes a topic-specific competency exam, the achievement will appear on his or her transcript.

All BMFS students must pass a general competency exam to graduate. This achievement will appear on student transcripts.