M.S. programs in forensic chemistry

With these introductory comments in mind we would now like to examine the M.S. program in forensic chemistry that is being planned for September 1975 at Northeastern University. Personnel from the Institute visited many of the schools listed in Table I, as well as a number of practicing laboratories. We wish to thank all those who freely gave advice without their help we would not have been able to advance to the present stage. As in research, a team effort was made by members of the Institute in the curriculum development. Personnel experienced in forensic science interacted with chemists, toxicologists and materials scientists to achieve a final program. 

In this context we note that the curriculum for the planned M.S. program in Forensic Chemistry at Northeastern University which is discussed in detail in Reference 2 will contain a new course entitled "Forensic Materials" as a step in the direction indicated above. The abstract of this course is as follows Forensic Materials (2 Quarter Hours) Fundamental types of solids, such as metals, ceramics, minerals, organic solids, including drugs, polymers, plastics, fibers their properties and determination by modern methods. Forensically important materials such as alloys, glass, soils, fibers, wood, paper, rubber, dyes, paints, ink, and their determination. Illustration of various materials as associative or dissociative items of evidence. 

Table II presents a specimen program of the full-time M.S. degree in forensic chemistry at Northeastern which requires 1-1/4 years for completion. Part-time students take a comparable program however, a slower pace is typically selected, with 2-1/4 to 3-1/4 years required for completion. The program is primarily designed to offer a terminal degree for students seeking immediate forensic laboratory employment and secondarily to serve as a source of qualified applicants for a Ph.D. degree in forensic chemistry (see later). While it is not possible to discuss in depth all the courses, it is appropriate to overview the program. (Further details can be obtained by writing to Dr. B.L. Karger or J. M. Parker.)...

In the M. S. program we have tried to achieve a balance between the theoretical and practical aspects of forensic chemistry. Fundamental principles are presented in the first quarter, and the emphasis is then gradually shifted to the more operational aspects of the profession, leading ultimately to the in-service training period. Some flexibility is built into the program through the electives and by the type of position taken in the crime laboratory during the three-month work period. 

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