College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Department of Chemistry

• General Information
• Course Menu
• How to Apply
• Forms
• Checklists
• What former students have to say...

General Information

Forensics.What does the word mean? Certainly, it conjures up images from the popular media - CSI, The Practice, Monk. Forensics means `tracking down the bad guy,' a task that mingles intrigue and danger with scientific skill. It is a task that captures everyone's imagination. It also raises many questions, such as "What is the field of forensics really like?"

Iowa State University has an academic program that can answer many of your questions about this field. Our program was developed with the assistance of crime lab directors in several states to serve the best interests of our students and to help meet the needs of the forensics community.

The Graduate Certificate is meant to complement a program of study at Iowa State that leads to any graduate degree in an established academic major. It is recommended only for students with a very strong background in mathematics, physical or life sciences or engineering. Coursework for the Certificate is at the graduate level. Qualified undergraduates may also enroll, provided they are admitted to the Graduate College as a certificate student for at least one semester. Iowa State does not offer a major in Forensic Sciences at either the graduate or undergraduate level, but it does have an undergraduate major in Criminal Justice.

The primary goal of our Certificate program is to prepare a generation of scientists who can contribute productively to the sciences and technologies involved in forensics and counter-terrorism, particularly at the research and development level.

To earn the Certificate, you will take an interdisciplinary set of courses that will broaden and enrich your perspective of forensic science, attend a series of seminars given by seasoned scientists in the field, and participate in a professional conference at which you can make valuable contacts.

After you earn the Certificate, you will be...

• Educated in a diverse array of topics that contribute to the interdisciplinary field of forensic science
• Well informed about the needs for R & D in forensic science
• Able to propose a research project related to forensic science
• Informed about forensic science as a career choice
• Aware of the possibility of offering your expertise as a scientist to law enforcement agencies within your community
• Aware that forensic sciences can be used as an educational tool in your post-graduate capacity as a professor/teacher, parent or community volunteer

Eligibility

Students who are currently enrolled at Iowa State who are either working toward an M.S. or Ph.D. degree are eligible to enroll in the certificate program. Also, undergraduates with a strong background in mathematics, physical or life sciences or engineering may apply if they have a minimum GPA of 3.0. The Certificate is offered through the Department of Chemistry, but graduate or undergraduate students do not need to major in Chemistry to pursue the certificate.

The Program

1. In order to earn the Certificate, you will take 12 credits of coursework and seminars at Iowa State University:
1. 1 graduate credit seminar course in forensic science: CHEM 540.
   The seminar will be offered each spring semester. In this seminar, you will report on the off-campus conference you attend, and also on your research.
2. 1 graduate credit of independent study: CHEM 542.
   Choose a topic in forensics, ask the DOCS for approval, research it in the literature and write a paper on it. You will present this research project to the seminar group.
3. At least 10 graduate credits from among the courses listed in the Course Menu.
   From these courses, you may not choose any courses offered toward your academic major, and you must choose courses from at least two different departments entirely outside of your department or program.
   • No credits may be transferred to ISU from other institutions
   • You are allowed to take the courses for the Certificate on a pass/not pass basis. However, you will not be able to include any pass/not pass credits on the POS for your major.
2. You will attend local public meetings and workshops organized by the Midwest Forensics Resource Center. You will be notified of these meetings.
3. You will attend a national or regional scientific meeting devoted to forensic science. Funding is available to help with the expenses. You must spend at least 2.5 days at the conference. After attending, you will report back to the group as part of the seminar course. Examples of suitable meetings are those held by the:
1. Midwest Association of Forensic Scientists (http://mafs.net)
2. American Academy of Forensic Sciences (www.aafs.org)
3. North American Forensic Entomologists (www.nafea.net)
4. Society of Forensic Toxicologists (www.soft-tox.org)
5. The International Association of Forensic Toxicologists (www.tiaft.org)
6. American Association of Physical Anthropologists (www.physanth.org)American Association of Physical Anthropologists (www.physanth.org)
7. International Conference of Racing Analysts and Veterinarians
8. Iowa Division International Association for Identification (www.iowaiai.org)
4. To finish the program, you must have achieved a total GPA of 3.0 or higher and completed the Certificate within three contiguous calendar years.

Course Menu

E M 550. Fundamentals of Nondestructive Evaluation.

(Same as M S E 550.) (3-2) Cr. 4. S. Prereq: 324,Math 385.

Principles of five basic NDE methods and their application in engineering inspections. Materials behavior and simple failure analysis. NDE reliability, and damage-tolerant design. Advanced methods such as acoustic microscopy, laser ultrasonics, thermal waves, computed tomography, and thermoelectrics are analyzed. Laboratory experiments on all basic methods: ultrasonics, eddy currents, x-ray, liquid penetrants, magnetic testing, and visual inspection are performed.

Agron 473. Soil Genesis and Landscape Relationships.

(Same as EnSci 473.) (2-3) Cr. 4. S. Prereq: 154or 402.

Relationships between soil formation, geomorphology, and environment. Soil description, classifi cation, geography, mapping, and interpretation for land use. Two weekend fi eld trips. Credit for only 473 or 473I may be applied for graduation, not both. Nonmajor graduate credit

Agron 502. Chemistry, Physics, and Biology of Soils. (3-0) Cr. 3. F.

Prereq: 114, 154, Biol 101, Chem 163, and Math 140.

Soil chemical, physical, and biological properties that control processes within the soil, their influence on plant/soil interactions, and soil classification. Basic concepts in soil science and their applications. Required course for the Master of Science in Agronomy degree program. Restricted to graduate students enrolled in degree programs at Iowa State University.

Agron 555. Soil Clay Mineralogy.

(Same as Geol 555.) (3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. F., offered 2005. Prereq: 473,Chem 164. Recommend: Geol 311.

Structure and behavior of clay minerals in soil environments, with emphasis on layer silicates and on Fe, Mn, and Al oxides.

Agron 555L. Soil Clay Mineralogy Laboratory.

(Same as Geol 555L.) (0-3) Cr. 1. Alt. F., offered 2005.

Prereq: Credit or enrollment in 555. Thompson. Application of X-ray diffraction, thermal analysis, infrared spectroscopy, and chemical analyses to identification and behavior of clay minerals in soils.

An S 551. Animal Molecular Biology.

(Dual-listed with 451.) (2-3) Cr. 3. F. Prereq: 352, BBMB 221 or organic chemistry, Biol 313.

Introduction to use of molecular biology techniques in domestic animal research and production. Restriction endonuclease mapping, gene mapping, gene cloning, DNA sequencing and amplification, and analysis of genetic differences at the molecular level.

An S 561. Population and Quantitative Genetics for Breeding.

(Same as Agron 561.) (4-0) Cr. 4. F.Prereq: Stat 401.

Population and quantitative genetics for plant and animal breeding. Topics include: forces that change gene frequency, covariance between relatives, response to artificial selection, inbreeding depression, heterosis, cross-breeding, genotype-byenvironment interaction, linkage analysis, mapping of quantitative trait loci, and marker assisted selection.

Anthr 519. Skeletal Biology. (Dual-listed with 319.)

(2-2) Cr. 3. Alt. F., offered 2006. Prereq: 307 or college level biology recommended.

Comprehensive study of the skeletal anatomy, physiology, genetics, growth, development and population variation of the human skeleton. Applications to forensic anthropology, paeopathology, and bioarchaeology are introduced.

Anthr 524. Forensic Anthropology. (Dual-listed with 424.)

(3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. S., offered 2006. Prereq: 319.

Comprehensive study of forensic anthropology, a specialized subfield of biological anthropology. Emphasis is placed on personal identifications from extremely fragmentary, comingled, burnt, cremated and incomplete skeletal remains. All parameters of forensic study are included as they pertain to anthropology, including human variation, taphonomy, entomology archaeology, pathology, epidemiology; genetics and the non-biological forensic disciplines. An appreciation for the wide range of medicolegal and bioethical issues will also be gained.

BBMB 411. Techniques in Biochemical Research.

(1-8) Cr. 3. F. Prereq: Credit or enrollment in 404 or501,Chem 210 or 211.

Introduction to laboratory techniques for studying biochemistry, including: chromatographic methods; electrophoresis; spectrophotometry; enzyme purification; enzyme kinetics; and characterization of carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. Nonmajor graduate credit.

BBMB/FSHN/BMS/GDCB 542 Introduction to Molecular Biology Techniques.

Cr. 1 per module. F.S.SS. Prereq: Graduate classification.

Workshops in basic molecular biology techniques and related procedures. Offered on a satisfactory-fail grading basis only.

A. DNA Techniques. (See Genetics, Development and Cell Biology)

B. Protein Techniques. Includes fermentation protein isolation, protein purifi cation, SDS-PAGE, Western blotting, NMR, confocal microscopy and laser microdissection, immunophenotyping, and monocional antibody production. (S.SS.)

C. Cell Techniques. (See Genetics, Development and Cell Biology)

D. Plant Transformation. (See Genetics, Development and Cell Biology)

E. Proteomics. Includes two-dimensional electrophoresis, laser scanning, mass spectrometry, and database searching. (F.)

B M S 554. General Pharmacology. (Dual-listed with 354; Same as Tox 554.)

(3-0) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: 549 and552; BBMB 404, 405.

General principles; drug disposition; drugs acting on the nervous, cardiovascular, renal, gastrointestinal, and endocrine systems.

Chem 510. Advanced Survey of Analytical Chemistry.

(2-0) Cr. 2. F. Prereq: 316 and 316L.

Selected topics in modern quantitative analysis including analytical separations, titrimetry, spectroscopy, and other instrumental methods.

Chem 511. Advanced Quantitative Analysis.

(3-0) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: 316 and 316L.

General methods of quantitative inorganic and organic analysis. Aqueous and nonaqueous titrimetry; selective reagents; sampling and sample dissolution; modern instrumentation; sensors; atomic and molecular microscopy; bioanalytical methods; data evaluation; chemometrics; and analytical literature.

Chem 513. Analytical Molecular and Atomic Spectroscopy.

(3-0) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: 316 and 316L,322, 322L.

Introduction to physical optics and design of photometric instruments. Principles of absorption, emission, fluorescence, and Raman spectroscopy. Error and precision of optical methods. Ultraviolet, visible, and infrared methods of qualitative and quantitative organic and inorganic analysis.

Chem 516. Analytical Separations.

(3-0) Cr. 3. F.Prereq: 316 and 316L, 322, 322L.

Principles and examples of inorganic and organic separation methods applied to analytical chemistry. Solvent extraction, volatilization, ion exchange, liquid and gas chromatography, and electrophoresis.

Chem 572. Spectrometric Identification of Organic Compounds.

(2-3) Cr. 3. F. Prereq: 332.

Principles of infrared, ultraviolet, nuclear magnetic resonance, and mass spectroscopy as applied to organic chemistry.

Chem 577. Mass Spectrometry.

(3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. S., offered 2007. Prereq: Permission of instructor.

Basic physics, instrumentation, chemical and biological applications of mass spectrometry.

EEOB 565. Morphometric Analysis. (Dual-listed with Biol 465.)

(3-2) Cr. 4. Alt. S., offered 2006. Prereq: Stat 401.

A comprehensive overview of the theory and methods for the analysis of biological shape with emphasis on data acquisition, standardization, statistical analysis, and visualization of results. Methods for both landmark and outline data will be discussed.

Ent 675. Insecticide Toxicology. (Same as Tox 675.)

(2-3) Cr. 3. Alt. F., offered 2005. Prereq: 555 or Tox 501.

Principles of insecticide toxicology; classification, mode of action, metabolism, and environmental effects of insecticides.

Gen 411. Molecular Genetics.

(3-0) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: Biol 314.

The principles of molecular genetics: gene structure and function at the molecular level, including regulation of gene expression, genetic rearrangement, and the organization of genetic information in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Nonmajor graduate credit.

Gen 462. Evolutionary Genetics. (Same as Biol 462, Dual-listed with EEOB 562.)

(3-0) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: Biol 315.

The genetic basis of evolutionary processes in higher organisms. The role of genetic variation in adaptation, natural selection, adaptive processes, and the influence of random processes on evolutionary change. Nonmajor graduate credit

GDCB 511. Molecular Genetics. (Same as MCDB 511.)

(3-0) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: Biol 313 and BBMB 405.

The principles of molecular genetics: gene structure and function at the molecular level, including regulation of gene expression, genetic rearrangement, and the organization of genetic information in prokaryotes and eukaryotes.

GDCB 508. Biotechnology in Agriculture, Food, and Human Health.

(3-0) Cr. 3. F.S. Prereq: Biol 211 and 212.

Scientific principles and techniques in biotechnology. Products and applications in agriculture, food, and human health. Ethical, legal, and social implications of biotechnology. A research paper is required for graduate credit.

M S E 533. Characterization Methods in Materials Science.

(2-3) Cr. 3. Prereq: Mat E 214 or equivalent.

Characterization of ceramic, metal, polymer and glassy materials using modern analytical techniques. Spectroscopic (IR, Raman, UV/VIS/NIR, and NMR), thermal (DSC, DTA/TGA, and DMA) methods, mechanical and rheological testing, magnetic and electrical characterization, and powder characterization.

M S E 534. Scanning and Auger Electron Microscopy.

(2-3) Cr. 3. Prereq: Phys 222.

Characterization of materials using scanning electron microscope (SEM), electron microprobe, and auger spectrometer. Compositional determination using energy and wavelength dispersive x-ray and Auger spectroscopies. Specimen preparation. Laboratory covers SEM operation.

M S E 535. X-Ray, Electron and Neutron Diffraction.

(3-0) Cr. 3. Prereq: Mat E 214.

Introduction to theory of X-ray, electron and neutron diffraction, symmetry operations, space groups, and reciprocal lattice. Laue and powder diffraction methods and their application to precise lattice parameters, determination of simple crystal structures, phase identification orientation, texture, grain size, strain, residual stress, and order-disorder.

Stat 401. Statistical Methods for Research Workers.

(3-2) Cr. 4. F.S.SS. Prereq: 101 or 104 or 105 or 226.

Graduate students without an equivalent course should contact the department. Methods of analyzing and interpreting experimental and survey data. Statistical concepts and models; estimation; hypothesis tests with continuous and discrete data; simple and multiple linear regression and correlation; introduction to analysis of variance and blocking. Nonmajor graduate credit.

Stat 415. Advanced Statistical Methods for Research Workers.

(2-2) Cr. 3. Alt. S., offered 2007. Prereq: 401.

Advanced statistical methods using modern computer methods for modeling and analyzing data. Examples from a wide variety of scientific and engineering disciplines. Nonmajor graduate credit.

Tox 501. Principles of Toxicology. (Same as VDPAM 501.)

(3-0) Cr. 3. F. Prereq: BBMB 404 or equivalent.

Principles of toxicology governing entry, fate, and effects of toxicants on living systems. Includes toxicokinetics and foreign compound metabolism relative to toxification or detoxification. Fundamentals of foreign compound effects on metabolism, physiology, and morphology of different cell types, tissues, and organ systems.

Tox 546. Clinical and Diagnostic Toxicology.

(Same as VDPAM 546.) (0-3 to 0-9) Cr. 1 to 3 each time taken. F.S.SS. Prereq: VDPAM 526 or DVM degree.

Advanced study of current problems and issues in toxicology. Emphasis on problem solving utilizing clinical, epidemiological, and laboratory resources.

VDPAM 522. Principles of Epidemiology and Population Health.

(Same as VMPM 522.) (3-0) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: Micro 310 or equivalent.

Epidemiology and ecology of disease in populations. Disease causality and epidemiologic investigations. Issues in disease prevention, control, and eradication.

V MPM 586. Medical Bacteriology. (Same as Micro 586.)

(4-0) Cr. 4. F. Prereq: Permission of instructor.

Bacteria associated with diseases of vertebrates, including virulence factors and interaction of host responses.

V Pth 542. General Pathology. (Dual-listed with 342.)

(3-2) Cr. 2. S. 8 weeks, offered second half semester only. Prereq: Graduate classification and Biol 352 or equivalent for graduate credit; permission of instructor.

Basic pathology with emphasis on disease in animals.

How to Apply

If you are interested in pursuing a certificate in Forensic Science, you must first speak with the Director of Certificate Studies or their representative in the Department of Chemistry. Be prepared to discuss your objectives, the courses you are interested in taking and your timetable for completion. You should also discuss any pre-requisite waivers, if applicable, with instructors of courses you would like to take.

Contact Dr. Patricia Thiel, Director of Certificate Studies, at

Forms

For the correct application forms, please choose the description below that fits you best:

1. You are an ISU graduate student who wants to earn the Forensics Certificate in parallel with your Ph.D. or M.S.. You will need to complete the following forms:
1. A Request to Pursue a Certificate in Addition to a Graduate Degree
2. A Program of Study Form
3. A Certificate Completion Form (when finished)
2. You are an ISU undergraduate student who wants to earn the Forensics Certificate in parallel with your B.S. or B.A.. You will need to complete the forms listed below. You should submit A and B simultaneously, at least two semsters before you graduate. On Form A, on the line labelled "Admitted", please enter the semester in which you plan to enroll as a graduate student, for example, "Spring 2015."
1. A Concurrent Enrollment Request Form for Graduate/Undergraduate Degree
2. An Application to the Graduate College
3. A Program of Study Form
4. A detailed written proposal with reasons and goals for seeking the certificate. This must be co-signed by your advisor(s).
5. A Certificate Completion Form (when finished)

NOTE: You will need to formally enroll for your last semester as a graduate student and take at least 12 graduate credits since the Certificate is a graduate program. However, the Certificate should be planned, and the majority of its requirements fulfilled, before that semester.

Checklists

Print off these checklists to keep track of your progress through the Certificate Program:

1. Checklist for ISU Students Working Toward a Master's or Ph.D. Degree
2. Checklist for ISU Undergraduate Students Working Toward a BA/BS Degree

What former students are saying about the Certificate

"... the program was helpful in getting a job. I now teach biology courses at (a community college) and I was told after I accepted the position that one of the things which stood out on my resume before my interview was the forensics certificate....I thought the program increased my understanding of forensics, especially the seminar with guest speakers who work in forensics. The seminar gave me a chance to learn about possible career options within forensics. I really enjoyed the program..." -- from an instructor of biology at a community college.

"The program was most definitely helpful, as a matter of fact the Forensics Certificate played a crucial role in landing me the job. Much of the information provided in the forensic seminars was beneficial and also helped point me in the direction needed to obtain further information." - from an ISU graduate who was hired to develop and direct a private forensic DNA laboratory.

"Completing the graduate certificate in forensic science enabled me to develop skills applicable to research and teaching in forensic anthropology and more broadly, biological anthropology. Exposure to a broad number of disciplines related to forensic science provided me with the opportunity to study topics relevant to biological anthropology that otherwise would not have been incorporated into my graduate program of study. It was a worthwhile endeavor!" -- from an aspiring professor of anthropology.

1605 Gilman Hall, Ames, Iowa 50011-3111
1-800-521-CHEM, Comments: rmharris@iastate.edu
Copyright © 1995-2007, Iowa State University of Science and Technology. All rights reserved.

• ISU INDEX
• A
• B
• C
• D
• E
• F
• G
• H
• I
• J
• K
• L
• M
• N
• O
• P
• Q
• R
• S
• T
• U
• V
• W
• X
• Y
• Z