MIDDLE TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY FORENSIC SCIENCE STUDENT HANDBOOK

MIDDLE TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY FORENSIC SCIENCE STUDENT HANDBOOK 1

Dear Student: Welcome to Middle Tennessee State University and the B.S. in Forensic Science program. We are delighted to have you as a major in this exciting and dynamic field. Students majoring in Forensic Science may apply the concepts they learn in careers as laboratory scientists, or as preparation for additional graduate or professional schools. The curriculum is challenging, and was developed through consultations with practicing forensic scientists, laboratory directors, and recommendations of professional organizations. The program requires one to have an aptitude for the sciences and be a serious student. The forensic scientist must be able to apply concepts and skills he or she has learned in the program to real world situations. As with most science disciplines, the degree is just the beginning of a life journey, as one will continually learn and apply new concepts and skills. Forensics is not as portrayed on the currently popular TV programs. The forensic scientist objectively analyzes physical evidence collected at a crime scene and provides a written opinion, as well as expert court testimony, based on the analysis results. Most forensic scientists do not typically take evidence at the crime scene and data analysis may take weeks, not minutes. An excellent resource and summary of what forensic scientists do and available career opportunities can be found at the American Academy of Forensic Science web site: http://www.aafs.org/students/student-career/choosing-career. The purpose of this handbook is to provide Forensic Science majors with a resource that can help guide them through their degree program. Information has been taken from the MTSU undergraduate catalog, departmental brochures, and the faculty. This handbook is not intended as a replacement for the academic advisor and does not contain all the information that is necessary for successful academic planning. The Blue Raider Planner and Handbook has additional general information and can be found at: http://www.mtsu.edu/stuaff/pdf/handbook.pdf. We encourage all students to meet with their advisor to discuss academic and career goals as well as to plan course sequencing. We will do all we can to help you succeed. Sincerely, Frank Bailey, Ph.D. Professor Director, B.S. in Forensic Science Dept. of Biology, Box 60 Office: SCI 2026 (615) 898-5483 frank.bailey@mtsu.edu 2

Forensic science At Middle Tennessee State University Forensic Science is the application of techniques and principles of the natural and physical sciences to the analysis of evidence collected during criminal investigations. The Forensic Science program shares faculty from the departments of the Biology, Chemistry, and Criminal Justice and offers a strong interdisciplinary curriculum within these well-established departments. The goals of the B.S. Degree in Forensic Science: To provide a strong academic foundation that will prepare graduates for advanced study in forensic science or professional schools, or employment in public crime laboratories, specialized private laboratories, and law enforcement agencies. To understand the role of the forensic scientist in the criminal justice system and prepare students to present oral and written findings to the court. To provide student interaction with current forensic practitioners through seminars and internships. Career options exist with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, forensic laboratories, medical examiner offices, hospitals, military, private firms, and universities. Please visit the Web site at www.mtsu.edu/forensicscience.. 3

Things to Do List Freshman: Establish contact with faculty advisor Complete First-Year General Studies Sophomore: Complete remaining courses in freshman and sophomore years Junior: Register with the Career Development Center in KUC 328 Review GPA in major, and cumulative Senior: File Upper-Division Form and Intent to Graduate Form (three semesters before graduation including summers). Forms are available on the Web, and from the Forensic Advisor Start looking at internship locations and making contacts Begin job search process (Career Development Center in KUC 328 and additional sources) or apply to professional programs or graduate school (fall of senior year) Complete appropriate exams i.e., ACT Comp, General Education Test Exit Interview Important Dates Important dates for each semester are listed on the MTSU Bursar s website http://www.mtsu.edu/bursar/. The following are typical time periods you should be aware of each semester (check Pipeline for exact dates; dates differ in the summer): Time Period to Add a Class... 3-4 days after first day of class Time Period to Drop a Class without a grade... 2 weeks after first day of class Time Period to Drop a Class with a W... 60% of term, check Pipeline for exact date Receive a 100% Refund... 1 day before first day of class Receive a 75% Refund... 2 weeks after first day of class Receive a 25% Refund... 4 weeks after first day of class REMEMBER to check the online Registration Guide for specific dates! 4

The Forensic Science Major In addition to the general education requirements, the Forensic Science major requires CORE COURSES Rubric/Number Course Title Credits BIOL 1110/1111 General Biology I 4 BIOL 1120/1121 General Biology II 4 BIOL 2230/2231 Microbiology 4 BIOL 3250/3251 Genetics 4 BIOL 4110/4111 General Physiology 4 BIOL/FSBI 4300/4301 Immunology 4 BIOL/FSBI 4550 Biotechnology 3 CHEM 1110/1111 General Chemistry I 4 CHEM 1120/1121 General Chemistry II 4 CHEM 2230/2231 Quantitative Analysis 5 CHEM 3010/3011 Organic Chemistry I 4 CHEM 3020/3021 Organic Chemistry II 3 CHEM/FSCH 3530/3531 Principles of Biochemistry 4 CHEM/FSCH 4230/4231 Instrumental Analysis 4 CJA/FSCJ 4330 Criminal Investigations 3 CJA/FSCJ 4340 Criminal Scene Investigations 3 CJA/FSCJ 2400 Judicial Process Or 3 CJA/FSCJ 4530 Criminal Evidence and Procedures FRSC 3010 Forensic Seminar 2 FRSC 4010 Forensic Senior Seminar 2 FRSC 4020 Forensic Internship 4 SUPPORTING COURSES PHYS 2010/2011 Physics I and Problems Lab 4 PHYS 2020/2021 Physics II and Problems Lab 4 MATH 1910 Calculus I 4 BIOL 4350/4351 Biometry 4 The program requires completion of 120 semester credit hours distributed as follows: Curriculum Component Hours Required General Education 30 (without 8 hrs. Natural Science; 3 hrs. Math) Major Field Core 73 Electives 1 Other 16 (including 3 hr. Math) TOTAL 120 5

Traditional Major Course Offerings Below is a list of required courses and the semester(s) when typically offered: Fall Spring Summer BIOL 1110/1111 x x x BIOL 1120/1121 x x x BIOL 2230/2231 x x x BIOL 3250/3251 x x x BIOL 4110/4111 x x x BIOL/FSBI 4300/4301 x x x BIOL/FSBI 4550 x x x CHEM 1110/1111 x x x CHEM 1120/1121 x x x CHEM 2230/2231 x CHEM 3010/3011 x x x CHEM 3020/3021 x x x CHEM/FSCH 3530/3531 x x x CHEM/FSCH 4230/4231 x CJA/FSCJ 4330 x x x CJA/FSCJ 4340 x x x CJA/FSCJ 2400 x x Or CJA/FSCJ 4530 x x FRSC 3010 x FRSC 4010 x FRSC 4020 x x x SUPPORTING COURSES PHYS 2010/2011 x x x PHYS 2020/2021 x x x MATH 1910 x x x BIOL 4350/4351 x x As a Forensic Science major, you should register for following rubrics: FSBI for the following Biology courses: Immunology (4300/4301), Biotechnology (4550); FSCH for Chemistry courses: Biochemistry (3520/3531) and Instrumental Analysis (4230/4231); and FSCJ for all the required Criminal Justice courses: Criminal Investigations (4330), Crime Scene Investigations (4340), and select between Judicial Processes (2400) and Criminal Evidence and Procedures (4530). Forensic Seminars and Internship are all under the FRSC rubric. Remember that these rubrics apply only to those courses listed above. Please see Virginia McKnight in the Biology Department Office (SCI 2044), phone 898-2291 if you need assistance in registering for these courses. 6

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Academic Policies Student Status: Your classification is determined by the number of credit hours completed: Freshman: 0-29 Sophomore: 30-59 Junior: 60-89 Senior: 90 or more Grades: The following is a description of the criteria used in assigning course grades: A - Work of distinctly superior quality and quantity accompanied by unusual evidence of achievement B - Work of good quality and quantity accompanied by evidence of achievement beyond the essentials of the course C - Work demonstrating fulfillment of the essentials of the course D - Passing work, but below the standards of graduation quality F - Failure Grade Point Average: Each grade is assigned a numerical equivalent as follows: A = 4.00, A- = 3.67 B+ = 3.33, B = 3.00, B- = 2.67 C+ = 2.33, C = 2.00, C- = 1.67 D+ = 1.33, D = 1.00, D- = 0.67 F = 0.00 To calculate a GPA, the grade's numerical equivalent is multiplied by the number of credits a course is worth. The product represents quality points earned by completion of the course. Grade of A x 3 hour = 12 quality points Grade of B x 3 hour = 9 quality points Grade of C x 4 hour = 8 quality points Grade of D x 2 hour = 2 quality points Grade of F x 3 hour = 0 quality points The sum of quality points is divided by the sum of credits attempted and yields the GPA. 9

Example: Course Credits Attempted Grade Quality Points ENGL 1010 3 A 12 COMM 2200 3 B 9 BIOL 1030 4 C 8 PHED 2100 2 D 2 MATH 1610 3 F 0 Total 15 31 31 15 = 2.066 GPA Pass, incomplete, audit, and withdrawal are not counted in the GPA. Academic Probation and Suspension: A student who fails to meet one of the following standards will be placed on academic probation: 1. Attain a 2.00 GPA for the current term, or 2. Meet one of the following: 00-29.99 hours attempted - 1.50 GPA 30-49.99 hours attempted - 1.80 GPA 50 or more hours attempted - 2.00 GPA A student on probation who fails to meet one of the above standards during the next semester of enrollment will be suspended. A first suspension requires that the student stay out of school for one semester. Summer terms do not count for this purpose. A second or subsequent suspension results in dismissal from the university for one calendar year. Course Repetition: You may repeat any course in which you have received a grade of "C" or lower. The last grade earned will stand, even if that grade is lower than the first attempt. The first attempt is always removed from calculation of the GPA, but it still appears on your transcripts. Each subsequent attempt is calculated into the GPA. NOTE: You are not required to repeat a D except when another course requires a C or better as a prerequisite. Note: Many advanced programs (medical schools, graduate schools etc.) will re-calculate your GPA including the grade from the first attempt before considering your application. Withdrawals: University Policies: 1) Students who withdraw from a course at any time during the first two weeks of the semester will not receive a grade on their transcripts. 2) After 60% of term has been completed (check Pipeline for exact date), students may not withdraw from a course unless there are extreme extenuating circumstances that necessitate withdrawal from the University. Permission from the instructor and department chair is required. 10

3) Students who are allowed to withdraw from a course after 60% of term has been will receive a grade of "W" on their transcript if they are passing the course at the time of the withdrawal and an "F" if they are failing the course at the time of the withdrawal. Incompletes: A student may receive an incomplete ( I ) if there are extenuating circumstances occurring after 60% of the term has been completed (check Pipeline for exact date) that would prevent the student from completing the course requirements. The instructor determines if the circumstances warrant an incomplete. An incomplete is only granted if the student is in good academic standing at the time that the circumstances occur. Students are required to make up an incomplete before the end of the next regular semester. Incompletes convert to a grade of F if they are not completed. Advising Available and Tips While the Program Director, Frank Bailey, will play a major role in advising and assisting students, a College Advisor has been assigned as academic advisor for Forensic Science majors. Though the forensic program is interdisciplinary and under the Dean of the College of Basic and Applied Sciences, this advisor will have information on the forensic major and is available to assist students in course selection and registration. The advisor s contact information is below. Suzanne Hicks Forensic Science Advisor, KUC 322 615-898-2196 Suzanne.Hicks@mtsu.edu Below are several tips that have been collected from the faculty and students that might help make your experience in the Biology Department successful. GENERAL INFORMATION TAKE RESPONSIBILITY for your own academic career. The most successful students have consulted various official resources so that they fully understand the requirements, rather than bouncing along uninformed. CONTACT YOUR ADVISOR at least twice a year. Discuss with your advisor a strategy for fulfilling graduation requirements, major and minor requirements, options for electives, career plans, and any relevant problems or questions you have. CULTIVATE A GOOD WORKING RELATIONSHIP with your advisor. Your advisor can then better function in counseling, suggesting, and answering your specific questions. If you do not feel this is possible, with the advisor you were assigned, go to the Biology Department office (SCI 2044), and request a different advisor. FOLLOW YOUR ADVISOR S ADVICE; it is likely to be more accurate than the advice of your friends and family. KEEP YOUR ADVISOR INFORMED if you decide to change your major or minor, and fill out the appropriate forms. 11

FILL OUT REQUIRED PAPERWORK on time. Particularly important is filing your upper division form (see Important Forms section of this handbook) as early as possible (before your junior year begins). An analyst will examine this form carefully, and send you and your advisor a letter detailing which requirements you have met and which you have not. The sooner any misconceptions are corrected, the more likely you are to be able to graduate when you expect to. Even your advisor may have mistakenly interpreted your progress; the analyst will be able to help you get back on track. The intent to graduate form (see Important Forms section of this handbook) should be completed and filed three semesters before your graduation date. DO NOT TAKE ADVICE FROM SOMEBODY NOT AUTHORIZED TO GIVE IT! Your friends and other students will probably be happy to advise you, but if they are wrong and you listen to them, you will have to suffer the consequences. READ THE STUDENT HANDBOOK for general information such as student services and programing, complaints and grievance procedures, health services, and a wealth of other important information. Available on line at: http://www.mtsu.edu/stuaff/pdf/handbook.pdf REGISTRATION STRATEGIES COURSES ARE NUMBERED somewhat according to level of difficulty: 1000-1999 (freshman); 2000-2999 (sophomore); 3000-3999 (junior); 4000-4999 (senior). It is advised that you take your biology and chemistry classes in this order. COURSES WITH LABS require more in-class time. Most science courses include a lecture and a separate lab class, as is the case with required biology and chemistry courses. Take at least two lab classes every semester so that you can avoid an otherwise inevitable semester with four lab classes (four concurrent lab classes are almost impossible to schedule; furthermore, you would spend so much time in labs and lectures for those four classes that you would not have much time left to study). BEGIN YOUR SCIENCE COURSES as soon as possible. Many upper division (junior & senior) biology classes require some organic chemistry as a prerequisite to the class. You can take this in your sophomore year if you start your freshman chemistry in your first year. BEGIN YOUR MATH courses as soon as possible. Biology 3250 may be easier if your math requirements have been completed. BEGIN YOUR ENGLISH COMPOSITION courses as soon as possible. You will have writing assignments and essay exam questions in many science and criminal justice classes. EXCEED THE MINIMUM required hours in the Sciences if possible (hours that will count toward the 120 required for a bachelor s degree). More coursework will likely make you more competitive in the job market or for entrance into graduate programs. ENROLLMENT IN SUMMER COURSES can speed your progress toward graduation or make your course load a little lighter during regular semesters. TO GRADUATE IN FOUR YEARS without attending in summer, you should average 15 credit hours every semester, and maintain the required GPA. Some courses are not offered every semester, so you must plan in advance which courses to take. Devise a plan for 8 semesters, and go over your plan with your advisor (see academic map in this handbook). The plan may change between now and graduation, but by making an initial strategy, you are less likely to have problems meeting all requirements in a timely manner. IF YOU ARE EMPLOYED in addition to being a student, you should take fewer semester hours of credit. It may take longer to graduate, but repeating a course to make up a bad grade takes more money as well as more time. Students working a 40-hour week usually will not do well with more than one science class a semester. Because every student is different, it is difficult to generate a guideline on how many hours to spend 12

on work and school. If you are not already in debt, consider using student loans to pay for school, rather than employment. Otherwise, tread very carefully. OTHER ADVICE STUDY, STUDY, STUDY! Strive for an understanding of processes. Developing your ability to reason will save you time in the long run. Most students find it easier and quicker to study for understanding than to blindly memorize. Remember, the sciences are not merely a body of knowledge, but a process based upon logical thought processes. AVAILABLE TUTORING. The departments of Biology and Chemistry offer special tutoring sessions, generally conducted by graduate or upper division students, in freshman and some higher level courses. The department of Mathematics has a staffed math lab available for assistance. These services are free and you are encouraged to use them as needed. See the individual department for scheduled tutoring times and location. GET TO KNOW YOUR PROFESSORS. They want to see you earn good grades, and most are willing to spend some time outside of class to discuss the material with you. A question like I don t understand how to distinguish prophase from telophase will likely stimulate a more helpful response from your professor than I don t understand how I scored so low after studying so much (if you do not know, your professor surely does not either). GET TO KNOW YOUR FELLOW STUDENTS. You will likely find some helpful studybuddies, and even make a few life-long friends while you are at it. GET INVOLVED with the Biology, Chemistry and Criminal Justice Departments as a community. Join clubs, honor societies, and volunteer your assistance when the opportunity arises. Students who participate more generally perform better academically, establish better relationships with faculty and staff, and enjoy college more. IF YOU PLAN ON USING THE FORENSIC SCIENCE MAJOR AS PRE-HEALTH PROFESSION PREPARATION pick up supplemental materials for your curriculum from the advising office in KUC 316. These materials will provide additional, specific information about which classes you should take, when you should apply to the program, extramural requirements such as volunteer work, etc. Some of this information is also available from the Undergraduate Catalog, in the Chemistry section. PERFORMANCE IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN TIME. It is more important to do well in your courses than it is to graduate in four years. Do not take a full load if you are working or have other obligations in your life that limit your study time. Employers, graduate schools and medical schools are more concerned about your GPA, internships, and letters of recommendation than whether or not you completed your degree in four years. TRANSFER STUDENTS MEET WITH THE FORENSIC SCIENCE ACADEMIC ADVISOR prior to or during your first semester. The advisor will help you determine which courses were transferred and what you need to take. The Forensic Science academic advisor is: Suzanne Hicks Forensic Science Advisor, KUC 322 615-898-2196 Suzanne.Hicks@mtsu.edu YOU MUST TAKE A SPECIFIED PERCENTAGE OF COURSES AT MTSU. Twenty five percent (typically at least 30 hours) of total credit hours must be earned through MTSU. Twelve of the last 18 hours must be completed at MTSU, and 30 of the 42 upper division hours required for graduation must be completed at MTSU. 13

COURSES TRANSFERRED FROM A JUNIOR COLLEGE do not count as upper division hours even if they show up on your transcript as a 3000 or 4000 level course after equivalency determination. They will not count towards the 42 upper division hours needed to graduate. Common Questions Q. When do I choose or change my major? A. Many students choose their majors upon entering MTSU. However, some students are undecided about a specific major until the junior year. MTSU provides a counseling service that will help you identify your strengths and select a major. More information can be obtained from the Academic Support Center, McFarland Building. Majors can be changed as shown below. 1. Login to PipelineMT 2. Click on RaiderNet 3. Click on Student 4. Click on Registration 5. Click on Change Major/Program Q. Who is my college advisor? A. The college advisor functions as an academic resource person for students and faculty. The advisor assists in the evaluation of transfer credit and the filing of upper-division forms. The college advisor also answers academic policy questions, tracks the completion of high school unit deficiencies, and monitors the completion of general education requirements for Forensic Science majors. The college advisor will work with your faculty mentor to make sure all your needs are addressed. The College of Basic and Applied Sciences Forensic Science advisor is located in KUC. Q. Who is my faculty mentor? Suzanne Hicks Forensic Science Advisor, KUC 322 615-898-2196 Suzanne.Hicks@mtsu.edu A. You will be assigned a faculty mentor in addition to your academic advisor. The role of the faculty mentor is mainly to help with career planning and choices and not to answer academic policy questions or to help with selection of particular classes. Currently, Dr. Frank Bailey, Director the Forensic Science program, will be your primary faculty mentor. There may be times or situations where you will be directed to one of the other faculty members for specific questions. Dr. Bailey s office is in the Science building, room 2026. His email address is frank.bailey@mtsu.edu, phone number is 615-898-5483, and campus box 60. Since he is frequently visiting interns or locations of internships, emails are preferred. The Department of Biology secretaries, Virginia McKnight, 615-898-2291, or Becky Elrod, 615-494-7672 can assist in contacting or taking messages for Dr. Bailey. 14

Q. Required Internship: What should I do and when? A. An internship of 160 on-site hours is required. Dr. Bailey has a list of locations in the Nashville area that could be contacted. Please remember that the entity where one might do an internship generally will have a contact person and will select those interns they feel will best fit their organization. You need to start the process during your Junior year and do the internship after you have acquired a number of laboratory skills. Q. When should I see my faculty advisor? A. You should contact your faculty advisor at least one time each semester. After you have met your advisor and developed a professional relationship, the frequency of meetings will depend upon your needs. Q. What is a full-time course load? A. You are considered a full-time undergraduate student if you are registered for 12 or more semester hours. To register for more than 18 semester hours during any semester, you must complete an overload form (available from the departmental office) and get the permission (and signatures) from your faculty advisor and from the dean s office. Q. How do I withdraw from the University? A. Students finding it necessary to withdraw from the University should initiate the official withdrawal process by contacting their assigned Enrollment Counselor in the MT One Stop. Any student who leaves the University without officially withdrawing will receive a grade of F in all courses in which he or she is registered. Simply no longer attending classes does not withdraw you from the course or university. You must officially drop or withdraw. If you are just dropping a class and are still registered for others, use Pipeline/RaiderNet. If you are dropping a class(es) and are not still registered for others, you must officially withdraw. NOTE: It would be a good idea to access Pipeline/RaiderNet the next day to verify that you have been dropped or withdrawn from class(es). Q. What is academic probation and suspension? A. A student failing to meet one of the following standards during any term will be placed on academic probation for the subsequent term: 1. Attain a 2.0 GPA for the current term, or 2. Meet one of the following retention standards: 00-29.99 hours attempted must have 1.5 GPA 30-49.99 hours attempted must have 1.8 GPA 50 or more hours attempted must have 2.0 GPA A student on academic probation who fails to meet one of the above standards during the next term enrolled will be suspended. Students previously suspended are not eligible for probationary status. 15

Student Organizations/Activities/Services Organizations: Activities: Undergraduate Research The College of Basic and Applied Sciences sponsors an Undergraduate Research program that is available to all students in B.A.S. The program provides some funds to support students involved in an independent research project under the guidance of a faculty member. Grant applications are distributed within each department early each fall. Funding is determined on a competitive basis. Additional Support Services The MT One Stop provides integrated services in the areas of financial aid, course registration, tuition and billing, and transcripts. Their office is located on the second floor of the Student Services and Admissions Center, connected by bridge to the MTSU Student Union. You may use this site and its links as your One Stop portal to all of the provided services. Please visit the MT One Stop site often for important announcements and updates. Every MTSU student has an Enrollment Counselor assigned to him or her. The enrollment counselor will work with you throughout your years at MTSU to assist you in navigating the processes necessary to keep you enrolled in classes and on track to graduate. Phone: 615-898-2111 Fax: 615-904-8423 Email: MTOneStop@mtsu.edu Admissions Office, Student Services and Admission Center, Room 290, 615-898-2111 The MTSU admissions office provides assistance with admissions problems evaluates credit from transfer institutions, answers questions concerning military service credit, in-state residency requirements, and credit awarded via exams or test scores. Business Office, Student Services and Admission Center, Room 328, 615-898-2500 This office handles all billing and student finances. Financial Aid, Student Services and Admission Center, 615-898-2111 http://www.mtsu.edu/financialaid/ This office has counselors to provide information on loans, grants, and financial awards for students. 16

Career Development Center, Keathley University Cener, room 328, 615-898-2500 This office helps students and alumni find internships, part-time and full-time employment prior to and after graduation. Counseling Services, Keathley University Center, Room 329, 615-898-2670 http://www.mtsu.edu/countest/ Counseling Services offers personal counseling, to assist students in their emotional, intellectual, and social growth. Disabled Student Services, Keathley University Center, Room 120, 615-898-2783 http://www.mtsu.edu/dssemail/index.shtml This office acts as advocate for disabled students by surveying their needs and developing programs to meet those needs. Division of Information Technology (ITD), Cope Administration Bldg., Room 3, 615-898-5345 http://www.mtsu.edu/itd/ This office provides and supports effective utilization of computer and telecommunications technology. ITD assigns the user name and password to MTSU student accounts and also offers training on the Internet. Health Services, Health Wellness and Recreation Center, 615-898-2988 http://www.mtsu.edu/healthservices/ Treatment of minor illnesses and injuries is available Monday through Friday. Students are seen on an outpatient basis and must be enrolled to utilize the services. Housing and Residential Life Office, Keathley University Center, Room 300, 615-898-2971 http://www.mtsu.edu/housing/ The housing office manages both residence halls and apartments. Space in apartment housing is limited. The office also provides information on available off-campus housing. Intercultural and Diversity Affairs, Keathley University Center, Room 124, 615-898-2238 http://www.mtsu.edu/idac/ This office provides registration assistance, financial aid, counseling, academic advising, tutoring, mentoring, and programming in multi-cultural awareness for minority students. James E. Walker Library, 615-898-2772 http://library.mtsu.edu/ The state-of-the-art James E. Walker Library houses over 600,000 books and another 400,000 volumes of periodicals, newspapers, and research titles in micro-text formats. The Library receives subscriptions to over 3,400 periodicals and journals. The Voyager on-line catalog and circulation system is utilized, and a Library Handbook is available. Public Safety, 1412 E. Main Street, 615-898-2424 http://police.mtsu.edu/ Student-Athlete Enhancement Center, Gate 1, Football Stadium, 615-904-8492 http://www.mtsu.edu/saec/ 17

The directors monitor the academic performance of student athletes and provide additional assistance to all athletes on campus. University College Advising Center (Academic Advising), College of Basic and Applied Sciences Keathley University Center 322, http://www.mtsu.edu/advising/index.shtml Provides a number of support services including, the University Writing Center, the Prescribed Course Reading Lab, and the Prescribed Course Mathematics Lab Women and Non-Traditional Students, June Anderson Women's Center, Keathley University Center 320, 615-898-5989 http://www.mtsu.edu/jac/ This office provides support groups, peer counseling, lectures, and workshops for female students. A full-time professional counselor is available for crisis intervention and personal counseling. Important Forms: 1. Upper Division: Complete and file with the Dean, College of Basic and Applied Sciences 2. Intent to Graduate: (Web site: http://www.mtsu.edu/records/docs/intentform.pdf) 3. Internship Evaluation Form 4. Courtroom Testimony Evaluation 5. Forensic Science Student Exit Interview Questionnaire 18

College of Basic and Applied Sciences 2014-2015 Upper Division Form Student name Student # Major Forensic Science Minor Optional Concentration XXXXX E-mail Instructions: For students graduating in Fall 2009 or later. One (1) copy signed by major and minor advisors should be filed in the Graduation Coordinator s Office (JH 115) three semesters before anticipated graduation. An Intent to Graduate form should accompany this form. General Studies Area Course Semester Grade Notes COMMUNICATION (9 hours) HISTORY (6 hours) Choose two: HIST 2010, HIST 2020,HIST 2030 HUMANITIES AND/OR FINE ARTS (9 hours) Choose one: ENGL 2020, 2030, or HUM 2610. Choose two with different prefixes: ANTH 2210, ART 1030,1910,1920, DANC 1000, HIST 1010,1020, 1110,1120, MUS 1030, PHIL 1030, THEA 1030 Credit Hours ENGL 1010 3 ENGL 1020 3 COMM 2200 3 3 3 3 3 3 MATHEMATICS (3 hours)* MATH 1910 3 of 4* NATURAL SCIENCES (8 hours) BIOL 1110 & 1111 CHEM 1110 & 1111 Course is also considered part of the major, making a minimum of 73 credits. Course is also considered part of the Major, making a minimum of 73 credits 4 4 SOCIAL/BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES (6 hours) Choose two (different rubrics): AAS 2100, ANTH 2010, EMC/JOUR/RIM 1020, ECON 2410, GEOG 2000, HLTH 1530/1531, PS 1010, PS 1005, PSY 1410, SOC 1010, 2010, WGST 2100 3 3 Hours Required 41 * If a 4 credit Math course is taken, 3 credits count in General Education and the extra credit counts as Supporting and Elective Courses. Major Courses Course Semester Grade Notes General Biology General Biology BIOL 1110/1111 Credit Hours BIOL 1120/1121 4 Microbiology BIOL 2230/2231 4 Genetics BIOL 3250/3251 4 General Physiology BIOL 4110/4111 4 Immunology FSBI 4300/4301 4 Biotechnology FSBI 4550 3 General Chemistry I General Chemistry II Quantitative Analysis Organic Chemistry I CHEM 1110/1111 CHEM 1120/1121 CHEM 2230/2231 CHEM 3010/3011 (4) (4) 4 5 4 19

Organic Chemistry II CHEM 3020/3021 4 Biochemistry FSCH 3530/3531 4 Instrumental Analysis FSCH 4230/4231 4 Major Courses Continued Course Semester Grade Notes Credit Hours Criminal Investigations FSCJ 4330 3 Crime Scene Investigations FSCJ 4340 3 Criminal Evidence & Procedures OR Judicial Process FSCJ 2400 or 4530 3 Seminar FRSC 3010 2 Seminar FRSC 4010 2 Internship FRSC 4020 4 Hours Required 65 (73) Supporting Courses Course Semester Grade Notes MATH 1910 1 of 4 PHYS 2010/2011 Physics I 4 PHYS 2020/2021 Physics II 4 BIOL 4350 - Biometry 4 Elective 1 Optional Minor Course Semester Grade Notes Credit Hours Hours Required 14 Credit Hours Hours Required Signed: Minor Advisor 1. Degrees require a minimum of 120 semester hours (12 of the last 18 at MTSU) with a 2.0 GPA, a minimum of 42 upper-division hours (30 at MTSU) with a 2.0 GPA, and minimum of 60 senior college hours. Date Student s local address: 2. Learning Support courses do not count toward the 120-hour requirement or cumulative degree GPA Signed: Major Advisor to which graduation analysis information should be sent: Phone: Date 20

See Web site: http://www.mtsu.edu/records/docs/intentform.pdf 21

Internships: Intern applicants should generally hold senior status for consideration, an acceptable GPA (varies with organization), and have completed the majority of upper division courses for the major, especially Biotechnology and Instrumental Analysis. A total of 160 clock hours is required for the internship. See Dr. Frank Bailey, Forensic Advisor, for additional information and possible internship locations/contact information. WORKERS AT CRIME LABORATORIES MUST PASS AN EXTENSIVE BACKGROUND CHECK. Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) criteria as highlighted below are typical. Be advised that applicants with the following will not be accepted for internships or employment: (a) prior convictions for a felony or for misdemeanors of a high and aggravated nature (b) illegal use of any drug, other than experimental use of cannabis (c) deliberate misrepresentation of illegal drug history in connection with the application (d) deliberate association with individuals who participate in criminal activity (e) conduct or activity which reflects a disregard for state or federal laws or which conflicts with the standards of behavior or ethical principles of the TBI. 22

Evaluation form to be used by Intern Supervisor MIDDLE TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY FORENSIC SCIENCE INTERNSHIP EVALUATION FORM Intern Name Work Place Intern Supervisor Date: Please provide an objective evaluation of this student s performance during their internship experience. Please compare this student with others who have interned with your laboratory Outstanding Good Average Below Poor Average Attitude Maturity Initiative Ability to learn Quality of work Dependability Working with others Communication (written/oral Overall Rating (feel free to elaborate on the back of this form or a second page if responding by email) What were this student s strengths: Weaknesses? Recommendations? Supervisor Student Supervisor and Student should both sign a copy to be returned to: Forensics Science Program, Box 60, MTSU, Murfreesboro, 37132, or email to frank.bailey@mtsu.edu 23

COURTROOM TESTIMONY EVALUATION (Senior Seminar Event) The presentation of testimony is the culmination of the work performed by the Forensic Scientist Analyst Location/Date of Testimony Type Case/charge Please check (x) each item that is judged to be satisfactory or not applicable (N/A). For items not checked, please explain in the Additional Comments space provided. PROFESSIONAL APPEARANCE ( ) General Courtroom Demeanor ( ) Dress and Grooming Additional Comments COURTROOM TESTIMONY Please Circle One Promptness Excellent Satisfactory Unsatisfactory Testified in an impartial manner Excellent Satisfactory Unsatisfactory Ability to communicate results Excellent Satisfactory Unsatisfactory Testimony was loud enough to be heard easily Excellent Satisfactory Unsatisfactory Looked at and talked to jury at appropriate times Excellent Satisfactory Unsatisfactory Answers were responsive to questions Excellent Satisfactory Unsatisfactory Did not volunteer extraneous information Excellent Satisfactory Unsatisfactory Overall Performance Excellent Satisfactory Unsatisfactory Additional Comments or Recommendations Prepared By: Date: 24

Forensic Science Student Exit Interview Questionnaire Name Date Major Emphasis Area Minor GPA Advisor Transfer Credits Transfer From Courses Enjoyed Most Courses Enjoyed Least Suggestions for Improvement (space, curriculum, advising, scheduling, etc) Career Plans/Goals 25