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2. Why is the University of Mississippi a good place to study forensic chemistry? 3. What can UM forensic chemistry majors do after graduation? 4. Whom should I contact to learn more about majoring in forensic chemistry? 1. What does it mean to major in forensic chemistry? Forensic chemistry is related to the analysis of evidence resulting from a criminal investigation. As students of a physical science, all forensic chemistry majors are expected to develop strong problem-solving skills. If you've seen every episode of C.S.I., and you're convinced criminal investigation is where you belong, consider majoring in forensic chemistry. Forensic chemists apply the principles and tools of chemistry to the analysis of evidence in criminal investigations. At UM, forensic chemistry students focus their studies on analytical chemistry and biochemistry/molecular biology. 2. Why is the University of Mississippi a good place to study forensic chemistry? UM hosts the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, which offers the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in chemistry, the B.A. in biochemistry, the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in chemistry, and the B.S. in forensic chemistry, as well as the Master of Science (M.S.) and the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in chemistry. The American Chemical Society certifies the B.S. in chemistry, and the American Association of Forensic Science accredits the B.S. in forensic chemistry. Ours is one of only 5 accredited forensic chemistry programs in the U.S. The department is ranked in the top 30 (out of 555) chemistry departments in the U.S. for its production of undergraduate chemistry/biochemistry degrees (see Chemical and Engineering News, August 20, 2007). Many students in our department achieve success. For example, the department is home to UM's most recent Rhodes Scholar and several Goldwater Scholars. There are good reasons for the popularity and success of this department and its programs. Faculty members take a keen interest in the success of their students. They provide expert career advising and plenty of individual attention. Our academic programs are difficult, but they are also fun because they involve hands-on research opportunities. Students may become involved in research with faculty members as early as the end of their freshman year, and many opportunities exist for students to become involved in funded summer research projects. It is not unusual for a chemistry major to co-author a scientific article with a professor before graduating from UM. Also, students from the Honors College often use their chemistry research to satisfy the Honors thesis requirement. In short, chemistry majors are active in the classroom and the lab. The Ole Miss Student Affiliates of the American Chemical Society provides a social setting for the exchange of ideas among students in the chemical sciences. Chemistry students at all levels are invited to join. The Student Affiliates arrange field trips to industry and organize transportation to regional meetings of the American Chemical Society. 3. What can UM forensic chemistry majors do after graduation? Crime scene investigator 4. Whom should I contact to learn more about majoring in forensic chemistry? Dr. Murrell Godfrey,
Director of the Forensic Chemistry Program |
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