Chemistry Major, Criminalistics Emphasis

Criminalistics is the application of scientific methodologies to legal matters. Criminalists are laboratory scientists who are primarily concerned with characterizing trace evidence associated with a crime. Analytical results are often given as evidence in a Court of Law. The trace evidence may include: flammable substances and explosives; fire debris, gunshot residues bodily fluids, plastics, metals, glasses, hair, fibers, vegetation, paint, and over-the-counter, prescription, and illicit drugs. Criminalists may also be called upon to analyze firearm and ballistic characteristics; documents; imprints; computer files; and voice patterns.

A criminalist with a degree based in chemistry represents one of the most sought-after backgrounds in criminalistics. Our curriculum prepares students with hands-on experience involving the fundamental techniques and instrumentation of a modern crime laboratory. This experience includes 1) the chromatographic techniques used in drug and arson residue analysis, 2) trace analysis using a variety of techniques with a large variety of sample matrices, and 3) genetic analysis using electrophoretic techniques.

At the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, the Criminalistics Emphasis in Chemistry is a four-year program that provides a very strong preparation for employment or graduate studies in forensic science. The program includes interdisciplinary training in the examination and analysis of physical evidence and substantial coursework in criminal justice and biochemistry. This provides graduates with valuable cross-disciplinary experiences related to the field including expert witness testimony.

The strength of the Criminalistics Emphasis at UW-Platteville is its foundation in a chemistry degree, and this provides a significant advantage in its flexibility. In addition to being perhaps the strongest preparatory degree in the field of forensic analysis, the program produces graduates with a complete chemistry degree. Many undergraduate programs in forensic science may leave graduates without a complete major in chemistry or biology. However, in addition to preparing students for careers or subsequent graduate study in forensic sciences, this program provides a chemistry degree with a significant biological chemistry experience needed for a variety of alternative careers.

At UW-Platteville, advanced chemistry classes are kept small to ensure that there is considerable opportunities for interaction with the faculty. The faculty are dedicated to providing sound, balanced instruction. The Chemistry Program is accredited by the American Chemistry Society.

The Criminal Justice major is one of the largest on campus. Since its creation in 1966, the Department of Criminal Justice has been recognized by criminal justice agencies across the nation for the excellence of its academic program and the professional accomplishments of its graduates.

UW-Platteville has nine full-time Chemistry faculty. The faculty have specialties in analytical chemistry, biochemistry, environmental chemistry, organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, physical chemistry, and radionuclear chemistry. UW-Platteville has six full-time Criminal Justice faculty. The faculty have specializations in criminalistics, police function, prosecution, courts, and corrections. UW-Platteville has ten full-time Biology faculty. The faculty specializations include cellular, molecular, and microbiology.

Laboratories and classrooms are taught in Ottensman Hall, a modern air-conditioned facility with well-equipped laboratories. Student use of instrumentation is a cornerstone of our curriculum. Modern instrumentation includes gas chromatography-mass spectrometers; ultraviolet-visible, atomic absorption/emission, FT-infrared, and fluorescence spectrometers; high pressure liquid and gas chromatographs; nuclear magnetic resonance; and capillary electrophoresis. Students also gain experience with biochemical techniques such as ultracentrifugation and electrophoresis. A well-updated computer laboratory is available for students.

Criminalistics majors at UW-Platteville participate in the "Alchemists", an active student affiliate of the American Chemical Society. Alchemists' activities include field trips, chemical demonstrations at area elementary schools, and pre sentations by and informal discussions with visiting industrial and academic chemists. Criminalistics majors also participate in the Criminal Justice Association. Activities include speakers, field trips, and social events. Past speakers have been an officer and dog from the Beloit K-9 unit, the Dubuque SOG team, and a representative from the Great America security department. Field trips have included visits to crime labs, prisons, and drug rehabilitation centers.

There are approximately 40,000 different police agencies in the United States which gather physical evidence which must be analyzed. Their case load is increasing. Analysis of smaller size samples enabled by advances in chromatography and spectroscopy is also creating an increased demand for highly skilled scientists. Placement of UW-Platteville Criminalistics majors in crime laboratories and graduate schools has been 100% for the last twenty years.

A number of scholarships are available to majors including the Roger L. Davies, Glen V. Gundy; Gerald F. Richards; Glen Tilbury; William H. Williams; and Chemistry Faculty Emeriti Scholarships. Majors may also be eligible for other college and university scholarships.

Student success is enhanced when students take the maximum number of courses in mathematics, biology, chemistry, physics, and English. UW-P latteville offers test-out examinations for students with advanced preparation.

Every student majoring in chemistry must meet the writing certification requirement as established by the department. Details may be obtained from the department chairperson.

Phys 114, 111, 124, and 121 or 253, 251, 264 and 261 (Introductory or General Physics) and Math 264 (Calculus and Analytic Geometry), or equivalent, are required as prerequisites to advanced chemistry courses. Student selecting the criminalistics major are required to take Biology 115, General Biology, or its equivalent, as part of their general education requirements.

Students who expect to enter graduate programs are advised to elect additional advanced courses in chemistry or elect the Criminalistics emphasis in the ACS major.

For further information on criminalistics emphasis in chemistry, contact the Department of Chemistry and Engineering Physics, University of Wisconsin - Platteville, 1 University Plaza, Platteville, WI 53818 or call (608) 342-1651, FAX (608) 342-1566, or email chemep@uwplatt.edu.