Master of Science in Forensic Serology and DNA

We are now accepting applications
for the 2010 Spring term
For further information please contact us.

The Forensic DNA and Serology concentration is provided by the College of Pharmacy. It is structured to provide the student with a strong foundation in serology, nucleic acid chemistry, and the theory of DNA analysis. This master’s program has been designed to meet the guidelines set out by the DNA Advisory Board for theoretical background requirements for DNA Technical Leader and supervisor. This program may be of interest to those currently working or seeking employment in the following areas:

The diploma will state Master of Science issued by the Graduate School of the University of Florida. The transcripts will read Master of Science in Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences with concentration in Forensic Serology and DNA.

The courses included in this program have been designed
to meet the guidelines set out by the DNA Advisory Board

Application Information
Masters Application

Courses
Master of Science in Forensic Serology and DNAFallSpringSummer
PHA 6853 Biological Evidence and Serologycredits: 3 x  x   
PHA 6856 Blood Distribution and Spattercredits: 3   x  x 
PHA 6851 Forensic Analysis of DNAcredits: 3 x  x  x 
PHA 6855 Forensic Geneticscredits: 3 x  x  x 
PHA 6854 Forensic Immunologycredits: 3   x  x 
PHA 69351 Forensic Medicine IIcredits: 4 x  x   
VME 6766 Laboratory QA/QCcredits: 3 x  x  x 
PHA 6936 Literature Survey (DNA and Serology)credits: 2 x  x  x 
PHA 6935 Mammalian Molecular Biologycredits: 3   x  x 
PHA 6935 Metabolic Biochemistrycredits: 3 x  x   
PHA 69352 Principles of Forensic Sciencecredits: 3 x  x  x 
PHA 6935 Scientific Evidence and Statisticscredits: 3 x  x  x 
PHA 6936 Special Topics in DNA and Serology (on location in Gainesville)credits: 1 x  x  x 
PHA 5436 Structure and Function of Nucleotidescredits: 2 x  x  x 
 1.Forensic Medicine II does not satisfy credit requirements for Master's Degrees or Certificates. Students wishing to take this course should contact Jennifer Larson.
 2.Principles of Forensic Science is optional and does not satisfy credit requirements for Forensic Toxicology and DNA & Serology. Students wishing to take this course should contact Jennifer Larson.

Requirements To Earn Degree

32 credits are required to earn this MS degree.

Grade Requirements

The only passing grades for Graduate Students are A, B+, B, C+, C. Please note C+ and C grades count toward degree only if an equal number of courses numbered 5000 or higher have been earned with B+ and A, respectively. If a grade of C or below is earned, the student will need to re-take the course when it is offered again.

Please also note, as stated above, courses taken before being in the MS status must be earned as a B grade or higher to transfer toward the MS degree.

Transfer of Credits Toward MS

Only 9 credit hours taken at other institutions can be applied to the MS degree OR 15 hours taken at UF in another status. These courses must be graduate level (5000-7999) and earned with a grade of B or better and the course(s) cannot have been taken longer than seven years from the term you begin as a MS student. To have credits reviewed for transfer from another University, please fax (801-504-6192) or email (jlarson@cop.ufl.edu) the following: a copy of your transcript, a course syllabus for review of what was covered in the course, and a letter containing which course(s) you would like to be considered for transfer and which course(s) you think the course(s) will replace in the Forensic Science Program. We will forward the request to the Supervisory Committee for your major who will then make a decision. Also, if your official transcript is not already on file with the University Registrar, please sent it to:

University of Florida
Office of Registrar
201 Criser Hall
Gainesville, FL 32611-4000

Graduation Requirements

Please read the information regarding the Master's graduation credit requirements for your last term.

Recommended Course Order:

The following is a recommended course order for Serology and DNA:

  • Biological Evidence & Serology and Blood Spatter and Distribution should be taken early.
  • Forensic Genetics and Forensic Immunology should be taken before Structure and Function of Nucleotides, Metabolism and Forensic Analysis of DNA.
  • Mammalian Molecular Biology should be taken after all of the above listed courses.
  • Laboratory QA/QC and Scientific Evidence and Statistics can be taken anytime.
  • Special Topics and Literature Surveys should be taken in the final semester.
Special Topics Course

The 1-credit special topic course will consist of three days of reviews, oral examination, and comprehensive final examination in Gainesville, Florida. Refer to Critical Dates for specific dates the course will be held each term.

Examinations:

In addition to tests, examinations and other assessments incorporated in the individual courses, masters students will be required to take a comprehensive final examination on the courses covered in this program.

Supervisory Committee:

A faculty member within the department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, and with graduate faculty status, will supervise all of the students enrolled in this program. Currently this person is Dr. Donna Wielbo (dwielbo@ufl.edu).

Library Access:

Students taking UF Forensic Science courses will also be granted online access to UF's Health Center Libraries.