Forensic Science/Biochemistry

We’ll show you how to go from the Simpson research labs to a professional career.

Forensic Science/Biochemistry major

The Biochemistry/Forensic Science major is intended to prepare students for entry-level jobs in labs performing forensic analyses and for graduate work in Forensic Science.

The program also provides a good foundation for advanced degree work in chemistry, biochemistry, forensics, molecular or cell biology, or related technology fields.

The Biochemistry/Forensic Science major is intended to prepare students to obtain entry-level jobs in labs performing forensic analyses, go on to graduate work in Forensic Science, or provide a good foundation for advanced degree work in areas such as chemistry, biochemistry, forensics, molecular or cell biology, or related technology fields.

In addition to a series of typical biology and chemistry courses, supporting work in math, physics, and forensics/criminal justice is required.

Transfer students are welcome and may be able to complete many of the required courses before entering this program. Students intending to seek entry-level forensic positions after graduation are strongly encouraged to enroll in an internship.

Students intending to seek entry-level forensic positions after graduation are strongly encouraged to enroll in an internship.

View major course requirements

Why Simpson College for Forensic Science/Biochemistry

Graduate School Ready

Our faculty will prepare you for every step of applying to and getting accepted into high-quality graduate or medical schools after graduation. Here are a few examples of schools where Simpson alums have studied:

Allen College
Drake University
Emporia State University
Grand View University
Iowa State University
Loyola University Chicago
University of Nebraska Omaha
University of Texas
University of Iowa

Career Ready

Our graduates are prepared to launch successful careers and make an immediate impact in the workforce. Here are a few examples of where Simpson alumni are building their careers:

American Federation for Children
Ames Police Department
Children and Families of Iowa
Indianola Police Department
Iowa Department of Corrections
Iowa Department of Health and Human Services
Marshalltown Police Department

Learn Essential Time Management Skills

I felt prepared [for dental school] because I was able to learn effective time-management skills from balancing my classes an extracurriculars at Simpson.

Brendan Owings '20

Finding success inside the classroom and on the field

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Explore Opportunities Beyond the Classroom

Interested in the unique opportunities the department has to offer? See more opportunities and experiences that will shape your future at Simpson.

Chemistry Club

This club’s objective is to engage students in the world of chemistry, whether they are in the sciences or not. We hope to inspire students to investigate the natural laws that govern our bodies, environment and world. The chemistry club provides a fun, safe and engaging environment for everyone. The chemistry club’s goal is to simplify and demonstrate how chemistry is all around us and that everyone has the ability to participate in it

Diversity in STEM Club

This club aims to foster future STEM professionals from diverse backgrounds to bridge equity gaps and ensure a prosperous future for Simpson STEM students. This club will provide various opportunities for students to enhance their academic potential. Students will obtain the necessary skills to create a compassionate and supportive environment. Additionally, students will experience diverse viewpoints and discussions from external sources in the STEM field. These activities will build awareness amongst students regarding the journeys they may pursue during their post-collegiate endeavors.

Lab Experiences

You will engage in hands-on experiences in the George Washington Carver Science Center, featuring biotechnology facilities for building and using recombinant DNA, imaging systems for developmental biology, and a human cadaver lab.

Our instruments include an Atomic Force Microscope, gas chromatographs, an FT-Infrared spectrometer, a 60 MHz FT-NMR spectrometer, several UV-VIS absorption spectrometers and a fluorescence spectrometer.