BSFS Learning Outcomes

BGSU Forensic Science Practice Foundations

Forensic Scientists are vital members of the criminal justice system and are able to:

  • Critically think and analyze complex data for the benefit of the criminal justice system
  • Apply diverse information to solve a real problem
  • Provide laboratory skills to exacting standards and precision of care to solving crimes

BGSU Forensic Science General Ability Based Outcomes

  1. Conceptual Competence: The BGSU forensic scientists shall understand the foundations of the profession of forensic science and its position in criminal justice.
  2. Scientific Competence: The BGSU forensic scientists shall comprehend the scientific method and its use in scientific discoveries and crime investigation.
  3. Mathematical Competence: The BGSU forensic scientists shall use mathematical variables to analyze physical, chemical, biological evidence.
  4. Communication Competence: The BGSU forensic scientists shall appropriately inform, educate and motivate using a variety of methods and media with clarity, sensitivity, and accuracy.
  5. Critical thinking and decision-making abilities: The BGSU forensic scientists shall acquire, evaluate, synthesize and apply information, knowledge and processes relevant to the solution of an identified problem and make sound decisions.
  6. Social Awareness: The BGSU forensic scientists shall demonstrate the ability to place forensic evidence and professional issues within appropriate historical, cultural, social, economic, scientific, political and philosophical frameworks, and demonstrate sensitivity and tolerance within a culturally diverse society.
  7. Professional Conduct and Demeanor: The BGSU forensic scientists shall act ethically and responsibly, with integrity, compassion, empathy, and respect. The BGSU forensic scientists shall accurately self-assess behaviors and conduct, and seek, accept and apply constructive feedback.
  8. Leadership, Innovation and Advocacy: The BGSU forensic scientists shall initiate or contribute to positive change on behalf of society and the profession.

BGSU Forensic Science Professional Ability Based Outcomes

Forensic Drug Analysis
  • BGSU forensic chemists shall demonstrate the ability to apply their formal education and training to genuine crime laboratory casework.
  • BGSU forensic chemists shall possess the requisite knowledge and experience to operate all scientific instrumentation typically used by crime laboratories to identify controlled substances.
  • BGSU forensic chemists shall understand the full analytical process necessary to identify controlled substances for criminal proceedings.
  • BGSU forensic chemists shall demonstrate the ability to record accurate and complete examination documentation; as well as the ability to use that examination documentation to prepare a laboratory report summarizing their findings.
  • BGSU forensic chemists will demonstrate a strong foundation of applied scientific and ethical education sufficient to ensure their ability to evaluate suspected controlled substances objectively and without bias.
Forensic DNA Analysis
  • BGSU forensic biologists shall demonstrate learned critical thinking and decision- making capabilities based on available case facts when analyzing evidence.
  • BGSU forensic biologists shall demonstrate laboratory competence garnered through required university coursework in forensic science, biology and chemistry.
  • BGSU forensic biologists will exemplify strong communication skills, as necessary to effectively perform as a productive member in a team-based analysis approach.
  • BGSU forensic biologists will demonstrate the ability to complete necessary tasks in a time efficient manner.
  • BGSU forensic biologists will have substantively satisfied the FBI coursework requirement for DNA analysts.
Forensic Examination
  • BGSU forensic examiners will demonstrate comprehension of fundamental evidence examination techniques.
  • BGSU forensic examiners shall demonstrate the ability to perform assorted latent print processing and capture techniques.
  • BGSU forensic examiners shall understand microscopic theory and the ability to use a variety of microscope types in the examination of forensic evidence.
  • BGSU forensic examiners shall possess the requisite knowledge and experience to operate scientific instrumentation typically used by crime laboratories in the analysis of trace, pattern and impression evidence.
  • BGSU forensic examiners shall fully comprehend the scientific foundations of the comparative forensic sciences, such that they are capable of answering legal challenges.

Updated: 11/06/2025 02:09PM