The Forensic DNA & Serology concentration is provided by UF’s College of Pharmacy. It is structured to provide students with a strong foundation in serology, blood spatter interpretation, molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics and the theory of DNA analysis.
Interested applicants can start with a course or two, then continue on to earn the full master’s degree later—if admitted. This master’s degree program is designed to meet the guidelines established by the FBI National Standards educational requirements for DNA Technical Leaders and Supervisors.
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Who is this concentration for?
This program may be of interest to those currently working or seeking employment in the following areas: law enforcement agencies, military services, hospitals and doctors' offices, crime laboratories, high school and college science programs.
Degree Completion
Upon completion of this program, graduates will earn a Master of Science in Pharmacy with a major in Pharmaceutical Sciences and a concentration in Forensic DNA & Serology, issued by the Graduate School of the University of Florida. Your transcripts will read Master of Science in Pharmacy, graduation date, major Pharmaceutical Sciences, concentration Forensic DNA and Serology. Your diploma will read Master of Science in Pharmacy.
Course Progression
Core-Required Courses
Core-Required Courses MUST be completed before your final semester.
Required Courses
| Course # | Course Title | Credits | Spring | Summer | Fall |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PHA 6854 | Forensic Immunology | 3 | ✓ | ✓ | |
| PHA 6855 | Forensic Genetics | 3 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| PHA 6535 | Principles of Nucleotide Activity | 2 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| PHA 6935 | Metabolic Biochemistry | 3 | ✓ | ✓ | |
| PHA 6852 | Mammalian Molecular Biology | 3 | ✓ | ✓ | |
| PHA 6936 | Literature Survey of DNA and Serology | 2 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| PHA 6936 | Special Topics in DNA and Serology (online using Honorlock) | 1 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Required Courses should be taken according to the guidelines listed under recommended course order below and must be completed prior to your final semester, except for Literature Survey and Special Topics which must be taken in your final semester.
Elective Course
| Course # | Course Title | Credits | Spring | Summer | Fall |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PHA 6935 | Forensic Analysis of DNA 2 | 3 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
The courses included in this program have been designed to meet the educational requirements of the FBI National Standards.
Recommended Course Order
The following is a recommended course order for students pursuing a master’s degree in DNA & serology:
- Biological Evidence and Serology and Blood Distribution and Spatter should be taken early in the program; Laboratory QAQC should only be taken after successfully completing one of these two courses, and prior to the last semester.
- Forensic Genetics and Forensic Immunology should be taken before Principles of Nucleotide Activity, Metabolic Biochemistry and Forensic Analysis of DNA, and prior to the final semester.
- Mammalian Molecular Biology should be taken after all the above listed courses and prior to the final semester.
- Applied Statistics for Data Analysis can be taken any time prior to the final semester.
- The University of Florida requires that you are registered for the following number of credits during the term you are graduating: Summer term: 2 credit hours; Fall/Spring term: 3 credit hours. Since the Special Topics course is only 1 credit, you will need to be sure you meet the credit requirement as noted above. It is strongly recommended that students only register for literature survey and special topics in their final term; if you need to register for an additional class due to financial aid or other circumstances, please contact Nancy Toffolo at ntoffolo@ufl.edu. All core required classes must be completed in the terms prior to your final semester.
Course Syllabus Catalog
The general course policies and the most recent course syllabus catalog are available as a PDF for download here.