2008 Woodie Awards
Forensic science program to be introduced this fall
Nathan Wayne
Issue date: 4/26/07 Section: Front Page
- Page 1 of 2 next >
Amarillo College will expand its list of associate degrees beginning in the fall semester to include forensic science. The major can be declared now to start classes next semester.
The process of implementing the program has been long in the works.
"We've been working on it for about three years," said Toni Gordy, director of the criminal justice program.
The initial idea to offer forensic science as a course of study came from students.
"It's all been student-driven," Gordy said. "Students would call the criminal justice department. We'd tell them to call biology, and they would tell them to call us again."
Eventually, the two departments began working together to form the program, according to Gordy.
"We've tried to incorporate biology, psychology and criminal justice into the program," she said.
Gordy said that in order to accomplish the goal, the Forensic Science I and II classes will be taught by three different teachers from each field of study, each collaborating with one another to teach one class.
The classes will be conducted on the West Campus.
"It is very interdisciplinary," she said. "You need all three to get the full experience."
Although the classes are designed for forensic science majors, other students also may have a chance to participate.
"They will be open to other majors if we have room," Gordy said.
General studies major John Brooks said he hopes they will have room.
"I'd like to take the class," he said. "It would be fun, if not for a major, at least for an elective credit."
Brooks is not the only person who finds the new program appealing.
"I have been pleasantly surprised by the interest in the program," Gordy said.
To help spark more interest, an American Crime School conference will be conducted from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday in the West Campus lecture hall. The cost will be $40 for students and $75 for professionals.
"My main reason for having the conference is to let everyone know there is a forensic science program at AC," Gordy said.
The process of implementing the program has been long in the works.
"We've been working on it for about three years," said Toni Gordy, director of the criminal justice program.
The initial idea to offer forensic science as a course of study came from students.
"It's all been student-driven," Gordy said. "Students would call the criminal justice department. We'd tell them to call biology, and they would tell them to call us again."
Eventually, the two departments began working together to form the program, according to Gordy.
"We've tried to incorporate biology, psychology and criminal justice into the program," she said.
Gordy said that in order to accomplish the goal, the Forensic Science I and II classes will be taught by three different teachers from each field of study, each collaborating with one another to teach one class.
The classes will be conducted on the West Campus.
"It is very interdisciplinary," she said. "You need all three to get the full experience."
Although the classes are designed for forensic science majors, other students also may have a chance to participate.
"They will be open to other majors if we have room," Gordy said.
General studies major John Brooks said he hopes they will have room.
"I'd like to take the class," he said. "It would be fun, if not for a major, at least for an elective credit."
Brooks is not the only person who finds the new program appealing.
"I have been pleasantly surprised by the interest in the program," Gordy said.
To help spark more interest, an American Crime School conference will be conducted from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday in the West Campus lecture hall. The cost will be $40 for students and $75 for professionals.
"My main reason for having the conference is to let everyone know there is a forensic science program at AC," Gordy said.
Be the first to comment on this story