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Students in forensic laboratory

Laboratories and Coursework

At La Roche you will engage in diverse research opportunities, develop laboratory expertise and solve forensic problems using state-of-the-art instrumentation. Laboratory courses include:

  • Molecular Biology and Microbiology
  • General Biology, Genetics and Immunology
  • Anatomy and Physiology
  • General, Organic and Analytical Chemistry
  • Biochemistry and Physical Chemistry
  • Analytical Instrumentation
  • Physics and Electronics
  • Crime Scene Investigation 

Hands-On Learning

Our curriculum allows you to apply classroom knowledge to real-life scenarios so that you can develop critical thinking, problem-solving and communication skills. The following courses include these hands-on experiences:

Criminalistics

Chemistry, biology, criminal justice and computer science majors gather evidence from a mock homicide scene, and then perform DNA and blood typing, drug screening and trace evidence, or cybersecurity testing on key evidence.

The course culminates with a mock suppression hearing, in which students testify as expert witnesses before a real-life presiding local judge and defense attorney. The presiding judge is an Allegheny County Common Pleas Judge and adjunct professor at La Roche.

Computer Forensics Investigations

Students in this course apply computer security techniques to the physical evidence of a crime.

The course introduces you to AccessData, a state-of-the-art forensics software utilized by the Pittsburgh Cybercrime Taskforce.

You also have the opportunity to receive certification from AccessData upon successful completion of the Computer Security and Forensics minor.