How do i start a career in forensic science?

Question

How do i start? What kind of schooling will i need? How long will it take? I want to do the kind of things seen on "CSI"

Answer 1

Forensic science is primarily concerned with the application of scientific principles for the investigation of crime. Using the very latest in technology, forensic scientists convert the clues collected from a crime scene into evidence admissible in a court of law. It is the use or application of science in courts or legal proceedings. This is a challenging and interesting field for those who have are inquisitive and loves adventure.

Forensic Science is essentially a crime laboratory-based profession, the course qualifies students to apply their knowledge of science to the investigation of crime. But the expertise of a forensic professional is also used in civil cases for issues like proving the validity of a signature on a will, to a claim of the products liability, to find out whether an industry is complying with environmental rules.

Forensic scientists analyze all physical evidence found on a victim on the scene of a crime and compare it to evidence found on a suspect and provide expert testimony in a court of law. The evidences might include traces of blood, saliva, other body fluids, hair, fingerprints, footwear and tyre impressions, explosives, specimens of tissue for poisons, blood and urine for alcohol etc. Their expertise lies in the determination of facts using these evidences. They have to prepare a report of their investigation and appear in the court to give evidence. They work closely with the police to provide scientific evidence that is admissible in the court.

Forensic science is not a discipline or branch of science, but is a catch-all for many distinct disciplines. It is broadly grouped into three: Medical, laboratory and field science.

Forensic /career/options/forensic/datamedicine is a broad medical subject which includes forensic pathology, psychiatry, psychology, forensic medicine and odontology (dentistry). Laboratory sciences include chemistry, biology, toxicology, ballistics, fingerprints, questioned documents and marks and impressions. Field sciences include crime scene investigation which incorporates areas such as fire and explosion scenes and clandestine drug laboratories.

Eligibility: To take up a masters course in forensic science you need to be a graduate preferably with a first division in Physics, chemistry, zoology, botany, biochemistry, microbiology, B.pharm, BDS or applied science.
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Job Prospects and Career options : They can find employment with law enforcement agencies, police, legal system and in the investigative services of the government and also private agencies. They can also work as teachers in institutes that conduct courses in this subject. Click here to know more

Remuneration : Remuneration for various state forensics departments would be as per government pay scales. The state department salaries begin around Rs. 4000 Click here to know more

Institutes : National Institute of criminology and Forensic science, New Delhi conducts training programs for students as well as in-service functionaries of the criminal justice system. Click here to know more

Answer 2

Texas Tech University has a great forensics program! So does UNLV university Nevada Las Vegas. Most CSI 's fall into 2 groups : the scientific aspect & the sociological aspect. I would start by contacting any colleges in your area about forensics, it would be under the college of sociology in most cases. Good luck!

Answer 3

Good luck with that one. Years ago, i wanted to get in that field myself. Not easy, it takes ALOT of dedication to your education. Hope you like biology and chemistry 'cause it's a ton of work. Don't let my advice bring you down. Maybe your goals, sense of direction and/or drive is stronger than mine. Good Luck