i need info on forensic chemists...?

Question

okay, i have a chemistry project:
i have to make a brochure on a chemistry related career, which is forensic chemist...i need to know:
general info
required college and high school courses
brief overview of other closely related areas of study
average salary
colleges and universities that have majors related to it...
and contact info for a professional organizaton related to this career
PLZ HELP IF U KNOW ANYTHING!!

i also need to know possible college majors

Answer 1

A forensic chemist is, in general, a professional chemist who analyzes evidence that is brought in from crime scenes and reaches a conclusion based on tests run on that piece of evidence. A forensic chemist's job is to identify the evidence as part of the larger process of solving a crime.

Some forensic chemists may deal with explosives or poisons. The bulk of most forensic chemists work is on the analysis of controlled substances. According to federal and state laws an accurate net weight and positive identification of a substance must be obtained before a person can be tried for its possession, distribution or manufacturing. State and local regulations can vary, but in general an analysis must be accomplished based on certain weight criteria. After the weight is obtained the chemist may perform presumptive testing using chemical reagents that cause a color or odor change. The result of the presumptive tests give the chemist clues that guide what type of further testing is required. For the definitive identification of a substance there are several analytical instruments a chemist can use.

Qualifications via the DEA
General: You must be:
1) a U.S. citizen;
2) able to meet physical requirements; and
3) able to pass a complete background investigation.

PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS - Versatility and patience are the most often cited qualities of a forensic chemist. Forensic chemists must be able to spend hours rigorously applying analytical techniques to evidence and then defending their work in a court of law. They must be able to clearly and concisely answer challenges to their findings. Integrity is also an important characteristic, because it is not unusual for the different interests in a case to try to sway the forensic chemist's position.

Basic Requirements

EDUCATION AND TRAINING - A strong background in chemistry and instrumental analysis as well as a good grounding in criminalistics is vital. A forensic science degree at both the undergraduate and graduate level is recommended. Those interested in working with trace evidence, such as glass, hair, and paper, should focus on instrumentation skills and take courses in geology, soil chemistry, and materials science. If forensic biology and DNA analysis are preferred, take microbiology, genetics, and biochemistry courses. Those interested in the toxicological aspects of this work should study physiology, biochemistry, and chemistry.

To qualify at the GS-5 level, candidates must possess a four-year degree from an accredited college or university with a major in one of the physical sciences, life sciences or engineering. Such course of study must have included 30 semester hours of chemistry, six semester hours of physics, and mathematics through differential and integral calculus; OR possess a combination of education and experience with course work equivalent to a major mentioned above, to include at least 30 semester hours in chemistry, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

To qualify at the GS-7 level, all the requirements for a GS-5 must be met in addition to one of the following:
One year of professional experience in or directly related to chemistry;

Thirty semester hours of graduate study in chemistry or a closely related field;

A 3.0 grade point average (A=4.0) or equivalent in all undergraduate courses completed (up to time of application or during last two years of undergraduate work). Standing in the upper third of the graduating class in undergraduate work;

A 3.5 grade point average or equivalent in chemistry or closely related major field of undergraduate study (up to time of application or during the last two years of the class in undergraduate work); or

Election to membership in one of the recognized National Honorary Societies.

To qualify at the GS-9 level, candidates must possess a Master's Degree in an appropriate academic discipline. Otherwise, all ratings for higher-graded positions are based upon level of professional chemist work experience.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
American Academy of Forensic Science
P.O. Box 669
Colorado Springs, CO 80901-0669
719-636-1100
www.aafs.org

Answer 2

This should have all the information you need :) http://www.bls.gov/oco/

Answer 3

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