Forensic Science Careers

Are you a student of science? Do you believe in the scientific method of observation, analysis, experiment and conclusion? Are you addicted to solving problems, puzzles and mysteries? Do you believe that justice must be done, no matter what happens? If the answer to any of these questions is 'yes', then a career in forensic science is the right one for you! Forensic science literally means science applied to public affairs or social justice.

Our law and judicial system is based on the simple fact that justice should be done, the innocent must be protected and the guilty apprehended. However, the goddess of justice, if you remember, is blindfolded and she decides her judgment only after weighing the evidence in a balance! The tilt of the balance of justice depends on evidence, which is where the work of a forensic investigator comes in.

No matter how clever and diabolic a criminal is, he always leaves some kind of evidence at the scene of crime. Putting all these small evidences together and lodging a case against the accused is the job of a forensic scientist. Expert forensic scientists not only gather evidences, but also convince the jury of its validity by their testimonials, during trials. The job requires you to be observant, analytical, alert and precise. Not to mention, be very careful in whatever you do, and be able to convince the non-scientific community of its validity. To be able to explain a complex scientific fact in a simple and understandable manner to a jury member, by cutting to the heart of the subject is an art cultivated through experience.

Training To Become A Forensic Scientist

In forensic science, being a scientific discipline, you need a deeper knowledge in chemistry, physics or biology, that is a bachelor's degree in these subjects. This followed by a Master's degree and a doctoral degree in forensic science, which is offered by many universities, should set you on the path for this career. Trained doctors with a medical degree and specialization in a particular field can also make an entry into this career as consultants. Engineers too, have an opportunity in this field, as special consultants, in cases where engineering problems need to be solved. Forensic science involves science applied to all fields of human endeavor, and that is why, it is vast in its opportunities and sub-fields. So people from many walks of life, with specific expertise, can have a career in forensics. Let us have a look at each sub-field and the opportunities it offers:

Criminalistics
As the name abundantly makes it clear, 'criminalistics' is the branch that connects evidence with the perpetrators of the crime. It involves the identification, analysis, reconstruction of all possible kinds of material evidence of the crime, and its linking to identity of the criminal mind who executed it. This involves finger print identification as well as DNA finger printing. This involves many professionals from the medical field who have specialized in forensic investigation.

The most difficult part of work for a forensic investigator, working in this field, is putting all the pieces of the jigsaw puzzle of evidence together and making a case out of it. It requires an uncanny genius as well as thorough practical thought, to find the solution. You have to enter the criminal psyche to make sense of the evidence sometimes.

Engineering Sciences
This involves experts in various branches of engineering like civil, mechanical, electrical and other fields. Many times in disasters or accidents caused by negligence, expert opinion is needed as to what exactly was the reason it happened. The court needs to ascertain who is guilty or innocent in the case. Sometimes, it is very difficult to ascertain as to what really caused the accidents, like the 'Challenger' disaster as the problem is very complex. There is where the expert engineering forensic team comes in to solve the problem. It is a very challenging job for an engineer who enjoys problem solving.

These were the two main sub-fields of investigation, but there are many more like:

• Toxicology
• Jurisprudence
• Odontology
• Questioned documents
• Pathology
• Physical anthropology
• Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences

Each of these fields require their own degree of expertise and professional qualifications. Also each one of them is equally challenging.

Forensic science investigators are employed in organizations like the CIA (central Intelligence Agency), the FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation), hospitals, morgues, major medical establishments and Judiciary. They are paid well for their expertise. The life of a forensic scientist involves constant renewal of his knowledge and expertise in the field. It is a noble profession that tests the integrity, mettle and knowledge expertise of a person!