A Career in Forensic Science

Forensic Science is science used in public, in a court or in the justice system. Any science, used for the purposes of the law, is a forensic science. It is a highly rewarding career where the love of science can be applied to the good of society, public health, and public safety.

A Career In Forensic Science
A career in forensic science covers many fields. It takes teamwork to solve a crime and there are many areas of forensic science that contribute to this:

Forensic Science Careers: Criminalistics
Criminalists analyze, compare, identify, and interpret physical evidence. Forensic labs have two primary functions: identifying evidence, and linking suspect, victim, and crime scene through physical evidence. The main role of the criminalist is to objectively apply the techniques of the physical and natural sciences to examine physical evidence.

Forensic Science Careers: Engineering Sciences
Innovation and problem-solving are key traits of an engineer. An engineer applies the principles of mathematics and science for many purposes. The forensic engineer applies the art and science of engineering to the purpose of the law. Most requests for services involve civil suits. However, the forensic engineer may also assist in the prosecution or defense of criminal or regulatory matters.

Forensic Science Careers: Odontology
Forensic dentistry (odontology) is a vital branch of forensic science that involves the application of dental science to the identification of unknown human remains and bite marks, using both physical and biological dental evidence.

Forensic Science Careers: Pathology/Biology 
Although forensic pathologists cannot perform all of the miracles seen on television shows such as CSI  it is an exciting field and is becoming a more popular and competitive career choice. Pathology is a medical specialty - the study of disease. Pathologists study disease by performing a type of surgery called an autopsy and examining the tissues removed, and by observing surgically removed specimens under the microscope. Forensic pathology is the application of the principles of pathology, and of medicine in general, to the legal needs of society. Forensic pathologists perform autopsies to determine what caused a person's death. They are also involved in the investigation of the circumstances surrounding the death. Knowing about these circumstances allows them to determine the manner of death - natural, accident, suicide, homicide, or undetermined.

Forensic Science Careers: Physical Anthropology
The next time you read in the newspaper or hear on the radio or TV that a body or skeleton has been found, it is likely that a forensic anthropologist will be contacted to identify it. Forensic anthropologists are also called to identify individuals killed in disasters such as plane crashes, explosions, fires, and other tragedies resulting in the loss of life and mutilation of bodies.

Forensic Science Careers: Psychiatry & Behavioral Science
A broad range of legal issues is addressed by forensic psychologists and psychiatrists as they work with criminal and civil cases and other areas such as family and domestic relations law. Given the scope of the practice, forensic psychiatrists and psychologists often spend a significant amount of time interfacing with lawyers and judges, and are trained in giving expert testimony. 

Forensic Science Careers: Questioned Documents
The document examiner discovers and proves the facts concerning documents and related material, such as ink, paper, toner from a copier or fax, and ribbons, such as from a typewriter. A document examiner may also be requested to examine items on a document to establish the manufacturing source, similarities or differences, first production date, or date used.

Forensic Science Careers: Toxicology
Toxicology is the study of harmful effects of chemicals or drugs on living systems. Forensic toxicology is that branch of toxicology that deals with the medico-legal aspects of toxicology. Forensic toxicologists answer the question,

Did prescription or illegal drugs and/or alcohol lead or contribute to the person's death or intoxication?"

There are several areas of specialization within the field, which offer a variety of career paths.

If you are seeking employment Join Xcel now for free, Job information please fill in the Career Information form

The College Information service is your free, Study information service, helping you find out about study opportunities at colleges and universities