|
The field of forensic science is an analytical and
research-based course of study, offering a range of career
options in forensic medicine, forensic nursing, investigation,
reporting, and criminal justice. Forensics careers are focused
on analyzing physical evidence related to investigations and
crime scenes, and a forensic scientist may also be asked to
testify and share results of their findings in a court setting.
Forensic schools allow students to adopt critical thinking and analysis skills
to provide detailed reports and presentations; these are then used as evidence
in the courtroom to reconstruct crime scenes and explain various situations. A
forensic science technician can be found working in the field of investigative
research, collecting evidence and samples, and reporting them as needed to
courts and the legal system.
What Is Forensic
Science?
Forensic science is the process of collecting and analyzing evidence as related
to a crime or situation. A forensic science technician can specialize in a
particular area of study such as DNA analysis, weapons testing, or
fingerprinting. The scientist is then responsible for preparing and documenting
the findings and making inferences and conclusions about the evidence and scene
of a crime. Forensic science technicians, nurses, and researchers are all
involved with examination, testing, and analysis of tissue samples and
interpreting laboratory findings. Advanced areas of forensic science include:
Job Description
and Responsibilities in a Forensic Science Career
A forensic science career can branch out into the fields of forensic medicine,
forensic nursing, and specialized research. Forensic science programs at
colleges and universities can offer a range of courses in the field, and
students can choose to pursue a specialization after declaring their major. Key
job responsibilities and duties involved with a forensic science career include:
-
Testing tissue samples
-
Recording and measuring samples using special equipment
-
Fingerprinting and analyzing handwriting
-
Preserving criminal evidence to help solve cases
-
Preparing reports and presentations of findings
-
Making use of investigative research skills and methods to analyze data
-
Testifying as a witness in a courtroom
-
Classifying information and interpreting results after testing
Specialized forensic programs such as forensic medicine and forensic nursing may
require additional responsibilities and job duties. For example, a forensic
nurse would be involved with preparation of materials for testing, reporting
evidence to the forensic science team, and serving as an aide in a laboratory
setting.
Skills Acquired
with a Forensic Science Degree
After completing
a forensic science degree program, students acquire a variety of critical skills
and techniques for data analysis and reporting. Common skills acquired at
forensic school or after forensic training include:
- Using the
scientific method for problem solving
- Strong
communication skills to convey information
- Quality
control and analysis
- Sound logic
and reasoning skills
- Active
listening
-
Communicating effectively with cohesive writing and reporting
- Determining
the appropriate equipment for various tests and procedures
- Monitoring
and assessment of different situations
- Inductive
reasoning
- Information
ordering
-
Visualization and selective attention
Courses and
Programs Available at Forensic Science Schools
Forensic training varies depending on the type of school and forensic science
degree program, but the most common courses for those pursuing an undergraduate
program include:
-
Forensic Pathology
-
Principles of Forensic Medicine
-
Forensic and Crime Scene Photography
-
Crime Scene Investigation
-
Criminal Investigation Analysis and Profiling
-
Forensic Toxicology
-
Trace Evidence
-
Forensic Anthropology
Specializations in forensic science investigation may offer courses such as:
-
Advanced Criminalistics
-
Advanced
Fingerprint Analysis
-
Constitution and Criminal Procedure
-
Electronic Crime Scene Investigation
-
Forensic Nursing
Forensics Career
Qualifications and Forensic Training
Most forensic science schools offer comprehensive forensic training in each
branch of study, and students can pursue advanced studies for specialization in
the field. The majority of employers look for graduates who have at least two
years of professional forensic training and a bachelor’s degree in the sciences.
A forensics career may begin with a basic bachelor’s degree in chemistry,
biology, or physics; forensic science schools can offer more specialized classes
and focused studies with forensic science degree programs and related courses.
An internship is often a part of many forensic science degree programs, offering
students a chance to gain hands-on experience in their field. Forensic science
programs are available at both the undergraduate and master’s level at most
colleges and universities. Forensic medicine may offer additional course from a
nursing program or medical school.
Job Opportunities
and Employment Prospect with a Forensic Science Degree
Job opportunities for a forensic nurse, forensic science technician, or forensic
professional are expected to grow as fast as the average through 2014. With
advancing technologies in the fields of communications and research, skilled
professionals who can adapt to online reporting systems and research can look
forward to the most rewarding opportunities for a lifelong forensics career.
Most forensic schools offer internships and direct placement opportunities after
graduation, and many forensic science technicians start their careers a trainee
under the supervision of a scientist. Advanced studies can lead to job growth
and more responsibility in the field.
Typical median hourly earnings for a forensic science technician were $21.16 per
hour in 2004. This rate varies depending on the skills, training, and experience
of each individual. Related occupations include:
-
Forensic engineering technicians
-
Clinical laboratory technologists
-
Diagnostic medical sonographers
-
Radiologic technicians
|
