Career In Forensic Science

Are you interested in human anatomy and forensics studies?

Then a career in forensic science is best for you.

Forensic science is a subject that fascinates most of us. It is the major study of science and criminal justice. Forensic Science is essentially a crime laboratory-based profession.

What is Forensic science?

Forensic science is the application of scientific knowledge and methodology to criminal investigations and legal problems. Forensic Science is a multidisciplinary subject, it encompasses various fields of science such as Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Geology, Psychology, Social Science, Engineering, etc.

Forensic science is used every around the world to protect public health, to enforce criminal laws and regulations and to resolve civil disputes.

The term forensic comes from the Latin term “forensis” that means “of or before the forum”. The history of the term originates from Roman times in the late nineteenth century.

Who is the world first forensic scientist?

Archimedes is the first forensic scientist.

Forensic scientists are who help to collect, preserve, and examining physical evidence during the course of an investigation. Forensic Scientist must be methodical, accurate and unbiased.

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Scope of Forensic Science

The scope of forensic science study is vast. You can get jobs in various governments & private sectors. The study will improve your skills and knowledge. After completing your degree, you can open your own forensic practice & forensic service offices. You also may employ in Forensic Laboratories, Detective Offices, Banks and other Govt. and private agencies.

From the crime scene to the laboratory, forensic science applies several disciplines to help solve crimes. To find success, they must supplement their legal knowledge with an understanding of biology, chemistry, and computer programming. Students interested in forensic science careers can pursue degrees in forensic science, criminal justice, and legal studies.

There are endless opportunities in this field as unlimited crimes in the world is happening. So, the job opportunities in the field of forensic science are also endless. You can get a job everywhere in India or overseas.

Courses & Duration

It is a good advantage for Medical science students to become forensic scientists. Forensic science is not a branch or discipline of science, but it is a catch-all for various distinct branches. Various universities in India offer certificate, bachelor and master courses in Forensic Science. Once you have done the master degree successfully, then you can even go for a Doctoral Degree course in Forensic Sciences.

Undergraduate Course (3 years):

• B.Sc in Forensic Science

Post Graduate Courses (2 years):

• M.Sc in Forensic Science
• PG Diploma in Forensic Science

Doctoral Course (3 years):

• Ph.D in Forensic Science
• M.Phill in Forensic Science

Specializations of Forensic Science:

Below are some specializations in the field of forensic science:

• Forensic Biology
• Forensic Serology
• Forensic Chemistry
• Forensic Toxicology
• Forensic Ballistics
• Forensic Entomology
• Forensic Botany

Skills Required:

• Knowledge of various fields of science
• Technical Skills
• Intelligent
• Strong Analytical Skills
• Keen Observation

Eligibility & Admission

How I make my career in Forensic Science?

• First, candidates have to complete their 10+2 examination from science branch for admission into UG degree.
• After completing a bachelor degree i.e. B.Sc, you can apply for the master degree that is M.Sc in Forensic Science.
• Some private universities conduct its own entrance test for admission in master courses.

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Forensic Science University In India:

Below are some universities or institutions that offer the degree in forensic science:

• Punjabi University
• Bhim Rao Ambedkar University
• Manipal University
• University of Delhi
• University of Lucknow
• Gujarat Forensic Sciences University

Career & Jobs

Due to increase in crime rate and criminals, the scope of Forensic Science is increased exponentially. There are lots of job opportunities in the field of Forensic Science. The need of forensic scientists is huge all around the world, especially in India.

Some of the forensic scientists visit the crime scene to collect the evidence themselves and another one work in a forensic laboratory to perform analysis on objects.

In the forensic laboratory, they testify as expert observers in both criminal and civil cases and can work for either the defense or the prosecution.

Forensic scientists can be employed in the government sector. They work in different law enforcement agencies and investigation departments such as police, investigative services of state and central government and legal system. Some of the private agencies also employed those candidates who have some qualification in this field.

A trained forensic scientist may hire by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) & Intelligence Bureau (IB). You can also work as a freelancer as forensic scientists specializing in one segment & can be paid much. You can also work as a legal counselor after gaining experience as a Forensic Scientist.

Teaching is another interesting career for forensic scientists. You can work in the institutions that impart education in forensic science.

Candidates have a degree, they can explore the career in Forensic Science in the USA and other developed countries.

Job Profiles:

Below are some of the top designations in the field of forensic science:

• Investigative officers
• Legal counselors
• Forensic Expert
• Forensic Scientist
• Crime Scene Investigator
• Teacher / Professor
• Crime Reporter
• Forensic Engineer
• Law Consultant
• Handwriting Expert

Top Recruiters:

Below are some recruiters in the field of forensic science:

• Intelligence Bureau (IB)
• Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)
• Central Govt. Forensic Sciences Labs
• Hospitals
• Private Detective Agencies
• Law Firms
• Police Department
• Quality Control Bureau
• Banks
• Universities
• Defense/Army

Salary

Most of the jobs of forensic science are in the government sector thats why the salary is strictly based on the structure and pay scale. In Private sector, the agencies offer handsome salaries to experienced candidates. After completing a qualification in forensic science, the starting salary is between Rs. 3 Lac to Rs. 4 Lac per annum. With experience, professionals can earn Rs 6 Lac to Rs 8 Lacs per year.

If you are working in abroad, then you can earn the average salary of $55,040 per year.

Books and Study Material

Here, we are providing the best books related to forensic science:

• Forensic Psychology by David Canter
• Forensic Science by Jim Fraser
• Forensics for Dummies by D.P. Lyle, MD
• Forensic Science by Andrew R. W. Jackson
• Forensics: The Anatomy of Crime by Val McDermid
• The Elements of Murder by John Emsley
• Fundamentals of Forensic Science by Max M Houck
• The Science of Sherlock Holmes by E.J. Wagner

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