Forensic Sciences

As a forensic scientist, you will be assisting the concerned officials in investigating crimes by collecting and analyzing physical evidence.

What does a forensic scientist do?

Forensic scientists apply science to criminal and civil laws by collecting and analysing physical evidences. They examine fingerprints, DNA, and other evidences collected at crime scenes as part of the investigation and work in laboratories using chemicals and laboratory equipment to analyze the collected evidence.

What does a typical day at work involve?

  • Checked Visiting crime scenes and examining them
  • Checked Determining how evidence should be collected by analyzing the crime scenes
  • Checked Analysing a variety of samples such as blood, other body fluids, glasses, weapons, finger prints, drugs and paints in laboratories
  • Checked Collecting traces of evidence from accidents and crime scenes, and recording them
  • Checked Taking photographs of the crime scene for evidence
  • Checked Making sketches of the crime scenes
  • Checked Using DNA analysis to investigate links of criminal activity and suspects
  • Checked Coordinating with the police and other outside agencies
  • Checked Collecting and analysing data to investigate and prosecute computer and other electronics based scams, fraud and identity theft
  • Checked Supervising and reviewing the work of assistants
  • Checked Presenting the results of the work in court for cross-examination and justifying the findings

What areas can a forensic scientist specialise in?

Crime scene investigation is a specialisation in forensic sciences which deals with the collection and analysis of physical evidences from the crime scenes in order to investigate the crimes.
Forensic laboratory analysis deals with the analysis of collected evidences in the laboratory using various chemicals and equipment.
It is the application of psychology in the field of forensic sciences. It is concerned with the interaction between human behavior, the legal system, and criminology.
Forensic anthropologists identify human remains, usually in medical or legal situations. They employ archaeological methods to assist in the excavation of human remains.

How to become a forensic scientist?

Step 1
Take science stream at the 10+2 level

Studying science stream at the 10+2 level and securing a minimum aggregate score would be a prerequisite for admission into forensic science courses.

Step 2
Take BSc forensic sciences / bachelor’s in any science specialisation

BSc in forensic sciences is available only in a very few institutions in India. Therefore, you can take a bachelors in any science discipline and then specialise in forensic sciences at the master’s level. The duration of BSc programs are usually three years.


Note :Diploma/Certificate programs in Forensic Sciences

1 year diploma programs are available in forensic sciences.

Step 3
Take MSc in forensic sciences

After completing a bachelor’s in any science discipline, you can opt for an MSc in forensic sciences. This is a program of two years duration.


Note :PG Diploma in Forensic Science

There are one year PG diploma programs on offer in the field of forensic sciences. Apart from graduates with a science background, law graduates are also eligible for such programs.

Forensic Sciences Colleges

Name State District Type Website Course

Requirements for masters (MSc) in forensic sciences

Requirements for admission into a PG course in one of the top institutions to help you get an overall picture

India (For admission into M. Sc. Forensic Science at Gujarat Forensic Sciences University)

  • A bachelor degree in Forensic Science/ Medicine / Engineering or Pharmacy.
  • A minimum 55% marks or equivalent. (General Category)
  • On the basis of Entrance/Interview.

Foreign (For admission into MSc Crime and Forensic Science at the University College London)

  • A relevant bachelor's degree
  • A minimum overall CGPA of 7.75/10 or equivalent
  • English Language Requirements :Overall grade of 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in each of the subtests in IELTS Academic
  • Overall score of 100 with 24/30 in reading and writing and 20/30 in speaking and listening in TOEFL

To see the entrance exams, scholarships and UG admission details, click here

Skills Required

Attention to detail

Forensic scientists have to sort out even minute changes while collecting and analysing evidence. They have to pay meticulous attention to detail to notice such small differences.

Mathematical skills and scientific temper

Forensic scientists need to have a sound understanding of natural sciences and statistics as they have to systematically analyse evidence and data.

Critical thinking

Having a curious mindset and a great judgement will come in handy for forensic scientists as they may come across puzzling problems while trying to match evidences.

Problem solving

Forensic scientists have to use a logical and unbiased approach while applying scientific tests and methods to solve crimes.

Communication skills

Forensic scientists need to have good oral and written communication skills as they have to express scientific information to non experts as well as justify their findings in the court.

Industries

  • Checked Research Institutes
  • Checked Forensic Consultancy
  • Checked Government Services
  • Checked Private Forensic Labs
  • Checked Crime Investigation
  • Checked Cyber Security

Resources to make use of

Useful links

Videos

The Real Science of Forensics
The Real Science of Forensics Learn about how forensics is used while investigating a murder.
Forensic Science degree and Crime Scene Investigation: Forensic Imaging
Forensic Science degree and Crime Scene Investigation: Forensic Imaging Vicky, a final-year forensic science student at the University of Glamorgan uses Glamorgan's unique Crime Scene House facility to introduces us to forensic imaging, the process of documenting a scene of crime.
Day in the life of a forensic scientist
Day in the life of a forensic scientist Meet Joni Walker, a forensic scientist at the toxicology & drugs department of the scottish police services authority, and learn about how she became a forensic scientist and what she does at work