This is what a UK Forensic Science degree entails. It can be obtained from The University Of Kent.
What work being a forensic scientist involves; Recording findings and collecting trace evidence from scenes of crime or accident.
Analysing samples such as hair, body fluids, glass, paint and drugs in the laboratory
Applying various techniques as appropriate; eg DNA profiling, mass spectrometry, chromatography.
Giving evidence in Court but this would be at least several years after graduating.
There are Three Main Areas
Chemistry, Mainly crimes against property such as burglary, and arson. This includes the analysis of contact traces eg. Paint, Glass and Chemicals, also Fire investigation, Accident reconstruction and Serial numbers - However 80% of cases involves drugs analyses
Biology, Mainly crimes against the person. Violent crimes such as Murder, GBH and Rape makes up most of the case types encountered and the majority of examinations involve swabs of blood and other body fluids, hair and clothing fibres. Both traditional and serological and DNA testing is used. DNA work is increasing because of the Nation-Wide DNA database. Crimes from many years ago are now being re-examined because of new DNA evidence. ( nugnug )
Drugs and Toxicology, Testing for restricted drugs,examining tissue specimens, drink and drug driving samples, and the criminal and non-criminal investigation of deaths due to overdodoses, poisons and drugs.
Skills and Qualities Required
Great patience and concentration: Much work is monotonous, painstaking, detailed and routine. Nothing Like CSI !!!!!!!!
High quality analytical work. Excellent attention to detail. Logical, unbiased and methodical in your approach to solving problems as you will have to give impartial evidence in Court. An inquisitive,open mind. Work well in a team and independently.
Outgoing personality with strong verbal communication and presenting skills for reporting roles. Confidence as reporting officers having to present evidence in Court and be cross-examined by Barristers, this makes up a quarter of the work.
Present complex scientific information in a clear,simple way that a member of a Jury, with No Scientific Knowledge, can Understand.
It helps if applicants have Business Skills as well as being technically capable.
Crimes happen at any time, so you may need to be prepared for evening and weekend call outs. Also Court work may involve being on call and unsocial hours. You need a strong stomach, as some of the scenes of crime can be gruesome and upsetting.
Forensic Scientists are Chemists, in particular Analytical Chemists and have no background with Firearms or Ballistics. The next post will detail how a Forensic Scientist can become a Forensic Ballistics Expert Witness.