27,September 2023
Introduction
A forensic degree gives a world of opportunity to the students, who have chosen this branch as a career. A forensic degree provides a tool to solve criminal cases and related investigations and opens a door for justice for everyone without any biases. This article contains a complete guide to understanding the degrees in Forensic Science their various types, future aspects, required skills, and more.
Forensic science is a branch of science that provides the principles and techniques to resolve the criminal cases and other legal issues. It collectively analyzes and interprets the available physical evidence from the crime scene and other criminal incidents. Forensic specialists use technology with scientific disciplines and methodologies to regenerate the sequence of events to recognize the individual and report for legal procedures, which guarantee the correct justice and help to follow the norms of law.
Importance and Role of Forensic Science:
The significance of forensic science depicts its vital role in crime and criminal justice system and society as well. It takes a significant and crucial role to solve the crime and helps to provide justice to the innocent individual simultaneously ensuring the unmasking of the culprit and withholding the rules and regulations of law.
Types of Forensic Science Degrees:
- Graduation/ Bachelor’s Degree in Forensic
Science – The undergraduate program in Forensic Science provides
the student with a basic or strengthens foundation in different scientific techniques and
required practical skills to analyze and solve the proof which is available during the
investigation of crime or criminal incidents. The Graduation degree in Forensic science
awards the students with techniques and understanding to assist justice and law agencies.
Legal procedures and the criminal justice system.
- Post Graduate Diploma in Forensic Science – It is a specialized
course in the Forensic Science field that provides deep knowledge and training in different
aspects of Forensic Science. The Post Graduate Diploma can be pursued by students who
already have a degree of graduation or bachelor’s in Forensic Science subject and is
willing to take specialization career advancement and future growth in the same field. PG
diploma program includes subjects that are related to the analysis of various
proofs, investigation of the crime scene, and the implementation of rules and
regulations of the legal system.
- MSC/ Master's Degree in Forensic Science – It is a Post-graduation program in the field of Forensic Science that provides advancement with accuracy in the field. This degree improves the student’s understanding of the subject from basic to advance or specialized level. That helps to solve the complex analysis of Forensic cases, research, and confidence to solve the cases in the judicial system.
- Ph.D. in Forensic Science - A Ph.D. in Forensic Science is a doctoral-level program that provides advanced education, research opportunities, and specialization in the field of forensic science. After completing the Ph.D. degree the students become able to develop skills to perform acquired research and development of new methodologies in Forensic Science and become specialists in the field of investigation.
Specializations in Forensic Science:
- Forensic Pathology: This field supports solving unexpected and violent deaths which could be sudden. Forensic pathologists are specialized medical doctors who are trained in legal medicine and pathology. They perform the crucial role to find out the cause and pattern of death, specifically in cases of accidents, unexplained death, and criminal activity.
- Forensic Toxicology: In the field of Forensic Toxicology the specialist emphasizes the clarification and analysis of drugs, chemicals, and poisons which can include other substances, collected as biological samples from the individual at various crime scenes. This field is crucial to the information about the substance that can be the cause of sudden and unexpected death and incidents.
- Digital Forensics: This specialization is also known as computer or digital Forensics. This field deals with the identification and analysis of evidence which can be electronic data, devices, and various digital media to resolve criminal cases or incidents. Specialist in Digital Forensic Science utilizes their knowledge and skill to reconstruct, prevent, and identify the digital proof which can be obtained from mobile devices, computers, servers, and other electronic gadgets.
- Forensic Anthropology: Forensic anthropologists learn about the human skeletal remains to recognize the individual, resolve the situation and circumstances of the death and present the report of the biological profile. Forensic anthropology specialist uses their knowledge and expertise in biology, anatomy, and archaeology to identify human remains, generally in cases of accidents, disasters, homicides, and historical investigations.
- Forensic Psychology: Forensic Psychologists deal with the combined field of legal and criminal judicial systems with the principles of psychology. They perform a crucial role decode human behavior, emotion, and cognition in different criminal and legal cases. They provide a report about the mental state and the reason for the behavioral patterns of the victims and offenders.
- Bloodstain Pattern Analysis: This is the field where the experts examine, analyze, and interpret patterns of blood stains, present in the crime scene. Bloodstain pattern analysts reconstruct the dynamic incidents to give in-depth knowledge of why and how blood was shed. This examination presents significant information about accidents, crimes, and other events where bloodshed is present.
- DNA Analysis: DNA analysis, also known as DNA profiling or DNA fingerprinting is a fundamental technique in forensic science that involves the examination of an individual's specific genetic code to recover and identify individuals, provide relationship confirmation, and evidence of the investigation process in criminal cases. The field of DNA analysis is highly technical and accurate to decode the suspects or victims to solve criminal cases.
Skills Required for Forensic Scientists:
- Attention to Detail
- Analytical Skills
- Scientific Knowledge
- Communication Skills
- Problem-Solving Abilities
- Ethical Standards
How to Choose the Right Program:
- Accreditation
- Program Focus and Specializations
- Faculty Expertise
- Research Opportunities
- Facilities and Laboratories
Admission Requirements:
- Bachelor's Degree: High School Diploma, Entrance Exams
- Master's Degree: Bachelor's Degree, Relevant Background
- Ph.D.: Master's Degree, Research Proposal
Coursework and Curriculum:
- Common Courses in Forensic Science Programs
- Lab Work and Practical Training
Career Prospects:
- Crime Laboratories
- Law Enforcement Agencies
- Legal Firms
- Government Agencies
- Research and Academia
- Private Consulting
Challenges and Ethical Considerations:
- Handling Sensitive Evidence
- Maintaining Objectivity
- Ethical Obligations
Continuous Learning and Professional Development:
- Staying Updated with New Technologies
- Attending Workshops and Conferences
Job Search and Career Advancement:
- Crafting a Strong Resume
- Networking in the Field
- Advancing to Specialized Roles
Conclusion:
To take a degree in Forensic Science, one needs to have passion and dedication for the field with an ethical background that holds the commitment and honesty for the branch. The Forensic A science degree carries a big responsibility with a rewarding career to play an important role in the field of justice and the judicial system to prevent the community from crime and criminal activity. The organizations and research institutes provide thorough and correct information about the subject and different specializations to pursue a glorious career in Forensic Science and support your Nation and its Judiciary system.
References
https://www.coursera.org/learn/forensic-science
https://www.criminaljusticedegreeschools.com/degrees/forensic-science-degree/
https://www.forensicscolleges.com/programs/forensic-science/associate
https://www.all-about-forensic-science.com/forensic-science-in-india.html
https://www.science.gov/topicpages/b/bloodstain+pattern+analysis