IF UNDERSTANDING A DANGEROUS MIND INTRIGUES YOU, FORENSIC SCIENCE IS AN IDEAL FIELD

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IF UNDERSTANDING A DANGEROUS MIND INTRIGUES YOU, FORENSIC SCIENCE IS AN IDEAL FIELD

    Forensic science is primarily concerned with the application of scientific principles for the investigation of crime. Using the very latest in technology, forensic scientists convert the clues collected from a crime scene into evidence admissible in a court of law. It is the use or application of science in courts or legal proceedings. This is a challenging and interesting field for those who have are inquisitive and loves adventure.
    Forensic Science is essentially a crime laboratory-based profession. The course qualifies students to apply their knowledge of science to the investigation of crime. But the expertise of a forensic professional is also used in civil cases for issues like proving the validity of a signature on a will, to a claim of the products liability, to find out whether an industry is complying with environmental rules.
    The scientists analyse all physical evidence found on a victim on the scene of a crime and compare it to evidence found on a suspect and provide expert testimony in a court of law. The evidences might include traces of blood, saliva, other body fluids, hair, fingerprints, footwear and tyre impressions, explosives, specimens of tissue for poisons, blood and urine for alcohol etc. Their expertise lies in the determination of facts using these evidences. They have to prepare a report of their investigation and appear in the court to give evidence. They work closely with the police to provide scientific evidence that is admissible in the court.
    Forensic science is not a discipline or branch of science, but is a catch-all for many distinct disciplines. It is broadly grouped into three: Medical, laboratory and field science.
    Forensic/career/options/forensic/datamedicine is a broad medical subject which includes forensic pathology, psychiatry, psychology, forensic medicine and odontology (dentistry). Laboratory sciences include chemistry, biology, toxicology, ballistics, fingerprints, questioned documents and marks and impressions. Field sciences include crime scene investigation which incorporates areas such as fire and explosion scenes and clandestine drug laboratories.
    Candidates with a background in Science subjects can pursue a career in forensic science. One can do graduation in forensic science (i. e B.Sc. Forensic Science) after 10+2. After graduation they can take up diploma courses in Forensic Science and Criminology which is of one year duration. To take up a Masters course in forensic science you need to be a graduate preferably with a first division in Physics, chemistry, Zoology, Botany, Biochemistry, Microbiology, B.pharm, BDS or applied science.
    To become a specialist who conducts post-mortems on dead bodies to find out the cause of death, you must first secure an MBBS degree and then go for an MD in Forensic Science. All Indian Universities that offer MBBS courses also offer an MD in Forensic Science.
    For Research : Indian nationals below 30 years and who have obtained 1st class marks in Master's degree in any one of the subjects : Physics / Chemistry / Biochemistry / Anthropology / Zoology / Molecular Biology / Maths (with Physics as one of the subjects at the bachelor degree level) / Biotechnology / Microbiology / Computer Science / Computer Engineering / Forensic Psychology etc. or M.Phil in the same subjects whichever is the essential qualification for the award of Ph.D degree of a recognised Indian University.
    Personal attributes: An inquisitive nature and a concern for accuracy is the main attribute required to be in this field. They must have keen observation, intelligence, an eye for detail, ability to work along with a team, a logical, practical and methodical approach. An aptitude for scientific analysis is essential.
JOB PROSPECTS
    They can find employment with law enforcement agencies, police, legal system and in the investigative services of the government and also private agencies. They can also work as teachers in institutes that conduct courses in this subject.
    Opportunities for forensic scientists exist in government organisations such as the Intelligence Bureau (IB), the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and as investigative officers in the crime cells of state police forces. Forensic experts essentially work in forensic labs and sometimes even in large private detective agencies to establish the link between the criminal and the crime.
CAREER OPTIONS
    There are variety of options for forensic professionals. They can specialise in subjects as varied as medicine, engineering, fingerprinting, insect study, languages, geology etc.
    Crime Scene Investigation: Scene investigation involves issues such as security, prevention of contamination, locating and collecting relevant items of evidence, interpretation of evidence and possible reconstruction of the event. Scenes can range from a relatively simple house break to a fire in a multi-storey building or a city bombing.