What is Forensic Science?
Forensic science is a subject that fascinates most of us. It is the application of basic science for the purpose of a court of law. It is essentially a crime laboratory-based profession. Forensic science is the application of scientific knowledge and methodology to criminal investigations and legal matters. It is a multidisciplinary subject, which encompasses various fields of science such as chemistry, biology, physics, geology, psychology, engineering, etc.
Forensic science is used worldwide to protect public health and crime victims, enforce criminal laws and regulations, and resolve civil disputes.
The term ‘forensic’ comes from the Latin term “forensis” meaning “of or before the forum”. The history of term originates from Roman times in the late 19th century. Forensic scientists are responsible to collect, preserve, and examine physical evidence, investigate crime scenes and also conduct testing and experiments on suspected items. A forensic scientist must be methodical, accurate, and unbiased.
Why Study Forensic Science?
If nothing bothers you more than injustice and also if chemistry, biology, and physics are some of your favorite subjects, a degree in Forensic Science might be a match made in heaven for you.
As a future Forensic expert, you’ll work in crime labs, examine physical evidence, analyze crime scenes and make life a lot easier for investigating officers trying to solve a case.
The scope of forensic science is enormous. You can get jobs in the government & private sectors. This field of study will improve your skills and knowledge. After completing your degree, you can start freelancing your forensic practice & having your own forensic service office. You can also be employed in Forensic laboratories, Narcotics departments, Police departments, Detective offices, Intelligence agencies, Hospitals, Banks, and various other Government and private agencies.
There are endless opportunities in this field because of the increase in the rate of crimes around the world. So, the job opportunities in the field of forensic science are also endless. You can get a job anywhere in India or abroad. The need and scope of Forensic Science have increased exponentially in recent years due to the surge in criminal activities and the need to provide timely justice to the victims.
Some forensic scientists visit the crime scene to collect, package and preserve the physical evidence while others work in forensic laboratories (regional, state, central or private) to perform analysis and examination on the suspected evidence samples sent to them. Working in the forensic laboratory, they testify in courts as Experts 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 as well. They work in different law enforcement agencies and investigative departments such as police, investigative services of state and central government, and the legal system. Some private agencies also employ these candidates who have qualifications in this field.
A trained forensic scientist may be hired by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) & Intelligence Bureau (IB). You can also work as a freelancer, specializing as a forensic scientist, and get paid much. You can also work as a legal counselor with advocates after gaining experience as a Forensic scientist.
UG programs offered in the Department of Forensic Sciences at MMC
- Forensic Science– the course offers the study of scientific applications and knowledge for the investigation of crimes and management of crime scenes.
- Forensic Science & Criminology– the course deals with the scientific study of crime and criminals for the purpose of investigative and legal matters. It also deals with the analysis of criminal behavior and aiding an unbiased justice system.
B.Sc. Forensic Science and B.Sc. Forensic Science & Criminology includes essential fields of study such as Digital Forensics, Forensic Psychology, Forensic Medicine and Odontology (Dentistry), Biometry, Forensic Anthropology, and the Criminal Justice System. It is a laboratory-based science consisting of related elements of Chemistry, Biology, Toxicology, Ballistics, Serology, the science of Fingerprinting & other Impressions, Questioned Documents, etc.
The discipline involves crime-scene investigations including arson and explosion scenes and drug laboratories. The subject applies scientific knowledge to aid in the administration of justice, and has no boundaries as far as issues are concerned; it uses all faculties of science, such as Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Medicine, among others.
Technical skills can be developed through the curriculum. However, the intelligence and aptitude required in solving a crime by viewing it from various angles need to be developed by the student through practical exposure. Good academic skills with fundamental knowledge of various fields of science are necessary.
The field also demands an eye for detail, strong analytical power, keen observation, and scientific strategies The ability to work with experts from other fields such as Psychology, Social Science, Non- clinical experts, and statistics is a must. Ideal candidates should be comfortable working both indoors and outdoors, besides possessing the following skill sets:
- Good hold on science subjects (especially Biology and Chemistry)
- A curious mind
- The high degree of accuracy and concentration
- Good analytical skills
- Ability to work under pressure and to a deadline
- Logical and meticulous attention to detail
- Ability to take up challenging responsibilities
- Good oral and written communication skills
Forensic Science is in the midst of a revolution and the need for well-trained forensic scientists is phenomenal.
