 Forensic science has become a popular and interesting topic through TV series like CSI and Silent Witness. Many of us want to know more about the amazing ways in which criminals have been found and brought to justice. Some people have developed enough interest to want to go further and set off on a career path in forensic science.
Forensic science is basically the application of science to the law. Forensic scientists search for any physical evidence that might establish or exclude a link between someone committing a crime and the victim of the crime and the place where the crime was committed. Forensic science activities can range from finding and analysing traces of physical evidence, to writing reports and presenting evidence in court. Forensic scientists can specialise in firearms, drugs, explosives, documents or computer crime.
While the majority of forensic scientists in the UK are employed by the Forensic Science Service, police forces or government, there are also openings for civilians to assist in areas such as photography, the collecting and comparison of fingerprints, and detailed examination of crime scenes. If you already have an A-level in a scientific subject, the DCA course could give you the advantage you need to begin work as a laboratory technician or assistant forensic scientist while you undertake further specialised study and training. Course content includes:
All three of the main phases in criminal investigation:
• recovery of evidence from the crime scene
• forensic examination of the evidence
• presentation of scientific test results in court The role of forensic science in crime investigation • How forensic services are organised in the UK
• Quality assurance in forensic science
• The crime scene
• Trace and contact evidence, such as hairs, fibres, glass, paint, fingerprints
• Examination of body fluids
• DNA profiling
• Toxicology
• Analysing documents
• Firearms
• Investigation of fires
• Explosions and explosives
• Forensic examination of human remains
• Forensic science in court. Students completing this course rated it:
| Study Materials | 4.8 out of 5 | ★★★★✭ | | Student Support | 4.6 out of 5 | ★★★★✭ | | Overall | 4.7 out of 5 | ★★★★✭ |
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