Career in Forensic science

Sakshi Education

Forensic sciences may be defined as application of science to the court of law.
It deals with analysis and examination of physical evidence recovered from the scene of crime. The input, thus provided by the forensic scientists is incorporated by the investigating officer (I O) in preparation of the case for presentation in the court. A forensic scientist may, if required, visit the crime scene to look for trace of evidence.

In practice, forensic science draws upon physics, chemistry, biology, and other scientific principles and methods. Forensic science is concerned with the recognition, identification, individualization, and evaluation of physical evidence. Forensic scientists present their findings as expert witnesses in the court of law.

Applications of Forensic Science:

DNA profiling is an extremely useful technique to identify individuals. It is applicable in establishing identity in case of mass disaster victims. It is also important in solving cases of disputed paternity.
Identification through bite marks
Voice identification is another aspect of forensic sciences, which is useful in identification of speaker.
Polygraph, narco analysis and brain fingerprinting are other techniques that are being employed by the forensic scientists in cases that are very high profile.
Ear biometrics is yet another technique which is used by forensic scientists for the purpose of identification.

Eligibility:
Any science graduate can do forensic sciences at PG level. However, for UG course in forensic science one requires science at plus two levels as well.

Different specializations within forensic sciences:

Physics and instrumentation
Chemistry and toxicology
Biology including molecular biology
Anthropology
Serology
Forensic medicine
Ballistics and explosives
Questioned documents
Fingerprints
Photography
Polygraphy
Narco analysis
Brain fingerprinting
Cyber forensic
Voice identification

Course Structure:
At the post graduation level the course content is much advanced as compared to the one offered at the graduation level. In the first year students study criminal law /criminology and general forensic sciences/crime scene management/procedure of evidence collection/sketching the crime scene etc

In the second semester they study specialised papers like chemistry, physics biology ballistics and handwriting examination besides serology, anthropology and medicine.

In the third semester they offer a special paper in physics, chemistry, biology, anthropology and prepare a dissertation

Job Opportunities:
Forensic scientists commonly work in labs, at crime scenes, in morgues, Police, Para Medical Laboratories, Law Firms, Lawyers, Journalists, Corporate Offices, Forensic Science Laboratories, Security Agencies Industry, and Defense forces Laboratories, Drug Laboratories. Opportunities are also present 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. They can also work as teachers in institutes.

Forensic scientists can work as medical examiner, crime laboratory analyst, crime scene examiner, forensic engineer, academic assistance – psychology, technical assistance - computer analyst, polygraph, composite drawing.

Institutes offering Forensic Science Course:
Osmania University, Hyderabad
Course: M.Sc. Forensic Science
Eligibility: Graduates in Science
Website: https://www.osmania.ac.in/Science%20College/Forensic-Science.htm

Gujarat Forensic Sciences University
M. Sc. Forensic Science
Eligibility: Bachelor in Science / Medicine / Engineering / Pharmacy
Admission: Entrance Test

Post Graduate Certificate Diploma in Cyber Crime Investigation & Computer Forensic
Eligibility: Bachelor Degree in any discipline

P.G. Diploma in Forensic Psychology
Eligibility: M.A/M.Sc in Psychology

MS Forensic Nanotechnology
Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree in any discipline of Science / Medicine / Engineering / Pharmacy

MS Forensic Pharmacy
Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree in any discipline of Science / Medicine / Engineering / Pharmacy
Website: www.gfsu.edu.in

Institute of Forensic Science, Mumbai

Courses:

Course	Duration	Eligibility	Intake Capacity
B.Sc. Forensic Science	Three Years	12th Science	50
P.G. Diploma in Forensic Science and related Law	One Year	Bachelor Degree in Science, Psychology, Law, Engineering, IT, Computer Sciences, Medical Sciences	40
P.G. Diploma in digital and Cyber Forensic Science and related Law	One Year	Bachelor Degree in Science, Psychology, Law, Engineering, IT, Computer Sciences, Medical Sciences	40