Forensic science is the application of scientific methods and principles to investigate criminal and civil actions of interest to the legal systems. All the clues collected from a crime scene are analyzed in a crime laboratory and converted into evidence worth producing in law courts.
A Day in a Forensic Science Technician's Life:
On a typical day a forensic science technician might perform some of the following duties:
- examine, test, and analyze tissue samples, chemical substances, physical materials, and ballistics evidence, using recording, measuring, and testing equipment;
- interpret laboratory findings and test results to identify and classify substances, materials, and other evidence collected at crime scene;
- collect and preserve criminal evidence used to solve cases;
- confer with ballistics, fingerprinting, handwriting, documents, electronics, medical, chemical, or metallurgical experts concerning evidence and its interpretation;
- reconstruct crime scene to determine relationships among pieces of evidence;
- prepare reports or presentations of findings, investigative methods, or laboratory techniques;
- testify as expert witness on evidence or laboratory techniques in trials or hearings;
Eligibility For Forensic Science Career
A bachelors degree in forensic science, biology, chemistry, criminalistics or a related natural or physical science discipline is required for most positions. College courses should include physics, organic chemistry, physical chemistry, biochemistry and biology with laboratory time. Some labs are moving toward requiring a masters degree in forensic science or criminalistics. Graduate level work will payoff in the long run, opening up opportunities for advancement and higher pay. Entry-level positions generally require a bachelors and some laboratory experience, preferably in a forensic lab environment. Laboratory experience in college course labs or working for a professor in a lab during college can often suffice for the required lab experience. Interning in a forensic lab is the best option. There are no certification requirements for this profession, though certain related professional boards do offer certification programs that can be professionally and personally beneficial.
Key Skills
Inquisitive nature, strong communication skill, ability to work in team, organizational ability, an eye for detail, and skill in interpreting scientific results are desired skills
Inquisitive nature, strong communication skill, ability to work in team, organizational ability, an eye for detail, and skill in interpreting scientific results are desired skills
Remuneration
Remuneration state forensics departments is as per government pay scales. The state department salaries begin around Rs. 4000 and increases according to the rank and years of experience. Forensic scientists with postgraduate qualifications have starting salary of Rs.6000 - Rs.8000 depending on the nature of the organisation. Private forensic laboratories offer lucrative pay packages to scientists with a few years of experience. A freelancer in the field can charge according to requirements of the individual case.
Remuneration state forensics departments is as per government pay scales. The state department salaries begin around Rs. 4000 and increases according to the rank and years of experience. Forensic scientists with postgraduate qualifications have starting salary of Rs.6000 - Rs.8000 depending on the nature of the organisation. Private forensic laboratories offer lucrative pay packages to scientists with a few years of experience. A freelancer in the field can charge according to requirements of the individual case.
