Do you like solving problems or puzzles?   Would you like to solve crimes?   Forensic science could be for you! 

Working with Forensic science offers opportunities to contribute to solving crimes and increase public safety, but it also offers so many more options than that. Work in forensic science is often a dynamic and diverse career choice. 

What is Forensic Science?

Forensic science uses scientific principles and methods to solve and support legal and civil cases.

For example -

◼️  Investigating evidence in crime scenes, such as fibres or blood.

◼️  Recreating events, such as car accidents, to try to determine exactly what happened.

◼️  Analysing drugs and substances.

This evidence is very important when investigating and solving cases. 

Introduction to Forensic Science is one of our most popular courses, and it’s easy to see why.

Where is Forensic Science Used?

Forensic science offers a wide variety of career opportunities. Depending where the work is, the application of forensics can vary.

Here are some examples of the type of things you might do working with forensic science:

◼️  Analysing evidence, such as biological samples, such as hair, blood and saliva, or trace evidence, such as glass, paints or fibres.

◼️  You might also get involved in analysing digital evidence from computers, websites and cell phones etc.

◼️  Some forensic scientists will become experts in analysing inks, signatures and handwriting. For example, when a note has been sent to the police about a crime.

◼️  DNA testing and profiling.

◼️  Examining ballistics after firearms have been used.

◼️  Analysing soil, water or tissue samples.

◼️  Conducting fingerprint analyses

◼️  Sometimes, you might be called to act as a expert witness, explaining the results of your research and testing in court.

◼️  Some forensic scientists will work at developing and improving new tests to use for analysis.

◼️  Forensic science also requires detailed report writing explaining what you have found.

This evidence is very important when investigating and solving cases.

You might work within:

◼️  Law enforcement

◼️  Laboratories

◼️  Private companies

◼️  Government organisations

◼️  The court system

◼️  Correctional services

What Skills Do You Need to apply forensic Science?

As well as knowledge of forensic science, other skills are also important. For example:

◼️  Problem solving

◼️  Critical thinking

◼️  Good verbal communication

◼️  Good written communication

◼️  Effective report writing skills

◼️  A logical and methodical mindset

You can also develop a creative and thoughtful mind, enabling you to think outside the box.   Does this sound like you?

A keen, analytical and logical mind is useful for any forensic scientist.

This course brings many exciting topics explore:

◼️   An introduction to forensic science

◼️  Toxicology

◼️  Ballistics

◼️  Blood stains

◼️  Anthropology

◼️  DNA Profiling

◼️  Forensic science and law

◼️  Types of evidence

◼️  Collecting and analysing evidence

◼️  Specialist forensics

◼️  Forensic psychology

◼️  Criminology

◼️  Psychological disorders and crime

◼️  Criminal profiling and intelligence

◼️  Presenting evidence in court

◼️  Ethical issues

◼️  An introduction to forensic science

◼️  Toxicology

◼️  Ballistics

◼️  Blood stains

◼️  Anthropology

◼️  DNA Profiling

◼️  Forensic science and law

◼️  Types of evidence

◼️  Collecting and analysing evidence

◼️  Specialist forensics

◼️  Forensic psychology

◼️  Criminology

◼️  Psychological disorders and crime

◼️  Criminal profiling and intelligence

◼️  Presenting evidence in court

◼️  Ethical issues

Where do people in forensics work?

There are so many different organisations in which forensic scientists can work too.  Crime scene analysis or crime scene investigation (CSI) is the area that most people think of when they think of a forensic science.  In a crime scene investigation, you might be involved in analysing:

◼️  The environment and any victim for trace evidence.

◼️   Biological substances, such as blood, saliva etc.

◼️   Any gunshot residue. 

Crime scene analysis is just one aspect of forensics.  It can also involve:

◼️   Wildlife and Environmental Forensics – where you look at illegal dumping, pollution, wildlife trafficking, the destruction of habitats and poaching etc.

◼️   Something else you might not have considered - forensic scientists can also be involved in investigating food safety and fraud. For example, when there is contamination in food, mislabelling products or adulteration (where substances are secretly added that make the food poorer than it should be).

◼️   Adulteration can also occur in the make-up and beauty industries, fuels and pharmaceuticals. This can harm to effectiveness and safety of the product. Forensic scientists can be involved in finding out more about how products are unsafely produced and incorrectly labelled, to avoid harm.

◼️   You might be involved in analysing scenes of car accidents or industrial accidents to try to determine what has happened, what caused it and if safety standards can be improved.

◼️   Analysing historical and archaeological finds. Forensic scientists might be involved in analysis to identify remains and solve historical mysteries. They can also be involved in helping to find out how people from the past lived, and died.

◼️   Outside of crime scene investigations, forensic scientists can also be involved in looking at other areas of medicine and forensics. For example, looking at medical malpractice cases, disease patterns or trying to understand the cause of death.

◼️  You may be involved in legal cases outside the criminal courts, for example, civil disputes, such as personal injury claims and accidents.

◼️   Forensic scientists can also be involved in finances and business. For example, investigating intellectual property theft, cyberattacks, data breaches, money laundering, fraud and embezzlement.

As you can see, forensic science is not just about looking at crime scenes, it is a wide and varied career that offers you many opportunities.

Use your analytical and logical mind!  Become a puzzle solver! A problem solver! An investigator!  Study forensic science!  What is stopping you from starting today?

See our Introduction to Forensics Course here.   https://www.acs.edu.au/courses/introduction-to-forensics-821.aspx

Want to study criminal minds? Enrol in our Criminal Profiling Skillset - great value option for someone seeking more!