<p>Forensic science is the process of using science to resolve legal issues. This may be in relation to a crime or to a civil action. It helps a person to apply the various scientific methods and principles to investigate criminal and civil actions which are of interest to the legal systems. The clues collected from a crime scene are analysed by forensic scientists in a well-equipped laboratory and are converted into evidence worth producing in legal courts. Forensic science is essentially a crime and laboratory-based profession. <br /><br />However, the expertise of a forensic professional is also used in civil cases for issues like proving the validity of a signature on a will, to find out whether an industry is complying with environmental rules or not, etc. Forensic scientists work in close quarters with the police to provide information in solving a case. <br /><br />It is broadly grouped into three fields: Medical, Laboratory and Field science. Forensic medicine is a broad medical subject which includes forensic pathology, psychiatry, psychology, forensic medicine and odontology (dentistry). Laboratory sciences include chemistry, biology, toxicology, ballistics, fingerprints, questioned documents and marks and impressions. Field sciences include crime scene investigation which incorporates areas such as fire and explosion scenes and drug laboratories. As there is increase in the rate of organised crime the job of forensic scientists is becoming more sought after. <br /><br />Within forensic science, there are a number of individual disciplines — Forensic anthropology, Forensic chemistry, Forensic Toxicology, Forensic engineering, Forensic document examination, Forensic psychology, Forensic photography, Forensic computing, etc. <br /><br />Skills required <br /><br />Increasing sophistication in the quality of organised crimes has made the task of forensic scientists tough, challenging and adventurous. A forensic scientist needs extensive professional experience in the subject matter under consideration. Other essential qualities include writing and speaking skills, as well as evidence handling techniques, as they will be required to write a number of reports, and may be called upon as witnesses in court. <br /><br />An inquisitive nature and concern for accuracy are the main attributes required in this field. One must have keen observation, intelligence, an eye for detail, the ability to work along with a team and a logical and methodical approach. An aptitude for scientific analysis is essential. <br /><br />Knowledge and understanding of legal procedures and standards of proof are definite advantages. Active participation in professional organisations and continuing education in keeping abreast with the latest innovations in the concerned fields are highly recommended.<br /><br />Study route and eligibility <br /><br />Candidates with a background in science subjects can pursue a career in forensic science. One can do B.Sc Forensic Science after 10+2. After graduation, he or she can take up diploma courses in Forensic Science and Criminology which is of 1 year duration. <br />To take up a Master’s course in forensic science you need to be a graduate preferably with a first division in physics, chemistry, zoology, botany, biochemistry, microbiology, MBBS, B.pharm, BDS or applied science. <br /><br />In India, colleges offering undergraduate programmes in forensic science are very few. The best route to take is often to do a degree in chemistry, analytical chemistry, biology or allied sciences. These courses give you a firm grounding in laboratory techniques and provide you with the analytical skills required for a career in forensic science. Following a course such as this also keeps many other career options open, should you change your mind or find it difficult to get work as a forensic scientist after graduation.<br /><br />Training in forensic science and criminology is available both through universities and specialised institutes at the postgraduate level. Graduation in science (preferably physics, chemistry, biology, zoology, biochemistry or applied sciences) is required for the M.Sc. and certificate courses. Courses are also available in many areas related to forensic science including chemistry, biology, serology, ballistics, toxicology, documentation and photography.<br /><br />Career prospects<br /><br />Forensic specialties find careers in the scientific areas of laboratory investigation, field investigation, clinical work, communication, computer investigation, education, research, and other emerging forensic science disciplines. <br /><br />These scientists can be employed as: forensic experts, forensic scientists, forensic investigators, crime scene investigators, handwriting experts, document experts, fraud examiners, forensic analysts, security experts, forensic consultants, detectives, investigating officers, forensic engineers, forensic psychologists, fingerprint experts, law consultants, government examiners, forensic medical examiners, ballistics analysts (ammunition performance and wound interpretation), forensic consultants, polygraph examiners, radiologists, etc. <br /><br />Job prospects<br /><br />Opportunities for forensic scientists exist in government organisations such as the police department, crime branches, Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), CID, forensic science laboratories, banks, Intelligence Bureau (IB), defence/army, courts, quality control bureaus, Narcotics Departments, hospitals, and in private organisations like, detective agencies, insurance companies, universities, hospitals, security services agencies and law firms.<br /><br />Where to study<br /><br />B.Sc Forensic Science<br /><br />*Institute of Forensic Science, Mumbai (Maharashtra)<br />*Sam Higginbottom Institute of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences (SHIATS): School of Forensic Science, Allahabad (Uttar Pradesh)<br />*Amity Institute of Behavioural Health and Allied Sciences, UP<br />nBundelkhand University, Jhansi <br /><br />M.Sc /M.A Forensic Science <br /><br />*Sam Higginbottom Institute of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences (SHIATS): School of Forensic Science, Allahabad (Uttar Pradesh)<br />*Amity Institute of Behavioural Health and Allied Sciences, UP<br />*Bundelkhand University, Jhansi <br />*Dr. Harisingh Gour University, Sagar<br />*Department of Anthropology, University of Pune, Maharashtra<br />*Department of Criminology and Forensic Science, Karnataka University, Dharwad (Karnataka).<br />*Gujarat Forensic Sciences University<br />*Gujarat University<br />*The University of Mysore<br />*National Institute of Criminology and Forensic Science (NICFS) through affiliation with the Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, Delhi<br />*Osmania University, Hyderabad<br />*Panjab University, Chandigarh<br />*Pt. Ravishankar Shukla University, Raipur, Chhatisgarh <br /><br />Most of these institutes even offer doctoral courses as well as PG diploma courses in criminology and forensic sciences.<br /><br />M.Sc. Cyber Forensics and Information Security<br /><br />*University of Madras, Chennai (Tamil Nadu)<br /><br />To become a specialist who conducts post-mortems to find out the cause of death, you must first secure an MBBS degree and then go in for an MD in Forensic Science. All Indian universities that offer MBBS courses also offer an MD in forensic science. <br /><br />Forensic speech science is the latest addition to forensic science. Forensic speech science deals with recording, analysing voice samples using spectrogram, a machine used to identify the speaker. Voice recordings are used as evidence in the court of law in anti-corruption and other criminal offences. Telephone calls and text messages are considered as evidence for voice analysis. The All India Institute of Speech and Hearing (AIISH), Mysore conducts courses on forensic speech sciences.<br /><br />The State forensic departments employ professionals through the State public service commission examinations. The CBI’s forensic laboratory in Delhi recruits candidates through the Union Public Service Commission examinations. One can also be employed in the vigilance department or take up teaching in colleges offering criminology courses. To freelance, one needs a certification by the State forensics department.</p>
<p>Forensic science is the process of using science to resolve legal issues. This may be in relation to a crime or to a civil action. It helps a person to apply the various scientific methods and principles to investigate criminal and civil actions which are of interest to the legal systems. The clues collected from a crime scene are analysed by forensic scientists in a well-equipped laboratory and are converted into evidence worth producing in legal courts. Forensic science is essentially a crime and laboratory-based profession. <br /><br />However, the expertise of a forensic professional is also used in civil cases for issues like proving the validity of a signature on a will, to find out whether an industry is complying with environmental rules or not, etc. Forensic scientists work in close quarters with the police to provide information in solving a case. <br /><br />It is broadly grouped into three fields: Medical, Laboratory and Field science. Forensic medicine is a broad medical subject which includes forensic pathology, psychiatry, psychology, forensic medicine and odontology (dentistry). Laboratory sciences include chemistry, biology, toxicology, ballistics, fingerprints, questioned documents and marks and impressions. Field sciences include crime scene investigation which incorporates areas such as fire and explosion scenes and drug laboratories. As there is increase in the rate of organised crime the job of forensic scientists is becoming more sought after. <br /><br />Within forensic science, there are a number of individual disciplines — Forensic anthropology, Forensic chemistry, Forensic Toxicology, Forensic engineering, Forensic document examination, Forensic psychology, Forensic photography, Forensic computing, etc. <br /><br />Skills required <br /><br />Increasing sophistication in the quality of organised crimes has made the task of forensic scientists tough, challenging and adventurous. A forensic scientist needs extensive professional experience in the subject matter under consideration. Other essential qualities include writing and speaking skills, as well as evidence handling techniques, as they will be required to write a number of reports, and may be called upon as witnesses in court. <br /><br />An inquisitive nature and concern for accuracy are the main attributes required in this field. One must have keen observation, intelligence, an eye for detail, the ability to work along with a team and a logical and methodical approach. An aptitude for scientific analysis is essential. <br /><br />Knowledge and understanding of legal procedures and standards of proof are definite advantages. Active participation in professional organisations and continuing education in keeping abreast with the latest innovations in the concerned fields are highly recommended.<br /><br />Study route and eligibility <br /><br />Candidates with a background in science subjects can pursue a career in forensic science. One can do B.Sc Forensic Science after 10+2. After graduation, he or she can take up diploma courses in Forensic Science and Criminology which is of 1 year duration. <br />To take up a Master’s course in forensic science you need to be a graduate preferably with a first division in physics, chemistry, zoology, botany, biochemistry, microbiology, MBBS, B.pharm, BDS or applied science. <br /><br />In India, colleges offering undergraduate programmes in forensic science are very few. The best route to take is often to do a degree in chemistry, analytical chemistry, biology or allied sciences. These courses give you a firm grounding in laboratory techniques and provide you with the analytical skills required for a career in forensic science. Following a course such as this also keeps many other career options open, should you change your mind or find it difficult to get work as a forensic scientist after graduation.<br /><br />Training in forensic science and criminology is available both through universities and specialised institutes at the postgraduate level. Graduation in science (preferably physics, chemistry, biology, zoology, biochemistry or applied sciences) is required for the M.Sc. and certificate courses. Courses are also available in many areas related to forensic science including chemistry, biology, serology, ballistics, toxicology, documentation and photography.<br /><br />Career prospects<br /><br />Forensic specialties find careers in the scientific areas of laboratory investigation, field investigation, clinical work, communication, computer investigation, education, research, and other emerging forensic science disciplines. <br /><br />These scientists can be employed as: forensic experts, forensic scientists, forensic investigators, crime scene investigators, handwriting experts, document experts, fraud examiners, forensic analysts, security experts, forensic consultants, detectives, investigating officers, forensic engineers, forensic psychologists, fingerprint experts, law consultants, government examiners, forensic medical examiners, ballistics analysts (ammunition performance and wound interpretation), forensic consultants, polygraph examiners, radiologists, etc. <br /><br />Job prospects<br /><br />Opportunities for forensic scientists exist in government organisations such as the police department, crime branches, Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), CID, forensic science laboratories, banks, Intelligence Bureau (IB), defence/army, courts, quality control bureaus, Narcotics Departments, hospitals, and in private organisations like, detective agencies, insurance companies, universities, hospitals, security services agencies and law firms.<br /><br />Where to study<br /><br />B.Sc Forensic Science<br /><br />*Institute of Forensic Science, Mumbai (Maharashtra)<br />*Sam Higginbottom Institute of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences (SHIATS): School of Forensic Science, Allahabad (Uttar Pradesh)<br />*Amity Institute of Behavioural Health and Allied Sciences, UP<br />nBundelkhand University, Jhansi <br /><br />M.Sc /M.A Forensic Science <br /><br />*Sam Higginbottom Institute of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences (SHIATS): School of Forensic Science, Allahabad (Uttar Pradesh)<br />*Amity Institute of Behavioural Health and Allied Sciences, UP<br />*Bundelkhand University, Jhansi <br />*Dr. Harisingh Gour University, Sagar<br />*Department of Anthropology, University of Pune, Maharashtra<br />*Department of Criminology and Forensic Science, Karnataka University, Dharwad (Karnataka).<br />*Gujarat Forensic Sciences University<br />*Gujarat University<br />*The University of Mysore<br />*National Institute of Criminology and Forensic Science (NICFS) through affiliation with the Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, Delhi<br />*Osmania University, Hyderabad<br />*Panjab University, Chandigarh<br />*Pt. Ravishankar Shukla University, Raipur, Chhatisgarh <br /><br />Most of these institutes even offer doctoral courses as well as PG diploma courses in criminology and forensic sciences.<br /><br />M.Sc. Cyber Forensics and Information Security<br /><br />*University of Madras, Chennai (Tamil Nadu)<br /><br />To become a specialist who conducts post-mortems to find out the cause of death, you must first secure an MBBS degree and then go in for an MD in Forensic Science. All Indian universities that offer MBBS courses also offer an MD in forensic science. <br /><br />Forensic speech science is the latest addition to forensic science. Forensic speech science deals with recording, analysing voice samples using spectrogram, a machine used to identify the speaker. Voice recordings are used as evidence in the court of law in anti-corruption and other criminal offences. Telephone calls and text messages are considered as evidence for voice analysis. The All India Institute of Speech and Hearing (AIISH), Mysore conducts courses on forensic speech sciences.<br /><br />The State forensic departments employ professionals through the State public service commission examinations. The CBI’s forensic laboratory in Delhi recruits candidates through the Union Public Service Commission examinations. One can also be employed in the vigilance department or take up teaching in colleges offering criminology courses. To freelance, one needs a certification by the State forensics department.</p>
