What is Forensic Science?
Forensic science is the application of science to criminal and civil laws. The word ‘Forensic’ is an amalgamation of two words i.e. Forensics and science where forensic means ‘a discussion or examination performed in public.’ It is mainly applied during a criminal Investigation. Forensic scientists collect, preserve, and analyze scientific evidence during the course of an investigation. Some of them investigate the crime scene while some of them limit their role to
laboratories.
After the scientists investigate and analyze the details, they prepare a testimony which is presented in the Court of law and considered as a crucial event for the crime. Despite its ancient etymology, forensic science is anything but old-fashioned. Branches of forensic science are rooted in almost every branch of science and many other aspects of modern society.
Forensic Science is now a vital part of any murder mystery. It is used to:
1. Find the suspects.
2. Gather evidences against the criminal.
3. Find the element of crime
4. Establish a connection between suspects, crime scene and crime.
Scope of Forensic Science
If you have keen interest in criminology and love acting as a Sherlock Holmes- then there exists nothing better than Forensic Science. The scope of forensic Science is vast due to umpteen number of crimes happening around the world. You can get a good job in India as well as across the globe.
Medical students have an advantage over others while studying Forensic Science. However. Forensic science is open for BA and BSC students too.
The best part is Forensic scientists can be employed in the government sector. They work in different law enforcement agencies and investigation departments such as police, investigative services of state and central government and legal system. Some of the private agencies also employed those candidates who have some qualification in this field. And if you are interested in teaching criminology along with facts, then ‘Forensic Science’ is the degree that you should grab.
Which are the colleges that offer Forensic Science Course?
Recently, Forensic science has got a lot of attention. Degrees in this field are offered at both the undergraduate and graduate level. Various people across globe are interested in pursuing Forensic science and if you too are looking for the same.
Here is the list of best colleges in India that will help you in achieving your dreams:
Colleges Offering Forensic Science in India and Overseas
1. IFS India Education Department – IFS India is the first university to provide Online and Distance Forensic Education and Certification in India. ‘IFS India & USLEF’ are registered with Government of India.
2. Bundelkhand University – An entrance exam is being conducted by the university. Based on the merit obtained by the candidate in the entrance test conducted by the University, admissions are given in M.Sc in Forensic Science which is course of 2 years.
3. Dr.Bhim Rao Ambedkar University, Agra – For students who seek education in forensic science, the institution has M. Sc. 2 Years, Full Time, Postgraduate Degree.
4. Amity University of Forensic Science – It imparts quality education with a proper blend of theory and practical components in the courses offered – B.Sc (H) Forensic Science, M.Sc Forensic Science and soon to be launched PhD in Forensic Sciences.
5. Osmania University, Hyderabad – The Osmania University of Hyderabad provides a unique multidisciplinary programme imparting both theoretical and practical grounding of crime science to aspiring students. The courses offered in the institution are M.Sc (Forensic Science) also called Criminalistics and Ph.D. Forensic Science.
6. Dr. Hari Singh Gour University, Sagar – The institution offers courses in Criminology & Forensic Science to aspiring students under following criteria – Bachelor of Arts (Criminology), Master of Arts (Criminology), Ph.D. (Criminology), Bachelor of Science (Forensic Sciences), Master of Science (Forensic Sciences), Doctor of Philosophy (Forensic Sciences), Diploma in Criminology & Forensic Science for Police personnel, Diploma in Criminology & Police Administration.
7. University of Madras – Students can complete their M.Sc. in Cyber Forensics & Information Security under the
department of Criminology. Eligibility is a degree in Computer Science/ Computer Applications /
Information Technology or B.Sc. in Mathematics/ Physics/Statistics/ Electronic Science or B.E./B.Tech.
8. Gujarat Forensic Science University – It is the only university across the world, dedicated to Forensic & Investigative Science, which further promotes ethical values and encourages scientific and investigative skills among its students.
9. Pennsylvania State University – Students can pursue a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Forensic Science with a focus in biology or chemistry. Penn State also offers a Master of Professional Studies (M.P.S.) in Forensic Science. Students can participate in on-campus organizations, including the Penn State Forensic Science Club.
10. University of California – The forensic science faculty at UC Davis consists of engineers, psychologists, scientists, and doctors, as well as faculty who work with the California Criminalistics Institute. At UC Davis, students
can pursue an M.S. in Forensic Science with a specialization in criminalistics or DNA analysis. Students take classes in forensic science instruments and methods, identification and DNA typing, arson inspection, courtroom testimony, and forensic science research methods.
What are the job opportunities for Forensic Science?
There are countless job in the field of Forensic science in India as well as overseas. Jobs are available in both the sectors Private and Government.
Graduates can work in government and private agencies, hospitals and laboratories. Some corporate hire graduates as document experts. Other areas include anti-terrorist operations, mass disaster management, cyber crime investigation, protection of human rights, environment, consumer and intellectual property rights.
Following are some of the top designations in the field of forensic science:
● Investigative officers
● Legal counselors
● Forensic Expert
● Forensic Scientist
● Crime Scene Investigator
● Teacher / Professor
● Crime Reporter
● Forensic Engineer
● Law Consultant
● Handwriting Expert
● Teacher
● Bloodstain Pattern Analyst
● Forensic DNA Analyst
People who are an inspiration in Forensic Science
There have been so many people who have left a bench mark in the field of Forensic science and if you are thinking of exploring this field, then you must know about them and get inspired!
1. Dr. Michael M Baden
The first one to top the list is none other than Dr, Baden. He is known as a host of HBO’s Autopsy . He also is known for his work as an investigator into high-profile death cases including John Kennedy, O.J. Simpson, Sid Vicious, John Belushi and more. His latest case involved the investigation into the cause of David Carradine’s death.
2. Anil Agarwal
Anil Agarwal is the most famous Forensic Pathologist in India. Currently, he is a professor of forensic medicine at the Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi, India.
3. Dr. Joseph Bell
The man who inspired Arthur Conan-Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes. Conan-Doyle met Dr. Bell in 1877 at the University’s medical school, where he observed Bell’s keen attention to detail.
4. Pakkirisamy Chandra Sekharan
The man who played a crucial part in the investigation of Rajiv Gandhi Assassination case. was an Indian forensic expert, writer and a former director of the Department of Forensics Sciences of the Government of Tamil Nadu. Unfortunately, He died on 11 th July 2017. The Government of India awarded him the third highest civilian honour of the Padma Bhushan, in 2000, for his contributions to society.
5. Frank Bender
Currently, Frank Bender is one of the best known and forensic facial reconstruction artists. He calls himself a “recomposer of the decomposed” as he shapes likenesses from clay.
6. Wilton Marion Krogman
Krogman (1903-1987) was an American anthropologist and teacher who taught some of the world’s leading forensic anthropologists. He published his first work in 1941, The Growth of Man , while at Chicago. In 1972, he published Child Growth based on his studies while a professor at the University of Pennsylvania. He published one of his most
famous works in 1986, entitled The Human Skeleton in Forensic Medicine .
7. Sara Bisel:
One of the pioneers in the field of forensic anthropology was Sara Bisel, who started using chemical and physical analysis of the skeletons found at Herculaneum, one of the cities destroyed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in the year 79 CE. Her methods provided insight into the health of ancient populations — and even provided a basis for the chemical analysis performed on remains today in forensic science.
8. Robert P. Spalding
Spalding joined the FBI in 1971 as an investigative agent and, in 1975, began to teach forensic serology at the Forensic Science Research and Training Center (FSRTC), FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia.
9. V.C. Mishra
He is a leading Forensic Handwriting Print Expert in India who have 23 years of experience. He is also a consulting expert of Delhi Police, CRPF, Air Force Police.
10. Sir Alec John Jeffrey S
Considered the “father of DNA evidence,” Alec Jeffreys’ discovery of the first DNA fingerprint was accidental. But, this British geneticist’s discovery revolutionized forensic science and also helped to resolve paternity and immigration disputes. Most recently, Sir Jeffreys has called for a drastic reduction in the DNA database, stating Britain has disregarded rights and privacy of innocent people in collecting database information.
There’s nothing casual about this field and one must be very attentive during studies and during the investigations. It isn’t just a study but art.
