Forensic Scientist?

Question

I am in year 10 at the moment and I am wondering what subject I will have to study to become a forensic scientist & also where could I do work experience I live in NSW.

Thanks

Answer 1

There are so many areas of forensic science to consider and each requires a good basic education in science and math.  Biology, chemistry, computer science, anthropology,  photography, excellent writing skills are some basics.

It all depends on your aim.  Do you want to work crime scenes, accidents, work strictly in a lab setting, work for yourself, do research, etc.  Many options.

Check with your local law enforcement agencies, school counselor and scan the web.  The Home Office is a source of excellent information and the International Association of Identification is another.  Hit all the links.

I see where the University of Warwick, Coventry,  has just come up with a new computer program to identify very poor quality fingerprints.  The article is just one of many in Science Daily which will give you a look at various areas of work.

Since I am in Rocky Mountain, U.S., I can't point you in any sure direction.  Finding work experience may be hard but not impossible.  Check colleges with forensic programs and private firms that manufacture forensic equipment.

On your own consider getting involved in some hands on photography, computer graphics, free hand sketch work and don't forget writing skills.  Everything in forensics has to be recorded in detail.

The truth is unless you are a detective or an attorney you are going to be working for one.  The detective needs a name and the attorney needs evidence for conviction.

A little experience in a law office wouldn't hurt.  Don't forget museums or any research facility.  Also start doing some reading in forensic disciplines and keep a record of your study with notes.  Medical terminology and anatomy are good too.

In addition to IAI there is the British Fingerprint Society; but I couldn't find a site.  Somebody in NSW should know about them.  The Print publications carry a wide range of job notices.

Answer 2

Please see the link below.

Answer 3

Chemistry and Biology? All the best! =)

Answer 4

What kind of forensic science?

That is like saying you want to be a Biologist.

What kind?

Answer 5

The main employers of forensic scientists in Australia are the state and federal police laboratories.

They don't let schoolkids do work experience because the work is too important and sensitive.

You should try to get experience at any other kind of lab -- the skills you learn will transfer across and it will look good on your resume.

When you are in Uni you can apply to some forensic labs for field placements. These are a kind of work experience which count towards your degree.

Everyone else has mentioned how broad forensic science is and that each forensic scientist is a specialist in a particular field. Don't worry about that too much. By the time you finish University you will have chosen a specialization.

The Victoria Police website has a good section on their forensic department. It points out some of the differences between what forensics is like in real life Australia compared to American TV shows.

But for now you should just find out what the entry requirements to a forensic science degree at your favourite Uni are. For any science degree you should be taking as many sciences and maths as possible in year 11 and 12 and trying to get the highest score possible (I know that bit's obvious)

Good luck and well done on knowing what you want to be.

Answer 6

http://209.85.141.104/search?q=cache:PJI...

Answer 7

definitley chemistry....!

Answer 8

load up on science+math (especially chemistry)