Forensic pathology/anthropology?

Question

This is the profession I really want to go into when I leave school. I realise that it is a lot of hard work, and a lot of people think it is creepy - truth is, I find it really interesting.

For years I've wanted to be a surgeon, but recently I have been more and more interested by forensics.

I know it's a gruesome job, and I know that there can be pretty horrible stuff like young children, but I'm pretty sure I'll be able to cope with it.

I am expected A/A* in all of my GCSEs, and at a level I have picked Chemistry, Human Biology, Physics, Psychology and PE. Will these A levels get me onto the course I'll need at Uni? I haven't got much time to change them, and I want to be sure.

I know that you have to become a doctor before becoming a pathologist or an anthropologist, so I took the subjects I thought may be neccessary.

How clever do you actually need to be to do well in this career? I doubt my ability quite a lot, but most people think I'll be able to do this.

Answer 1

If you are really, truly interested, then you can do no wrong. It is a very interesting career, and I wish you well. I think your hardest obsticle will be finding work after school. But, like I said you can do no wrong. Hone your skills, and you'll do fine.

Answer 2

I think you need to be aware that this subject is long and arduous. I myself looked into doing this as I have recently completed an Archaeology degree and wanted to get into the Osteological side of forensics. Since the start of programmes like CSI interest in this subject has increased incredibly, and Universities are having to be more picky about the students they accept. Added to this is the problem of finding work afterwards as it is incredibly specialised work. If you are dead set on doing this I would advise looking at Universities now and seeing which ones do the course you are interested in. Find their webpage (usually each university has a seperate webpage for each subject) and find a contact e-mail for the course secretary/leader and ask them questions. Chances are your initiative will impress them more than the grades.

Answer 3

Forensic anthropology is the application of the science of physical anthropology and human osteology (the study of the human skeleton) in a legal setting, most often in criminal cases where the victim's remains are more or less skeletonized. A forensic anthropologist can also assist in the identification of deceased individuals whose remains are decomposed, burned, mutilated or otherwise unrecognizable. The adjective "forensic" refers to the application of this subfield of science to a court of law.