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Forensic Science- All scientific knowledge

Written by  Rachit Agrawal, MBA

Published on Fri, January 17, 2020 7:33 AM   Updated on Fri, July 23, 2021 10:10 AM   9 mins read

Forensic Science is also known as Criminalistics. Forensic Science is one of the branches of science that deals with criminal and civil laws. Forensic Science mainly focuses on collection, preservation, and scientific evidence during the process of investigation.

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Forensic Science 

Forensic Science is also known as Criminalistics. Forensic Science is the branch of science that deals with criminal and civil laws. Forensic Science mainly focuses on collection, preservation, and scientific evidence during the process of investigation.

  • The first written account of Forensic Science is done by using medicine and entomology to solve criminal cases. 
  • It was first established in the book of Xi Yuan Lu 
  • It was written by Song Ci in China in 1948.

Forensic Science Colleges

A Forensic Science degree allows you to work in a range of industries and roles. A candidate who wants to pursue Forensic Science should be specialized in Chemistry or Sociology. They can also become an expert in cybercrime and digital analytics.

Top Forensic Science Colleges in the World are:

  • Virginia Commonwealth University 
  • Pennsylvania State University
  • Texas A&M University 
  • Michigan State University 
  • George Mason University 
  • George Washington University 
  • Marshall University 
  • St Mary’s University 
  • American Intercontinental University 
  • Eastern New Mexico University 

Also Read: General Science

Forensic Science Colleges in India

To take admission to forensic science colleges in India it is important for candidates to have the interest and understanding of the investigation process. Courses like Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science, Certificate Course in Forensic Science, P.G. Diploma Course in Legal & Forensic, Diploma In Forensic Science, etc are the courses offered in forensic science colleges in India.

Top Forensic Science colleges in India are:

  • Banaras Hindu University 
  • Gujarat University 
  • Parul University 
  • Lovely Professional University 
  • Sinhgad Law College 
  • Chandigarh University 
  • Pondicherry University 
  • Maharshi Dayanand University 
  • Bundelkhand University
  • Amity University 

Forensic Science Courses

You can opt for all bachelor’s degrees, master’s degree, Doctorate, Diploma, and Certificate Courses in the field of Forensic Science. It offers both full time and part-time courses.

Some of the Forensic Science Courses are:

  • Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science
  • Master of Science in Forensic Sciences
  • PG Diploma in Forensic Science
  • Ph.D. in Forensic Science
  • M.Phil. in Forensic Science

Specialized Forensic Science Courses are as follows:

  • Forensic Biology
  • Forensic Serology
  • Forensic Ballistics
  • Forensic Chemistry
  • Forensic Botany
  • Forensic Entomology
  • Forensic Toxicology
  • Forensic Psychology
  • Clinical Forensic Medicine
  • Cytology
  • Dactyloscopy

Full-time Forensic Science Courses are as follows:

  • B.Sc.(Forensic Science)
  • B.Sc.(Hons.)(Forensic Science)
  • M.Sc.(Forensic Sciences)
  • M.Sc.(Forensic Science and Criminology)
  • M.Sc.(Information Security and Cyber Forensics)
  • Ph.D. (Disciplines of Forensic Sciences)
  • M.D.(Forensic Medicine and Toxicology)

Also Read: Life science

Forensic Science Courses in India 

The Forensic Science Courses in India offers challenging and interesting courses and it is especially for the students who love adventures. It is a course which mainly focuses on the application of scientific principles for the investigation of crime. 

Top Forensic Science Courses in India are:

  • B.Sc. (Forensic Sciences)
  • B.Sc. (Hons.) Forensic Science
  • M.D. (Forensic Medicine and Toxicology)
  • M.Sc. (Forensic Science & Criminology)
  • M.Sc. (Information Security and Cyber Forensics)
  • Ph.D. (Disciplines of Forensic Sciences)

Also Read: Masters of Science in Information Technology

Jobs

The Employment and Forensic Science field is expected to grow more and more 14 percent in the next ten years and also much faster than all other occupations. But Forensic Science is a small occupation therefore the fast growth will result in only 2,500 new jobs over a period of 10 years. Hence, the competition in this field for a job is very strong.

Top 10 Forensic Science jobs are:

  • Forensic Science Commander
  • Faculty – Cybersecurity – College of Science, Engineering, and Technology
  • Forensic Technologist – 2nd Shift
  • Faculty – Computer Science – College of Science, Engineering, and Technology
  • Forensic Lab Technician
  • Territory Manager – Forensics
  • Firearms and Toolmark Examiner (Deployer)
  • Firearm & Tool Mark Examiner
  • Laboratory Technician- Industrial Hygiene
  • Information Technology Lead – Top Secret

Forensic Science meaning

Forensic Science is also known as Criminalistics. It is the branch of science that deals with criminal and civil laws. Forensic Science mainly collects, preserves, and scientific evidence during the process of investigation.

  • The first written account of Forensic Science is done by using medicine and entomology to solve criminal cases. 
  • It was first established in the book of Xi Yuan Lu 
  • It was written by Song Ci in China in 1948.

Also Read: What is Data Science?

What is Forensic Science? 

Forensic science is very different from the rest of the disciplines of science that you could pursue a career, it is the one you should go for if you have an interest in solving or investigating crimes. It is also known as criminalistics and it makes science applicable to certain legal and civil laws to solve the crime. Forensic science has aspects of biology, chemistry, physics, psychology, social sciences, etc. The term forensic is derived from the Latin word “forensic’’ that translates to “of or before the forum”.

Scope of Forensic Science 

The scope of Forensic Science is so vast and interesting. Jobs are available in both the sectors i.e. government sectors and private sectors. The study of Forensic Science helps in improving skills and knowledge. After completion of the degree, one can also open their own Forensic practice and Forensic service Offices. One can also employ in Forensic Laboratories, Detective Offices, Banks, and other Government and private agencies.

There are endless opportunities in the field of Forensic Science and the main reason behind this is the unlimited crimes in the world. 

Scope of Forensic Science in India 

Like all other countries, crimes do happen in India too. But, the conviction rate in India is low due to various factors including a lack of conclusive evidence. Some of the factors are very prevalent in India like Murder, kidnapping, abduction, crimes against women, economic offenses, banking frauds, offenses against property. Some of the examples of such factors are “The recent bank fraud case of Nirav Modi” and “the unfortunate death of actress Sridevi”. Forensic science does hold solutions to solving these cases and bring out the truth in front of the judicial system and public.

Forensic Science University 

To take admission in forensic science colleges in India it is important for candidates to have the interest and understanding of the investigation process. Courses like Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science, Certificate Course in Forensic Science, P.G. Diploma Course in Legal & Forensic, Diploma In Forensic Science, etc are the courses offered in forensic science colleges in India.

Top Forensic Science colleges in India are:

  • Banaras Hindu University 
  • Gujarat University 
  • Parul University 
  • Lovely Professional University 
  • Sinhgad Law College 
  • Chandigarh University 
  • Pondicherry University 
  • Maharshi Dayanand University 
  • Bundelkhand University
  • Amity University 

Forensic Science Degree

Degree in Forensic Science is a three-year course that gives us brief and wide knowledge about science and application that is related to the investigation of crimes. The basic eligibility for this course is that the candidates should have done 10+2 from any good schools with adequate marks. The average course fees for this course is INR 30,000 to INR 2 lacs.

Forensic Science Salary

Most of the Forensic Science job profiles are in the government sector and therefore the salary is also based on the structure and pay scale.

  • The starting salary in the field of Forensic Science is between Rs 3 lacs to Rs. 4 lacs per annum. 
  • For the professionals, the salary is between Rs 6 lacs to Rs 8 lacs per year. 
  • In other countries, the annual wage is $58,230.

M.Sc Forensic Science Eligibility 

To take admission in any college of Forensic Science, a candidate must hold a Bachelor’s degree in any of the following disciplines such as Engineering, Pharmacy, Criminology, Forensic Science and Science are eligible to pursue this degree. 

Minimum aggregate marks that are needed are 45-55% marks.

Forensic Science International 

A Forensic Science degree allows you to work in a range of industries and roles. A candidate who wants to hold a degree in Forensic Science then they should be specialized in Chemistry or Sociology. They can also become an expert in cybercrime and digital analytics.

Top Forensic Science Colleges in the World are:

  • Virginia Commonwealth University 
  • Pennsylvania State University
  • Texas A&M University 
  • Michigan State University 
  • George Mason University 
  • George Washington University 
  • Marshall University 
  • St Mary’s University 
  • American Intercontinental University 
  • Eastern New Mexico University

Subjects

Forensic Science Subjects include:

  • English Language
  • Inorganic Chemistry
  • Fundamentals of Biology
  • Basic Physics
  • Environmental Studies
  • Introduction to Forensic Science & Criminalities
  • Law for Forensic Scientists
  • Practical – Inorganic Chemistry
  • Practical – Organic Chemistry
  • Practical – Physics
  • Practical – Biology
  • Physical Chemistry Instrumentation & Investigation Techniques
  • Fundamentals of Math & Statistics Practical – Physical Chemistry
  • Fundamentals of Computer Science Practical – Forensic Science

Books

The books for Forensic Science includes:

Name of the bookAuthor
Physical evidence in Forensic Science Henry C. 
Spoken English Alison Reid
Inorganic Chemistry Shriver and Atkins
Mycobacteria protocolsTanya Parish and Amanda Claire Brown
Molecular Diagnostics George P. Patrinos
Principles of ProteomicsRichard Thyman
Environmental biology Verma P.S and Agarwal V.K
Physical Chemistry P. Atkins and J de Paula

Also Read: Career Options after 12th Science PCM other than Engineering

Careers

Forensic Science is still a field in India which is not explored much in the career path. Forensic Science is a field that is so interesting and fascinating to explore and to pick up as a career option.

Top 13 Career Paths in Forensic Science are:

  • Crime Scene Investigator / Forensic Science Technician
  • Forensic Ballistics Expert
  • Bloodstain pattern analyst
  • Forensic DNA Analyst
  • Forensic Toxicologist
  • Forensic Documents Examiner
  • Digital Forensic Expert / Forensic Computer Investigator
  • Forensic Accountant 
  • Forensic Anthropologist
  • Forensic Psychologist 
  • Forensic Pathologist
  • Forensic Odontologist
  • Polygraph Examiner

FAQ’s

✅ Is pursuing a career in forensic science as fun as it sounds?

Ans. As a candidate, if you’re really interested in the fields of Forensic Science, then it is really a fun field as it is so fascinating and interesting. 

✅ What is the scope of forensic science in India?

Ans. The scope of Forensic Science is so vast and interesting. Jobs are available in both the sectors i.e. government sectors and private sectors. The study of Forensic Science helps in improving skills and knowledge.

✅ Which books I can read to study Forensic Science?

Ans.
1. Physical evidence in Forensic Science
2. Spoken English
3. Inorganic Chemistry
and many more…

Which are the major subjects taught in BSc Forensic Science?

Ans. The major subjects that are taught in BSc are:
-Forensic Biology
-Forensic Chemistry
-Forensic Psychology
-Cyber Forensics and law

✅ What is the difference between Forensic Science and Forensic Medicine?

Ans. Forensic Science is the parent course whereas Forensic Medicine is the subdivision of that parent course.

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About the Author & Expert

Avatar

Rachit Agrawal

Author • MBA • 20 Years

Rachit believes in the power of education and has studied from the top institutes of IIIT Allahabad, IIM Calcutta, and Francois Rabelias in France. He has worked as Software Developer with Microsoft and Adobe. Post his MBA, he worked with the world's # 1 consulting firm, The Boston Consulting Group across multiple geographies US, South-East Asia and Europe.

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