forensic science education. “neat-o. maybe i want to be a forensic scientist.” questions: what...
TRANSCRIPT
Forensic ScienceEducation
“Neat-o. Maybe I want to be a forensic scientist.”
Questions:
What does a forensic scientist do?
What type of education is needed?
Forensic Education > The Beginning
Summary
Jobs in Forensic Science
Education in Forensic Science
Finding a Job in Forensic Science
George W. Bush
American
Dick Cheney
Conspiracy
Let’s GO!Conspiracy
Summary
Jobs in Forensic Science
Education in Forensic Science
Finding a Job in Forensic Science
Jobs in Forensic Science
Investigation Laboratory Work Crime Scene Work Performing Autopsies Looking at Bones and Bugs
The police investigate crimes.
Forensic scientists do not investigate.
Forensic Education > Jobs
Investigation of Crime
Scientists conduct laboratory analysis.
Police investigators do not work in lab.
Laboratory Work
Forensic Education > Jobs
Who performs work at the crime scene?
What do they do at the crime scene?
Crime Scene Work
Forensic Education > Jobs
Police or Scientist may collect evidence.
Or collected by Crime Scene Technician.
Crime Scene Work
Forensic Education > Jobs
Crime Scene Tech only processes evidence.
Does not investigate or conduct lab work.
Crime Scene Work
Forensic Education > Jobs
Crime Scene Tech only processes evidence.
Does not investigate or conduct lab work.
Crime Scene Work
Forensic Education > Jobs
Many fields of study have forensic applications:
Forensic scientists in these fields are educated in the general field, then specialize in the forensic application of the science.
Forensic Entomology Forensic Anthropology Forensic Odontology Forensic Pathology
Bugs, Bones, and other stuff
Many fields of study have forensic applications:
Forensic Entomology Forensic Anthropology Forensic Odontology Forensic Pathology
Entomologists and Anthropologists most likely work mainly in a University setting.
Forensic Education > Bugs, Bones, Etc.
Many fields of study have forensic applications:
Forensic Entomology Forensic Anthropology Forensic Odontology Forensic Pathology
Forensic Odontologists are probably practicing dentists.
Forensic Education > Bugs, Bones, Etc.
Many fields of study have forensic applications:
Forensic Entomology Forensic Anthropology Forensic Odontology Forensic Pathology
Forensic Pathologists are probably full-time Medical Examiners/Coroners.
Forensic Education > Bugs, Bones, Etc.
Jobs in Forensic Science
Investigation Laboratory Work Crime Scene Work Performing Autopsies Looking at Bones and Bugs
Forensic Scientists in the Lab
Fingerprinting Firearms Documents Trace Evidence DNA Drugs
What would I do?
Where would I work?
How much money would I make?
What about advancement?
Forensic Education > In the Lab
Questions:
Two main areas of forensic science:
Forensic Chemistry
Forensic Biology
Other areas (entomology, anthropology, psychiatry, odontology, etc.)
Forensic Education > In the Lab
Forensic Chemistry
Drugs Trace Firearms
Fingerprints Arson
What does the analyst do?
Forensic Education > In the Lab
Forensic Chemistry in the lab:
Instrumental Analysis GC/MS, Infrared spectroscopy
Database Analysis Fingerprint, ballistic search
Microscopic Analysis Fibers, drugs, hair, trace
Forensic Education > In the Lab
Crime Scene Work Not necessarily required
Scientific Meetings Presentations, continuing education
Court Testimony
Forensic Education > In the Lab
Forensic Chemistry outside the lab:
Forensic Biology in the lab:
DNA Extraction and Amplification Pipettes and small tubes
Forensic Serology Detecting blood or semen stains
Instrumental and Computer Analysis Generates a genetic profile
Forensic Education > In the Lab
Crime Scene Work Not necessarily required
Scientific Meetings Presentations, continuing education
Court Testimony
Forensic Education > In the Lab
Forensic Biology outside the lab:
What would I do?
Where would I work?
How much money would I make?
What about advancement?
Forensic Education > In the Lab
Questions:
Forensic Scientist or Criminalist (entry level): In Alabama, enter as Forensic Scientist I Perform analysis & testify
Forensic Scientist and Criminalist II - IV Can have additional supervisory duties Sometimes other titles (technical leader or
coordinator)
Director or Assistant Director
Forensic Education > In the Lab > Advancement
What would I do?
Where would I work?
How much money would I make?
What about advancement?
Forensic Education > In the Lab
Questions:
Where would I work?
1. State Agency
2. Federal Agencies
State Police State Bureau of Investigation County or City Crime Labs
FBI DEA
ATF Armed Forces
Secret Service U.S. Postal Service
Forensic Education > In the Lab > Where to work
3. Private Labs
4. Non Forensic Laboratories
Private DNA Labs Paternity Labs Drug Analysis
Analytical Chemistry Research Labs
Pursue an advanced degree
Where would I work?
Forensic Education > In the Lab > Where to work
What would I do?
Where would I work?
How much money would I make?
What about advancement?
Forensic Education > In the Lab
Questions:
Marry a rich person
Entry Level: $30,000 – $40,000
Forensic Education > In the Lab > Money
Government job has benefits
Education in Forensic Science
What do I need to get a job?
B.S.? Masters? Ph.D.?
Law Degree? Medical Degree?
In my opinion, a Masters Degree in Forensic Science will best prepare an individual for a career in forensic science.
Undergraduate Education:
What’s my major?
Myth: Forensic Science is half science and half criminal justice
Fact: Forensic Science is mostly science
Forensic Education
Undergraduate Education
Chemistry or Biology (B.S.)
Forensic Science (B.S.) (also Forensic Chemistry or Forensic Biology)
B.S. in Forensic Science may help, but does not guarantee a job after undergrad.
Forensic Education
Masters of Science in Forensic Science
Masters Degree makes you more competitive compared to B.S. applicants
Allows for additional lab experience including internships
Graduate Education
Allows for promotion to supervisory positions
Forensic Education
Education for Other Areas:
Forensic Entomology Forensic Anthropology Forensic Psychiatry
Requires a Ph.D.
Research mentor should work in the field.
Forensic Education
Education for Other Areas:
Forensic Odontology Forensic Pathology
Requires a M.D. or dental degree (D.D.S.)
May be specialized degree programs.
Forensic Education
Note about Crime Scene Work:
Some, but not all, forensic scientists work crime scenes
System varies from region to region Death scene investigator is a real job
Landing your ideal job requires patience and the ability to relocate.
Forensic Education
CSI: Fact or Fiction?
Fact: Crime scene investigators do exist. Investigation system varies from region to region
The Fiction: They do too much! Not very likely that they dramatically
communicate with the victims or suspects
Forensic Education
Forensic Education
FORENSIC SCIENTIST I, II, or III(Posted 8/11/06)
The Texas Department of Public Safety is seeking applicants for the position of Forensic Scientist I, II, or III. Qualifications include graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a major in biology, chemistry, or forensic science, including the successful completion of 16 semester hours of chemistry and a minimum of one 3-semester-hour course each in genetics, upper division molecular biology (molecular genetics), and biochemistry (transcripts required). Applicants must be skilled in the use of laboratory equipment/materials. Responsibilities include conducting analyses/examinations of tissue/body fluids of human/animal origin to detect the presence of blood stains/semen/other stains; examining/comparing hairs to establish origin/descriptive characteristics; conducting DNA typing tests on human tissues to compare criminal evidence with samples of known origin; evaluating/interpreting/documenting the DNA test conducted and testifying in court as to the findings; appearing at crime scenes to collect evidence and assist law enforcement officers; preparing reagents; reviewing work of other forensic scientists; maintaining records of evidence and its disposal; performing proficiency tests and other quality assurance duties; participating in continuing education; and performing other duties as assigned. On the job training will be provided for a period of about six months. All applicants must be U.S. citizens. Annual Salary: $39,312. Applicants may be compensated at a higher level when hired depending on previously qualifying Crime Laboratory work experience. Application deadline: August 23, 2006.http://www.txdps.state.tx.us
FORENSIC SCIENTIST I, II, or III(Posted 8/11/06)
The Texas Department of Public Safety is seeking applicants for the position of Forensic Scientist I, II, or III. Qualifications include graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a major in biology, chemistry, or forensic science, including the successful completion of 16 semester hours of chemistry and a minimum of one 3-semester-hour course each in genetics, upper division molecular biology (molecular genetics), and biochemistry (transcripts required). Applicants must be skilled in the use of laboratory equipment/materials. Responsibilities include conducting analyses/examinations of tissue/body fluids of human/animal origin to detect the presence of blood stains/semen/other stains; examining/comparing hairs to establish origin/descriptive characteristics; conducting DNA typing tests on human tissues to compare criminal evidence with samples of known origin; evaluating/interpreting/documenting the DNA test conducted and testifying in court as to the findings; appearing at crime scenes to collect evidence and assist law enforcement officers; preparing reagents; reviewing work of other forensic scientists; maintaining records of evidence and its disposal; performing proficiency tests and other quality assurance duties; participating in continuing education; and performing other duties as assigned. On the job training will be provided for a period of about six months. All applicants must be U.S. citizens. Annual Salary: $39,312. Applicants may be compensated at a higher level when hired depending on previously qualifying Crime Laboratory work experience. Application deadline: August 23, 2006.http://www.txdps.state.tx.us
FORENSIC SCIENTIST I, II, or III(Posted 8/11/06)
The Texas Department of Public Safety is seeking applicants for the position of Forensic Scientist I, II, or III. Qualifications include graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a major in biology, chemistry, or forensic science, including the successful completion of 16 semester hours of chemistry and a minimum of one 3-semester-hour course each in genetics, upper division molecular biology (molecular genetics), and biochemistry (transcripts required). Applicants must be skilled in the use of laboratory equipment/materials. Responsibilities include conducting analyses/examinations of tissue/body fluids of human/animal origin to detect the presence of blood stains/semen/other stains; examining/comparing hairs to establish origin/descriptive characteristics; conducting DNA typing tests on human tissues to compare criminal evidence with samples of known origin; evaluating/interpreting/documenting the DNA test conducted and testifying in court as to the findings; appearing at crime scenes to collect evidence and assist law enforcement officers; preparing reagents; reviewing work of other forensic scientists; maintaining records of evidence and its disposal; performing proficiency tests and other quality assurance duties; participating in continuing education; and performing other duties as assigned. On the job training will be provided for a period of about six months. All applicants must be U.S. citizens. Annual Salary: $39,312. Applicants may be compensated at a higher level when hired depending on previously qualifying Crime Laboratory work experience. Application deadline: August 23, 2006.http://www.txdps.state.tx.us
Finding a Job in Forensic Science
Internet. Internet. Internet.
American Academy of Forensic Science (AAFS) www.aafs.org
Crime Lab Directors (ASCLD) www.ascld.org
State or Federal Web Pages
Word of Mouth (through University)
Interview Process:
Extensive Background Check Past Landlords Past Employers
Polygraph
Relatively Strict on Past Drug Use
Forensic Education > Finding a Job
Job Availability:
10,000 positions to fill,
but no money to pay employees.
Flexibility in relocation greatly enhances your chances of getting a job.
Forensic Education > Finding a Job
Web Links American Academy of Forensic Sciences -
www.aafs.org American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors
www.ascld.org List of Graduate Programs
http://www.gradschools.com/listings/all/forensic.html FSU Professor Opinion
http://www.criminology.fsu.edu/faculty/nute/FScareers.html