[Mycah Reece] : What are the branches of forensic science and what courses are needed for them?

One-week research Project

Question:  What are the branches of forensic science and what courses are needed for them?

           Forensic Science is the study of science and technology. It is utilized to resolve criminal, civic, and regulatory matters. At the least a bachelor's science degree is needed to be eligible for most jobs. Courses required to earn the degree vary within the different specialties of forensics. Here are four branches in forensics:

          - A forensic physician requires a medical degree in pathology, which will have undergraduates study biology, inorganic or organic chemistry, mathematics, and physics for their degree. These classes are necessary for discovering how and why a person died when their organs, fluids, and tissues are studied.

          - Crime scene investigators look for evidence that could solve what happened at the site of the crime scene. Such evidence could be fingerprints, weapons, blood, and any other fluids. Chemistry, a major requirement for this branch, would be taken alongside certification courses in biological evidence, crime scene photography, and criminal law procedures. Many CSIs are police officers with training in law enforcement.

          - Evidence taken by CSIs are brought to a laboratory where crime laboratory analysts use testing to further solve the crime. Any findings are brought before criminal courts and law-enforcement agencies. However, before future analysts are able to have this career, courses such as genetics, biochemistry, physics, toxicology, and laboratory terminology must be completed.

          - Forensic psychologists assess the mental states of people involved in the current case by testing a witnesses credibility and competency. Undergraduate courses include psychology, adult human development, child and adolescent development, and criminology. Unlike the other three branches, a master's degree is desired by agencies who need workers in this field. Some of the graduate courses are crisis intervention and ethics, criminal behavior and methods research, and substance abuse treatment.

References: 

1. https://work.chron.com/courses-required-forensic-science-12059.html
2. https://work.chron.com/jobs-fall-under-forensics-scientists-15103.html 
3. https://work.chron.com/qualifications-needed-forensic-psychologist-6892.html