Forensics is a very broad field, and many traditional disciplines—including medicine, dentistry, psychiatry, anthropology, and psychology—have forensic specialties. Forensic scientists work closely with the police and may visit crime scenes. However, much of their work is laboratory based and involves using various testing techniques. They often have to submit their findings in the form of a statement, a report or a certificate for use in court. They may also attend court to give evidence.

Assistant forensic scientists support forensic scientists by conducting some of the laboratory work. Forensic scientists examine materials connected to crimes. As part of their work they:

• identify blood, semen and other body fluids
• use DNA profiling to compare samples
• identify and compare textile fibres, plant and animal materials
• analyse blood and urine samples to establish their drug or alcohol content
• analyse body fluids and organs in cases of suspected poisoning
• identify and analyse illegal drugs
• compare materials used to package drugs
• examine paint and glass fragments
• investigate fire debris to analyse the cause.

They also work with firearms and explosives, and analyse documents to confirm their authenticity.

Much of their work is laboratory based and involves using various testing techniques, including spectrophotometry, mass spectrometry, chromatography, microscopy, DNA profiling, metallurgy and photography.

Once their investigation work is complete, forensic scientists may need to submit their findings in the form of a statement, a report or a certificate for use in court. Forensic scientists who have progressed to become reporting officers also attend court to give evidence in criminal and civil investigations.

There is a wide range of other specialist forensic scientists who are contacted for specialist advice. Many of them are linked to universities-forensic pathologist, forensic psychologist, forensic toxicologist…...

Course work and Training

The education necessary to secure forensic work varies widely depending on both the field and the level of seniority. The subjects that people in forensics study may include chemistry, biology, pharmacology, genetics, toxicology, and microbiology. Many universities offer biology, chemistry, forensic science and other relevant first degrees.  Postgraduate diploma or post graduate courses  in forensic science can be chosen as a specialization offered by many universities in India, US, UK. Full-time courses usually last one year, while part-time courses vary in length.

When forensic scientists begin work their training combines specialist in-house courses with practical coursework. Training can include subjects such as fire investigation, courtroom skills, statement writing, interpretation skills and executive reporting. They may also attend expert witness courses.

Career options lie in

Forensic scientists are employed in public and private sectors.They usually find career opportunities in police, investigative agencies like CBI,CoD,private investigative agencies, or work as consultants to these agencies,as independent researchers and teachers affliated to various departments in universities.