BTG

email: Michael_Courtney@alum.mit.edu

The application of scientific principles and methods to determination of facts of legal significance.

Forensic Chemistry:  This area of forensic science is mostly the application of analytical chemistry to facts of legal significance.  Most of the work of a forensic chemist in a modern crime lab is related to the identification and quantification of illegal drugs.  Ideal preparation for a career as a forensic chemist is a B.S. degree in Forensic Science with a Chemistry concentration or a B.S. degree in Chemistry with at least 70+ semester hours in the sciences.

Forensic Biology:  Most of the work of a forensic biologist in a modern crime lab is the identification of human biological evidence using serological and DNA analysis techniques.  Ideal preparation for a career as a forensic biologist is a B.S. degree in Forensic Science with a Biology concentration or a B.S. degree in Biology or Chemistry with at least 70+ semester hours in the sciences and lots of Molecular Biology.

Firearms/Toolmark Examination:  The work of a firearms/toolmark examiner is mostly concerned with matching bullets and spent cartridge casings with firearms in which they were fired.  Ideal preparation for a career as a forensic firearms/toolmark examiner is a B.S. in Forensic Science with a Chemistry or Physical Methods concentration or a B.S. in Chemistry or Physics with some additional course work in criminalistics and firearms examination. 

Digital Evidence: Digital evidence is a broad area of forensic science that deals with the wide array of evidence for crimes leaving evidence in computer systems.  Internet fraud, pornography, and identity scams are a few examples.  The digital evidence team in a crime lab is usually also responsible for audio and video analysis, and recovery of data from erased hard drives and other electronic equipment.  Ideal preparation for a career as a forensic digital evidence examiner is a B.S. in Forensic Science with a Digital Evidence concentration, or a B.S. degree in Electrical Engineering or Computer Science with some additional coursework in forensic data recovery.

Forensic Pathology:  The forensic pathologist determines the cause of death from careful examination of the dead body.  This career requires one to be a medical doctor, so completing the traditional medical school preparation and medical school is a requirement.  Ideal undergraduate preparation for a forensic pathologist is a B.S. in Forensic Biology or Forensic Chemistry.

Trace/Hair/Fiber Analysis : These areas are usually performed by a forensic chemist, who often works in a separate part of a crime lab from the drug analysis section.  Trace evidence is identified as to composition and, if possible, source.  Fibers are classified, identified, and often individualized with a variety of sophisticated techniques.  Ideal preparation for a career in trace/hair/fiber analysis is a B.S. degree in Forensic Science with a physical methods or chemistry concentration or a degree in Chemistry with a Physics or Forensic Science minor.

Forensic Anthropology: The forensic anthropologist specializes in human identification, the effects of decomposition on the human body, and injury to the human skeleton. Most forensic anthropologists are associated with academic centers and serve as consultants to labs when needed.  Ideal preparation is a B.S. degree in Forensic Science with a biology concentration or a B.S. degree in Biology with a  Forensic Anthropology minor.

Vehicle Accident Reconstruction: Since vehicle accident reconstructions more commonly occur in the context of civil court cases than criminal cases, this area of forensic science is dominated by private contractors rather than crime labs.  Ideal preparation is a B.S. degree in Physics or Mechanical Engineering.

Forensic Engineering:  This area of forensic science is mostly concerned with product liability lawsuits and structural failures of buildings, transportation infrastructure, and vehicles.  Ideal preparation is a B.S. or advanced degree in Mechanical or Civil Engineering.

Forensic Science Links: labs, companies, associations, etc.