Forensics?

[harrypothead]

Can anyone give me any information on how to get into forensics, or what it's like working in forensics? I was thinking of doing a forensic biology course and then later specialising in blood spatter or firearms.

I am not expecting it to be like CSI, and know at times it will be tedious but I've loved forensics since I was young and would be happy doing it for the rest of my life :)

Thanks all.

www.forensic-science-society.org.uk/Careers ?

Whatever you do, do not do a forensic science degree. If you want a dedicated forensic chemistry degree, look at the one offered by Strathclyde university, which has had a very good reputation for years as both a forensic degree, but also as an analytical chemistry degree.

Otherwise a degree in chemistry with lots of focus on analytical chemistry (many will focus on organic, not analytical, but it's the analytical aspect which is important). Ensure your degree will enable you to gain Membership of the Total Society of Chemistry (MRSC), not associate membership, which means the chemistry content is not rigorous enough. Otherwise, if you focus on the biology, ensure it will enable you to gain Membership of the Society of Biology (MSB), not associate membership.

If you do a course with a placement year, many universities will offer at least a few placements with e.g. the metropolitan police, but those placements are fiercely competitive.

Are you in the UK? you should be aware that the national forensic science service was closed down a few years ago, there are incredibly few jobs in the field. you would be well advised to do a biochemistry degree rather than a specific forensics degree

Have you considered forensic archaeology? Margaret Cox was my professor at university and a complete expert on the subject-I'm sure she wouldn't mind chatting to you. knightayton.co.uk/female-presenters/professor-margaret-cox

I have friends who have studied forensics - there are unfortunately more graduates than jobs by a long way and that was before the national service was shut down.

Love the 'Total Society of Chemistry' - Royal when it's not been mangled by a 'spellchecker'.

Good advice from Magrat... my DH always shakes his head sadly when he passes the Forensics Science building of our local uni.

Oops! (Do you think they'll revoke my membership?)

thanks everyone! thanks for that link queenofpirates, that's very helpful! I am now considering doing a pure science degree instead of a forensic one.

:)