Criminal Justice Forensic Science Undergraduate at Liverpool John Moores University
Any science used in investigations related to the courts or applied by law-enforcing agencies is forensic; thus, in its broadest sense, forensic science encompasses a large number of different scientific fields and activities.However,the common perception is that forensic science consists of essentially three broad areas: Crime Scene Investigation, Laboratory Analysis and Pathology/ Histology.
There seems to be universal agreement within the profession that a general forensic scientist should possess a sound knowledge of the analytical methods of biology and chemistry, as well as being trained in crime scene investigation. In addition, he or she should have a basic knowledge of the law and the methodology for assessing evidential value.
Over the past 50 years the analytical methods employed by forensic scientists have become very powerful. Forensic investigators utilise a wide arsenal of techniques from various scientific disciplines, ranging from visual examination to physical or chemical analyses, such as high performance liquid chromatography, gas chromatography with mass spectrometry, visible UV- and IR- spectroscopy. The power of the methods employed by forensic scientists is graphically illustrated by the fact that a full DNA-profile may now be obtained from a single hair root. Similarly, a single fibre is normally sufficient for analysis of its dye components and - under a special scanning electron microscope - a grain of gunshot residue may be investigated for both its size and shape and its chemical composition.
CAREER PROSPECTS
Traditionally, forensic science laboratories were government owned and mainly served the police and the prosecution service. Now a semi-independent government agency, the Forensic Science Service (FSS), remains the largest forensic service provider in Great Britain and covers England, with six laboratories in London, Chepstow, Birmingham, Chorley, Huntingdon and Wetherby. In Ireland (NI and RI) there are two non-FSS, Government-associated laboratories. In Scotland, forensic science services are provided by laboratories in Aberdeen, Dundee, Glasgow and Edinburgh.
Positions within these laboratories are very competitive. A good honours degree is the minimum requirement for appointment as a Forensic Scientist or Researcher. Trainee Reporting Officers with the Forensic Science Service normally require a higher degree and a year’s work experience. Private laboratories are now competing with the traditional providers