The U.S. Department of Labor expects employment of science technicians to grow 12 percent from 2008 to 2018.
Crime-fighting scientists collect physical evidence and analyze hair, tissue and blood to aid police in their investigations. These forensic scientists are often featured in police procedural movies and television shows. Most forensic scientist jobs require a minimum of a bachelor's degree, and many ask for a master's degree. Before students can study forensics, they must usually complete certain prerequisite courses to prepare them for the specialized classes. The exact prerequisite courses and number of hours needed depends on the institution.
Chemistry
Forensic scientists need an in-depth knowledge of chemistry to perform proper research and draw accurate conclusions. Forensic science students must take one or more classes in chemistry as they work toward their degrees. A program may ask for four or more hours in general chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry, physical chemistry or a combination, along with lab hours. Forensic scientists may also need courses in analytical chemistry and biochemistry before being admitted to a degree or certificate program.
Mathematics
Scientists of all kinds use math extensively, and forensic scientists are no exception. Prerequisites for forensic science programs may include classes in college-level algebra, geometry, calculus and, of course, statistics. Statistics is especially important to scientists because it teaches measure and prove correlation and random variables. Statistics is also handy for drawing conclusions from small samples and mathematically testing estimations. Some colleges offer classes in statistical procedures specifically for people in science.
Physics
Physics, the study of matter and motion, is of great benefit to forensic scientists. During the course of their duties, forensic scientists often need to perform blood-spatter analysis and ballistics tests, which require physics training. Physics is also used by forensic scientists in auto accident recreations.
Biology
Forensic scientists need to know collect and analyze many kinds of organic materials. They also must make presentations and recommendations to police and are often called to the witness stand during trials. Without a sold foundation in biology, a forensic scientist can make mistakes and incorrect assumptions. Forensic science programs may ask for general biology classes and/or microbiology.
English
Almost all college degrees call for a minimum number of credits in English. Pre-forensics students may have to take English or English composition classes to strengthen their communication and writing skills, as forensics requires a large amount of accurate record-keeping and report writing.
Tags: forensic scientists, chemistry biochemistry, forensic scientist, forensic scientists, Forensic scientists, Forensic scientists need, forensic scientists often
