Forensic
chemists use work with law enforcement agencies, analysing and testing samples
from crime scenes. They use both qualitative and quantitative analysis to
identify the evidence, its composition and its source. Some other job
activities include testing body fluids or tissues for drugs or alcohol,
examining fingerprints, and reporting findings in a comprehensible manner to
the courts and other officers of the law (
Being a forensic chemist requires a lot of patience and emotional stability, as often time is of the essence, and there will be immense pressure to produce results as soon as possible. Forensic chemists must also have good oral and written communication skills, so they can express their findings clearly
Being a forensic chemist requires a lot of patience and emotional stability, as often time is of the essence, and there will be immense pressure to produce results as soon as possible. Forensic chemists must also have good oral and written communication skills, so they can express their findings clearly
To
become a forensic chemist, a degree in either chemistry or forensic science is
necessary. Taking courses such as soil analysis, biochemistry and physiology
will give a great background with which to become a forensic chemist. Depending
on the position, a masters may be required. To become a lab director a PhD is
preferred, but to become a university professor a PHD is required. As with most
science careers, hands on experience is the best way to gain the skills needed
to succeed in your career (American Chemical Society).
Volunteering, or doing an internship while completing
your degree, is a good way to get experience and references when you apply for
jobs
One
of the most famous forensic scientists was John Wilson Murray, a Canadian who
was one of the first to use forensic science and autopsies to solve crimes. His
31 year long career as the provincial detective of Ontario, in which he solved
hundreds of crimes, earned him the nickname, “The Great Canadian Detective” (Butts).
2 comments:
First of all, Butts.
ANYWAYS, I'm a huge fan of Law and Order SVU and the most interesting part of the show, in my opinion, is when they run tests in the lab. I've always found forensics and other similar fields super interesting. I really enjoy chemistry as well, and forensics will probably be my second option if I don't end up pursuing orthodontics. I hope that the job is as cool as it looks on Law and Order. Really interesting post! :)
I am a huge fan of crime shows and the best characters are always the nerdy forensic scientists. Of course TV is nothing like real life, but it still seems really interesting. I really enjoy chemistry and biology but I like working with the living more than the dead, so I don't think this is the best option for me.
Post a Comment