Not all forensic scientists get involved with crime scene work or reporting.

research and develop new forensic techniques.

justify findings under cross-examination in courts of law.present the results of your work in written form or by giving oral evidence.

review and supervise the work of assistants.analyse and interpret results and computer data.liaise with teams and coordinate with outside agencies, such as the police.record findings and collect trace evidence from scenes of crimes or accidents.sift and sort evidence, often held in miniscule quantities.apply techniques such as gas and high-performance liquid chromatography, scanning electron microscopy, mass spectrometry, infrared spectroscopy and genetic fingerprinting.

analyse samples, such as hair, body fluids, glass, paint and drugs, in the laboratory.drugs and toxicology - where you'll be testing for restricted drugs, examining tissue specimens for poison detection, and analysing blood and urine samples for alcohol, for example in drink driving offences.You'll be carrying out DNA testing and the examination of minute contact traces, such as blood, hair and clothing fibres. biology - connected to crimes against people, such as murder, assault and rape.You'll be involved in the examination of substances such as paint or chemicals, including fire investigation and accident reconstruction. chemistry - connected to crimes against property, such as burglary and arson.Job activities depend on the area of forensics in which you work. flammable substances used to start firesĪlthough evidence is usually presented in writing as a formal statement or report, you may have to attend court to give your evidence in person as an expert witness.You'll be primarily concerned with searching for and examining contact trace material associated with crimes. Forensic science is a competitive area to get into so make sure you have some lab experience and a related scientific degreeĪs a forensic scientist you'll provide scientific evidence for use in courts of law to support the prosecution or defence in criminal and civil investigations.

What does a forensic scientist do