Though the draw for many is that forensic scientists employ science in pursuit of criminals, the beginning of understanding many of the concepts associated with the field is purely in the sciences, particularly chemistry and biology. High school students interested in the career should be prepared to take advanced science courses. At university, recommended classes include: genetics, biology, comparative anatomy and physiology, plant biology, research methods, and advanced chemistry.
Part of the forensic scientist's interdisciplinary approach derives from the education that she has received in law and order, in addition to biology and chemistry. At the American Public University, bachelor's students in forensic science also must take classes covering U.S. law enforcement; criminology; criminal investigation; and community relations. These classes, according to APU, help prepare this special kind of scientist to focus on juvenile and domestic issues; the causes of criminal behavior; issues in correctional institutions; and proper investigative procedure.
Most accredited programs require social science classes apart from criminology. At Florida State University, in addition to a range of chemistry, geology, biology, statistics and criminology classes, students do coursework in anthropology, philosophy, abnormal psychology and communications.
Near the end of bachelor's programs in forensic science, students take some of the more advanced coursework to prepare them for forensic dentistry and autopsy; crime scene analysis; fingerprint technology; document, bullet trajectory and blood pattern analysis; law; and ethics. High school students aiming for a career in this field can get started as early as possible studying this vast range of subject matter and taking as many advanced courses as possible in the sciences and criminology.