Forensic science involves the application of scientific principles to legal issues in order to solve them, according to Education-Portal.com. One of the first uses of forensic science was when a doctor examined the corpse of a stabbed Julius Caesar in 44 B.C. and linked the crime to Roman senators. Forensic scientists today perform chemical and physical analyses on evidence they receive from law enforcement agencies to help convict criminals, according to the U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics. Physical analysis might involve using mathematical principles, problem-solving methods and complex instruments when looking at evidence such as clothing pieces, weapons or hair samples to determine their significance to an investigation. DNA analysis is a major area of forensic science, and ultraviolet light screening is another advance in the field.
Forensic science work can be performed in laboratories, in medical examiner offices, in morgues and at crime scenes. Scientists in this field also might work for local, state or federal governments, police departments, universities or hospitals, or might be independent forensic science consultants. This kind of work can be used in both criminal and civil justice system cases.
The field of forensics has several disciplines that are recognized by the American Academy of Forensic Scientists. Forensic scientists who focus on toxicology take a deep look at blood and other body fluids and tissues to see if poisons, alcohol or drugs are present. Meanwhile, odontology--also called forensic dentistry--involves applying dental science to help identify unknown human remains and bite marks. In fact, teeth are responsible for identifying more than 93 percent of remains, according to MyForensicScienceDegree.com. Digital and multimedia forensic sciences involve the use of hardware and software tools to find latent digital evidence. Scientists might investigate whether a video recording can be enhanced to help locate someone or if an audio recording was altered, for example.
Forensic scientists usually must have a bachelor's degree in science and must have completed courses in technical writing and public speaking/debate, as they often are called upon to serve as expert witnesses in court settings. Courses in math, chemistry and biology also are critical in this field. Some forensic sciences require advanced degrees as well. Employment in this growing industry is projected to increase by 20 percent through 2018. In addition, median hourly wages of forensic science technicians in May 2008 were $23.97, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Matching fingerprints remains a challenge in forensic science because these prints are so intricate and variable. Guns also have their own "fingerprints"--or grooves and surfaces--and matching guns with their bullets also is difficult. In addition, DNA testing is not 100 percent accurate; in fact, more than 50 false incriminations have been made because of faulty testing. Yet another challenge in forensic science is that crime scene evidence normally is never perfect because it usually has been contaminated. Also, DNA testing can take weeks or even months because it is a slow, deliberate process.