Forensics

WeightierDisc

Where would the best place to do something like forensics here or in the UK?

Cat Melodeon

Forensic science or forensic psychology?

WeightierDisc

science

challengemaster

Forensic science degrees are completely useless - this is what I was told by the head of the forensics lab. Nobody working there has one, they all have a pHD or MA in physics/chemistry/biology. If you want to work in forensics, I suggest you do one of those... if you just want a forensics degree that will be essentially useless, go right ahead.

Cat Melodeon

Forensic science qualifications are offered at IT Sligo and Tallaght. To work as in forensics with the Gardaí, you need a level 7 qualification to be an analyst, level 8 to be a forensic scientist. Jobs are offered through the Public Jobs portal, but be advised that there aren't a lot of jobs and competition is very high.

UCD offers a well-regarded MSc in Forensic Computing & Cybercrime, if that's more your thing.


I don't know about the UK unis.

Lucky_Charms

Forensic science is a tough industry to get into.
Heres what I know that may help....

At secondary school - take as many science subjects as possible. A really good understanding in Chemistry, biology, physics will really help you in the future.

At University level - In ireland there are specialised forensic courses. The one in LIT is probably the best as it has lecturers who actually worked as forensic scientists for years. It also has a 6 month industrial placement in the 3rd year which is the best foot in the door. Also the course also studies the pharmaceutical industry and toxicology which means you aren't so limited afterwards.
The best option and the one that all forensic scientists suggest is to do a general science degree, in chemistry or biology or microbiology, or biochemistry, then do a very well recognised masters in forensics. The two best in europe are the one in Strathclyde and the other in Kings London. Which both offer a 3 month placement.

The forensic science industry is very different in ireland in comparison to the UK.
The industry is privatised in the uk. Which means there are thousands more jobs than ireland, but also means the salary is very low.
A graduate with no experience can expect to start on £16,000 per year as a forensic examiner. After a few years the salary increases and you move to forensic reporter level, but only rises a few thousand pounds.
To get the big bucks you need at least 15 years experience and VERY good connections!!

People interpret forensic science as one job. It is not. You can be a forensic biologist; examines body fluids (semen, saliva, blood, urine, faeces in mostly murder/assault cases).
Forensic Toxicologist; using instrumental analysis of tissue/blood/urine samples to determine toxicology (poisoning, road traffic accidents etc).
Forensic Drug Analysis; examining illicit drugs seized by the police to determine their concentration/purity (cannabis, cocaine, heroin)
Forensic Chemist; marks and traces such as toolmarks, footprints, lubricant analysis, paint, glass (mostly from burglaries, hit and runs, some assaults etc).
Then theres digital and document forensics, e-crime, dna analyst, the list goes on.

Depending on what type of forensic scientist you want to be you should choose your degree accordingly.

I wouldn't bother with any 'sexy' title course like 'Crime scene reconstruction'. You learn everything you need to know on the job. You go to university to gain a good general understanding of everything related to science.

When companies are looking at cvs for applicants they don't look at the title of the course; they look for a good science degree (2:1, 1:1), experience in research projects, and any lab based experience. Showing an interest in forensics always helps i.e. becoming a member of the forensic science society, attendance at forensic conferences etc.

Hope all this helps anyone hoping to pursue a career in the industry. Its a tough job and its not for everyone!