I have long been intrigued by Biology and Forensic Science in particular. I excelled in my Science lessons at school and enjoyed reading science related books. My passion for the subject continued in college and confirmed my desire to study a Forensics related degree at university. I am fascinated in the biological aspects of Forensic Science and toxicology, particularly DNA testing and the examination of minor contact traces, involving blood, hair and fibers. Additionally, I enjoy watching crime related programmes, true stories and reading fictional novels relating to crimes committed; learning how different techniques and methods are used for solving crimes as I am intrigued to acquire new knowledge.
The subjects I am currently studying have equipped me well for a course based in Biological Science. Studying Biology, I have greatly improved my practical skills by successful completion of regular experiments; this has enabled me to improve my data handling skills and use them for numerical graphs. This has
…show more content…
I am keen to support this organisation and have several pets of my own. This experience has enabled me to understand the level of commitment required when fostering an animal. I spend time with her regular every day supporting her development to become more sociable. This should ensure that she has a successful placement in a permanent home. By doing this it has helped me appreciate that doing jobs and work is not only for the set times, it has to be completed and researched into after hours. I will be able to apply this to my university life as I will have to look into topics before and after lectures and group projects.
I look forward to furthering my knowledge in Forensic Sciences and achieving the qualifications and skills required to work in a professional environment. I am keen to specialise as a Forensic Biologist and toxicologist as I believe I have the determination and requisite skills to be
Forensic anthropology is the study of bones in relation to a criminal investigation. Some have probably seen it used on television, but this is not an accurate portrayal of what this truly is. Many times, this area of forensic science is hidden from the public eye; people only get to see all of the glamorous parts. What they do not see is all of the hard work and effort that is put in to get the job correctly done. This career is a rare decision for someone to choose, because of the lack of opportunity for employment positions as well as the low income per year; however, it is an extremely fascinating occupation. Forensic anthropology has been known to help many organizations, including museums, and law enforcement agencies.
A forensic evaluation is a comprehensive and elaborate process that incorporates collection, analysis, and integration of information form multiple sources. Child welfare related evaluations are one of the most complex types of forensic evaluations requiring expert opinion and recommendations on matters pertaining to child custody and visitation, parental fitness and termination of parental rights, and evaluation of adoptive and foster parents. The primary purpose of these evaluations is to inform the court and facilitate decision-making process in child welfare cases. During a child custody evaluation the main doctrine to uphold is the “best interest of the child.” The safety of the child is of paramount consideration. This along with well-being
In order to understand Forensic Anthropology we must break it down into the components. According to Oxford American Dictionary the term Forensic is significant to the use of scientific methods to investigate a crime. Anthropology is defined by Oxford American Dictionary as the study of societies, cultures, and human origins. The combination of both, Forensic and Anthropology, consists of applying the principles which are introduced by Anthropologists to solving a crime. Forensic Anthropology is currently a small field but is expected to grow in the upcoming years due how it is being portrayed in books, television shows, classes, and many other resources. The usage of this field is becoming crucial because of how gruesome the crimes being committed by criminals are becoming. Although Forensic Anthropology is currently a small field it requires a lot of education, carries plenty of job responsibilities, and continues to aid in the solving of crimes.
Forensic psychology is a continually adapting sphere. It is hard to have one solid definition for the field, as there are so many aspects that interlock. Within each attribute of the forensic psychology has roles and responsibilities to sustain. The rapid growth and emerging importance of this field volumes of information will be developed in the next decade.
According to the American Board of Forensic Anthropology (ABFA), there are very few employment opportunities for students with only a
Forensic toxicology is one of the oldest disciplines in forensic science history and dates back hundreds of years. However, the actual understanding and examination of forensic toxicology only dates back for about 200 years. Due to the development of technology, this discipline has been able to progress and flourish.
Forensic evidence can provide just outcomes in criminal matters. However, it is not yet an exact science as it can be flawed. It can be misrepresented through the reliability of the evidence, through nonstandard guidelines, and through public perception. Forensic science can be dangerously faulty without focus on the ‘science’ aspect. It can at times be just matching patterns based on an individual’s interpretations. This can lead to a miscarriage of justice and forever alter a person’s life due to a perceived “grey area” (Merritt C, 2010) resulting in a loss of confidence in the reliability of forensic evidence.
In order to become a forensic pathologist, you must obtain a bachelor’s degree, a medical degree, then finally
An individual trained in the field of forensic investigations also acquires proficient skills that assist in analyzing various types of evidence and assessing admissibility; examining evidence relevant and material to the elements of the charge; thoroughly documenting a crime scene for future reconstruction; in-depth report writing coupled with keen awareness of mendacious reporting (law enforcement, investigative summaries, witnesses, depositions); perspicacious interrogation skills; the proper techniques for the collection and preserving of evidence; and how to testify to one’s findings. “The scientific breakdown of evidence is crucial in determining an accused person’s guilt or innocence in a crime. Therefore, the role of forensic scientists is vital to the criminal justice process” (Criminal Justice USA,
The first step taken to become a forensic scientist is to first pass the education required to become one. The education level chosen depends on what kind of forensic job you are interested in and what salary you are going for. Most entry-level forensic positions require a bachelor’s degree in forensic or natural science (Anne 1996). Undergraduate programs consist of toxicology, biochemistry, and criminal justice classes. The American Academy of Forensic Sciences also recommends English classes. This is because forensic scientists need very honed written and oral communication capabilities to write detailed reports and testify physical evidence in court.
According to the American academy of forensic science, the forensic sciences form a vital part if the entire justice and regulatory system. Forensic science is an enticing career having to do with science and criminal justice, a large variety of schooling is needed to start this job Despite the fact that it can be a dangerous environment it can be an exciting profession to pursue. There are many different fields in forensic science that you can study or major in but they all have the same objectives.
I have also taken part in RGU's Access to Forensic and Analytical Science, which allowed me to study different areas of science at university level, using advanced lab equipment alongside current students and lecturers. Undertaking these courses further reflects my dedication to studying biomedical sciences. Through varied experiences, I have developed many skills and attributes that are important to university life and the world of work. Since 2012, I have volunteered as a youth leader in ACE choir group. I achieved my 500 hours volunteering Saltire Award in March 2015; to date I have 773 hours.
I gained the amazing opportunity to work alongside prestigious neuroscience researchers looking into substrate phosphorylation in neurons. This work experience enabled me to gain crucial skills I feel will set me apart from other people applying for similar university courses, such as technical skill, problem solving and motivation to solve problems which may stand in my way. I was asked to apply not only my biological knowledge, but also my previous chemistry knowledge alongside psychological theories to grasp the basic idea behind the research I was conducting. I learnt new skills I am unable to practice at school such as completing western blots and even dabbled in journal writing when I attended a scientific journal club. I was able to gain hands on, real life experience in a professional environment and learn key aspects of biology beyond the
With all the chatter about crime shows and movies, Forensic Psychology has become a growing career for many interested scholars. To many, it seems exciting, fun, and a field that most of us would like to try. But, what exactly is forensic psychology? If you look up the definition, as explained by Kitaeff (2011), it will state that it is “the application of scientific and professional psychology to questions and issues relating to the law and the legal system” (p. 350).
The discipline of forensic anthropology arose out of the need to determine and identify the skeletal characteristics of an individual. T.D Stewart (1979) defined forensic anthropology as the “branch of physical anthropology, which, for forensic purposes, deals with the identification of more or less skeletonized remains known to be, or suspected of being, human” (ix). Forensic anthropology is a multidisciplinary that is called upon for their knowledge of the human skeleton biology to be applied to the problems of medical science and the legal system (Işcan, 1988). Since the formalization of physical anthropology in the American Academy of Forensic in 1972, the discipline has made great advancements, particularly in the phenotype of age, sex