Forensic Chemistry Essay

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Forensic Chemistry is the application of chemistry and it’s subfield, forensic toxicology, in a legal setting. The scientists that perform this action are forensic chemists. Forensic chemists perform the following: analyze trace evidence a crime scenes to identify unknown substances and materials, analyze drugs from scenes and people, run tests on samples. There are many tasks and responsibilities that these chemists might carry out on a daily basis. For example, carry out examinations and tests, work with data, and many other job duties. Sometimes forensic chemists have to serve as expert witnesses in court. Forensic chemists work in a laboratory setting ranging from a local, state, and federal police departments, chemical examiner’s office, or branches of the federal government. They work with highly technical equipment and work for long periods of time on the same task. For someone to become a forensic chemist they need to know a deep background knowledge in chemistry and instrumental analysis. To work in a crime lab a forensic chemist would want to graduate with an undergraduate degree. This degree would need to be in forensic science with coursework in mathematics, chemistry, and biology. Some might require a master’s degree for more advanced positions like in federal or even state branches. There are different categories …show more content…

Also, possessing certain field work can place someone in a higher position. The average pay for a forensic chemist by state government is $51,100. In a federal branch of government they can make up to $94,800. Some of the benefits that can come with the job are medical insurance, sick leave, and pension plans. Overall forensic chemists have a good paying job and benefits that can help in the

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