Forensic Science Complete Guide 2024

Forensic science is a 4 year bachelor’s degree program the use of scientific techniques or expertise to investigate crimes or identify evidence that might be dispensed in a court of law. Forensic science contains a diverse array of regulations from fingerprint and DNA inspection to anthropology and wildlife forensics.

Forensic science is bothered with the recognition, identification, individualization and assessment of physical evidence.

Majors Or Specializations Of BS Forensic Sciences

Forensic science have following majors that highly specialized in sub-fields such as:

• Forensic medicine
• Forensic anthropology
• Drug analysis
• Toxicology
• Entomology
• Environmental forensics
• Biological evidence
• Forensic DNA analysis

Specializations of BS forensic science degree program

Forensic scientists have the option to specialize in a variety of fields such as:

• Latent prints
• DNA analysis
• Ballistics
• Multimedia
• Digital forensics
• Toxicology

Specializations offered alongside this program also include serology, forensic toxicology, forensic pharmacology and digital forensics.

Duration And Credit Hours Of BS Forensic Sciences

BS forensic science is a 4 year degree program that consists of a total 8 semesters. Graduates are required to complete at least 130-138 credit hours for the award of degree.

Semester wise credit hours distribution

Scope And Career Of BS Forensic Sciences

The scope of the forensic science program in Pakistan is very wide because of the excessive ratio of criminal activities. Companies need professional forensic scientists in order to truly consider and collect evidence.

Forensic science also encircles highly specialized sub-fields including forensic medicine, forensic anthropology, entomology, environmental forensics, biological evidence, drug analysis, toxicology, forensic DNA analysis, and other related which are often offered as self-contained program.

There are various job opportunities of BS forensic sciences degree program:

• Analytical chemist
• Biomedical scientist
• Crime scene investigator
• Detective
• Forensic scientist
• Scientific laboratory technician
• Toxicologist
• Crime Scene Examiner
• Forensic IT Specialist
• Forensic Pathologist
• Forensic Engineer
• Forensic Accountant
• Crime Scene Investigator
• Crime Laboratory Analyst
• Border force officer
• Forensic computer analyst
• Further education teacher
• Higher education lecturer
• Police officer
• Science writer
• Secondary school teacher

In Pakistan, there are many government departments that provide forensic science job opportunities. NAB, Intelligence Agencies, Police Training Colleges, FIA, Armed Forces, Anti-Corruption Departments, Forensic Labs and Investigation Departments are all good departments to work as a forensic scientist.

Salaries of forensic scientists in Pakistan

The average salary of BS forensic science generally starts from 40,000 to 50,000 in Pakistan. But with more than 2 years’ experience, graduates can earn 60,000 to 90,000 per month.

Skills And Learning Outcomes Of BS Forensic Sciences

There are following skills which are required in a forensic science degree program:

• Attention to detail
• Analytical and interpretative skills
• A methodical approach
• Patience and concentration

There are also some skills which are transferable such as:

• Teamwork and work independently
• Presentation skills
• Effective verbal and written communication when compiling court reports.

Learning outcomes of BS forensic science degree program

Students will be able to:

• Apply the empirical method in an adaptive and mindful manner.
• Use different types of techniques for recognition, analysis, documentation and interpretation of physical evidence.
• Appliance quality assurance programs, incorporating ethics and professional practice to act as stew of justice and peace throughout the broader community.
• Effective communicate disciplinary knowledge to manifold audiences

Syllabus And Courses Of BS Forensic Sciences

Core Courses

• Introduction to Forensic Science
• Introduction to Law
• Analytical Chemistry
• Introduction to Logic
• Crime Scene Investigation
• Genetics
• Cell Biology
• Criminology
• Forensic Chemistry and Biology
• Biosafety and Bioethics

Elective Courses

• Homicide Scene Investigations
• Medicinal Chemistry of Drugs of Abuse
• Molecular Mechanisms of Toxicity
• Digital Evidence Analysis
• Forensic Computer Science Investigations
• Environmental Forensics
• Biosecurity and Microbial Forensics
• Forensic Photography
• Forensic Toxicology
• Recent advancements in Forensic Sciences
• Ethical and Legal Issues in Forensic Science
• Forensic Medicine
• Bioinformatics
• Medical jurisprudence
• Criminal Justice system
• Forensic Science in Courtroom
• Tools in Forensic Investigations (Polygraph Examination, Forensic odontology, Forensic Anthropology, Forensic Entomology, Forensic Pathology and relevant techniques)
• Quality control and Quality Assurance Standard in Forensic Laboratory
• Forensic Science Seminar
• Forensic Science Internship
• Research and Thesis

Related Courses Of BS Forensic Sciences

There are some related courses of BS forensic science:

• Bachelors in Molecular Biology or fire investigation
• Bachelors in Forensic Sciences
• Bachelors in Cybercrime and Digital Investigation
• BSc Forensic Genetics and Human Identification
• BSc Forensic Science and Criminal Investigation
• BSc Forensic and Medical Sciences

Fee Structure Of BS Forensic Sciences

Further Courses After BS Forensic Sciences

There are following further courses which the students can join after completing a BS forensic science degree program:

• Masters in Molecular Biology
• Masters in Forensic Sciences
• MS in Cybercrime and Digital Investigation
• MSc Forensic Genetics and Human Identification