Experts at the Jain University in Bengaluru feel that if a person is curious by nature and follows popular detective shows and aspires to become a forensic scientist, then one should pursue a study in forensic sciences. Though forensic science primarily deals with a detailed study of evidence in a crime investigation, the field is very broad and encapsulates a wide range of specialty areas which are related to natural sciences.
Though primarily students Upon the completion of course, the students can opt for different jobs in the government sector there are many opportunity elsewhere also. “Students who are well trained in digital forensics, and forensic biology and chemistry can get an opportunity in the private sector especially in the MNCs, chemical and biochemical labs, vigilance and the security industry. During the course they are trained with the recent techniques and technologies used in the field,” Don Caeiro, coordinator and assistant professor, Department of Forensic Science at Jain University, Bengaluru told THE WEEK.
“A forensic scientist is also required to record all the findings in a systematic manner. Pursuing a course in forensic science opens gateway to different career options such as a DNA analyst, criminalist, forensic pathologist, forensic toxicologist, forensic anthropologist, forensic botanist, forensic odonatologist etc,” explained Caeiro.
He added that the field of forensic science requires a lot of hard work and patience, because sometimes an evidence might mislead the entire investigation and hence the investigator would be required to start over afresh. During the course duration, students will be taught and made to work upon various skills necessary for a forensic scientist. “Students aspiring to become a forensic scientist should have the ability to undertake detail-oriented, analytical, challenging work and should have a logical, unbiased and methodical approach to problem-solving and a determined approach towards work and an inquiring mind,” remarked Caeiro. Besides that he says that a good forensic scientist must also have a good colour vision.
Caeiro asserted that a forensic scientist's job is very challenging as one has to analyze samples, such as hair, body fluids, glass, paint and drugs, in the laboratory and study various types of available evidence often held in minuscule quantities. A forensic scientist should also be able to apply techniques such as gas and high-performance liquid chromatography, scanning electron microscopy, mass spectrometry, infrared spectroscopy and genetic fingerprinting.
Currently the Bengaluru based Jain University is offering a three-year B.Sc. and a two-year M.Sc. program in Forensic Science. The university was recently awarded an ‘A’ Grade with an institutional Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 3.31 on a 4 point scale by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC), an autonomous agency of the University Grant Commission (UGC).
