Forensic Scientist

[zkyline]

Hi there RFD'ers!

I'm interested in Forensic Science and I think I am going to apply to BCIT for the Degree Transfer Program of Science and Technology, but before I do I want to have a general idea if this is what I should apply for. I do meet the Entrance requirements with a 'B' in English 12, Math 12, Biology 12 and Chem 12. I recently found out that the Degree Transfer Program has a semester starting in August 1st and one in January 1st. Right now, I hope I can make my decision quick enough so I apply for the August 1st semester.

I do not watch a lot of CSI on TV and I know that in real life it's not as exciting as it looks, but I'm really interested in human biology and the way scientists are able to collect data and extract information from it.

If any of you guys are in Forensics or have any experiences, insights, or anything at all you would like to share with me, feel free to post. Some questions I have are:

How competitive is this field?
Would I be guaranteed a job after completing a Bachelors of Technology?
Do people go psycho from dealing with too many dead bodies, etc.?
What would I have to do to be hired by the Police department? (I would like to work for the Force)

Thanks,
zkyline

[setell]

Um not be mean but if you're a forensic scientists you wouldn't be dealing that much with dead bodies the way that CSI makes it look like they do. I'm not sure what it takes to be a qualified forensic scientists but I know that forensics is a pretty competitive field to get into. I'm not a hundred percent sure as to how competitive it is since I got all my info second hand. If you can imagine how many people want to be forensic scientists but the police dept can only hire so many. These are positions that probably have very low turnover rates. If you're interested in human biology you can do a undergrad in one of the hard core sciences to understand the science behind it and then do your certification.

Also most of the cool things they do with the evidence they collect in CSI pisses me off a lot since the show contaminates stuff sooo bad that the result can't be used for anything let alone prosecute somebody!

The best advice I can give is to do more research in the field if you're truly passionate about it.

[Mulder and Scully]

Lol. This reminds me of how when The X-Files became popular there was a huge increase in the number of psychology majors.

Seriously though, (CSI) forensic science falls under anthropology I believe, or more specifically pathology. Expect to have a very, very strong human biology, osteology and etc. background.

[beerbaron105]

well if u want to work in the forensics department for a police dept u have to be hired on as a constable, work a minimum of 4 years on the road or "beat" before you have a chance of applying and competing for a position in the forensics department, sorry to bust your bubble lol