Forensic Science:
What it is… and isn’t
Prepared by:
Department of Chemistry
Eastern Michigan University
First, consider
what most
forensic scientists
DO NOT usually
do:
 They do not investigate crimes,
although they may participate in
crime scene reconstructions.
 They do not apprehend or
interrogate suspects, unless they
are enlisted state police
employees.
 They may or may not collect
evidence at crime scenes,
depending upon the agency.
MUCH OF THE “COOL”
STUFF ON CSI ISN’T
REALLY DONE BY REAL
FORENSIC SCIENTISTS!
The TV-type CSI doesn’t really exist!
Each of the jobs is done by a
different person. You can’t really be
Abby from NCIS…

What you want to do as a forensic
scientist can help you pick a major:

 Actual crime scene investigators
who collect evidence at the
scene of a crime are
trained in criminal
justice, usually as
police officers. They
may receive
specialized training
in photography and
using alternate light
sources to find evidence.
 Forensic DNA analysis is done by
scientists trained as biologists
and biochemists. Disciplines like
DNA evidence require additional
courses to be completed in the


bachelor’s degree including
molecular biology, statistics, and
genetics.
Serology (blood typing) is also
done by specialists in the life
science fields.
Toxicology — the study of drugs
of abuse and poisons and their
effects on the human body — is
another field related to
forensics. Training in chemistry,
biology, and biochemistry is a
necessity for toxicologists.
Trace evidence analysts study
paint, fibers, hairs, gunshot
residues… pretty much
everything!
They are
usually
chemists
trained to
use
instrumental
analysis methods. They often
use microscopy, too.
Some other areas of forensic
science that you may think of
like fingerprint analysis and
detection, documents analysis
(forgeries and
counterfeiting),
and firearms and
ballistics are
learned on the
job. A good background in
science and math will prepare
you for these areas, too!
 Digital evidence is another
important and growing
subdiscipline.
Criminal Justice majors would want
to go heavy in science classes such
as chemistry or biology (or even
double major). A criminal justice
major can apply for a Police Agency
“recruit” school to become a police
officer. Michigan State Police (MSP)
recruits would become “troopers”
and serve on the road for a period
of time. However troopers are
eligible and can interview for
laboratory positions if they have a
BS in science. The MSP Forensic
Science Division is comprised of
both civilian and enlisted
employees.
So, what do forensic scientists
do?
 They
examine
evidence
in the lab
that was
collected at crime scenes by
trained police officers.
 They carry out experiments on
the evidence using chemistry,
biochemistry, and biology.
 They do calculations and
evaluate the results of
experiments.
 They write reports and give
presentations in court about
what they learned about the
evidence.
How can you train to be a
forensic scientist?
Take a lot of math: algebra and
statistics are important in all science.
 Major in a science: chemistry,
biochemistry, or biology will
prepare you for jobs in forensic
science.
 Learn how to solve problems:
the things you learn in the
laboratory teach you how you
would deal with crime scene
evidence.
 Become a good communicator:
writing reports and giving
presentations are a big part of
science, and are especially
important in forensic science.
Want to learn more?
For more information contact: 734.487.0106
E-mail: chem_ug_advising@emich.edu
E-mail: rarmitage@emich.edu
Professor of Analytical Chemistry
Visit our website: www.chemistry.emich.edu
02-01-16