I have long been intrigued by Biology and Forensic Science in particular. I excelled in my Science lessons at school and enjoyed reading science related books. My passion for the subject continued in college and confirmed my desire to study a Forensics related degree at university. I am fascinated in the biological aspects of Forensic Science and toxicology, particularly DNA testing and the examination of minor contact traces, involving blood, hair and fibers. Additionally, I enjoy watching crime related programmes, true stories and reading fictional novels relating to crimes committed; learning how different techniques and methods are used for solving crimes as I am intrigued to acquire new knowledge.
The subjects I am currently studying have equipped me well for a course based in Biological Science. Studying Biology, I have greatly improved my practical skills by successful completion of regular experiments; this has enabled me to improve my data handling skills and use them for numerical graphs. This has
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ensured I am very meticulous with my work. English literature has helped me to develop my note taking skills; I am able to write down essential information such as synopses quickly and effectively. I feel I can successfully transfer this skill to university for lectures and seminars. I have learnt strong written communication from my essay writing and oral communication from reading dramas in class; this has also given me the ability to exchange information and knowledge with others. Psychology has greatly increased my interest in Forensic based sciences as I have developed knowledge in the human mind and what drives people to commit the crimes. It helped me understand why people commit crimes and I believe it would be advantageous when studying the criminal aspect of forensics. After recently completing a whole two month work experience at a local Veterinary Practice I gain many skills that I can carry forward to university and onto my career path. I was able to support the Vet and the Veterinary Nurses in theatre carrying out major and minor operations. This enabled me to develop precision and hone my concentration skills when in high pressured situations. I was also responsible for sterilising the equipment prior to the operations and testing the water used in the hydrotherapy tanks. I had to keep a very close check on the anesthetised animals, which greatly improved my time management skills. Additionally, I shared post-operative responsibility of the animals with the Veterinary Nurses. This involved making regular checks; including taking their temperature and ensuring they had food and water. I was responsible for checking that their operative wound was clean and dry. Working in such a professional environment greatly improved my self-confidence and reinforced my desire to pursue a future career in some aspect of this field. This experience has also given me a real insight into the level of empathy, enthusiasm and stamina required to pursue a successful career in the field of Forensic Biology. I have been a member of Barnsley Youth Choir for the past 5 years. This involves attending a weekly practice, requiring commitment and dedication. I have had the opportunity to perform at numerous events, including a festival in London and at Manchester Theatre. I also practice at home, learning pieces of music for the following week. I have worked very hard to effectively manage this commitment alongside my A level studies. I contributed to my college life by helping at the open evenings enabling me to express my interest for the science subjects to other students. Currently, I am fostering a rabbit for the RSPCA.
I am keen to support this organisation and have several pets of my own. This experience has enabled me to understand the level of commitment required when fostering an animal. I spend time with her regular every day supporting her development to become more sociable. This should ensure that she has a successful placement in a permanent home. By doing this it has helped me appreciate that doing jobs and work is not only for the set times, it has to be completed and researched into after hours. I will be able to apply this to my university life as I will have to look into topics before and after lectures and group projects.
I look forward to furthering my knowledge in Forensic Sciences and achieving the qualifications and skills required to work in a professional environment. I am keen to specialise as a Forensic Biologist and toxicologist as I believe I have the determination and requisite skills to be
successful.
Forensic anthropology is the study of bones in relation to a criminal investigation. Some have probably seen it used on television, but this is not an accurate portrayal of what this truly is. Many times, this area of forensic science is hidden from the public eye; people only get to see all of the glamorous parts. What they do not see is all of the hard work and effort that is put in to get the job correctly done. This career is a rare decision for someone to choose, because of the lack of opportunity for employment positions as well as the low income per year; however, it is an extremely fascinating occupation. Forensic anthropology has been known to help many organizations, including museums, and law enforcement agencies.
A forensic evaluation is a comprehensive and elaborate process that incorporates collection, analysis, and integration of information form multiple sources. Child welfare related evaluations are one of the most complex types of forensic evaluations requiring expert opinion and recommendations on matters pertaining to child custody and visitation, parental fitness and termination of parental rights, and evaluation of adoptive and foster parents. The primary purpose of these evaluations is to inform the court and facilitate decision-making process in child welfare cases. During a child custody evaluation the main doctrine to uphold is the “best interest of the child.” The safety of the child is of paramount consideration. This along with well-being
In order to understand Forensic Anthropology we must break it down into the components. According to Oxford American Dictionary the term Forensic is significant to the use of scientific methods to investigate a crime. Anthropology is defined by Oxford American Dictionary as the study of societies, cultures, and human origins. The combination of both, Forensic and Anthropology, consists of applying the principles which are introduced by Anthropologists to solving a crime. Forensic Anthropology is currently a small field but is expected to grow in the upcoming years due how it is being portrayed in books, television shows, classes, and many other resources. The usage of this field is becoming crucial because of how gruesome the crimes being committed by criminals are becoming. Although Forensic Anthropology is currently a small field it requires a lot of education, carries plenty of job responsibilities, and continues to aid in the solving of crimes.
Forensic psychology is a continually adapting sphere. It is hard to have one solid definition for the field, as there are so many aspects that interlock. Within each attribute of the forensic psychology has roles and responsibilities to sustain. The rapid growth and emerging importance of this field volumes of information will be developed in the next decade.
According to the American Board of Forensic Anthropology (ABFA), there are very few employment opportunities for students with only a
Forensic toxicology is one of the oldest disciplines in forensic science history and dates back hundreds of years. However, the actual understanding and examination of forensic toxicology only dates back for about 200 years. Due to the development of technology, this discipline has been able to progress and flourish.
The first step taken to become a forensic scientist is to first pass the education required to become one. The education level chosen depends on what kind of forensic job you are interested in and what salary you are going for. Most entry-level forensic positions require a bachelor’s degree in forensic or natural science (Anne 1996). Undergraduate programs consist of toxicology, biochemistry, and criminal justice classes. The American Academy of Forensic Sciences also recommends English classes. This is because forensic scientists need very honed written and oral communication capabilities to write detailed reports and testify physical evidence in court.
Forensic evidence can provide just outcomes in criminal matters. However, it is not yet an exact science as it can be flawed. It can be misrepresented through the reliability of the evidence, through nonstandard guidelines, and through public perception. Forensic science can be dangerously faulty without focus on the ‘science’ aspect. It can at times be just matching patterns based on an individual’s interpretations. This can lead to a miscarriage of justice and forever alter a person’s life due to a perceived “grey area” (Merritt C, 2010) resulting in a loss of confidence in the reliability of forensic evidence.
In order to pursue my dream as a Forensic Psychologists I am aware that I have to put in a lot of effort and determination in to school. There are various aspects to pursuing my career such as getting good grades, volunteering in police departments, networking, and doing an immense amount of research on my field. The career I chose requires a lot of my time not only as a student but as an adult. What I mean by this is that from now on, my time is devoted in to acquiring skills and changing my persona in order to be better qualified for the my job. Throughout this road map I will talk about what is a Forensic Psychologist, what are the requirements, skills necessary, what I could do with this degree, the personality types that are best suited for this job, and what are the prospects of moving up.
Forensic science has now been recognized as an important part of the law enforcement team to help solve crimes and cold cases. The advances in technology are being used each day and we must continue to strive to develop better advances in this field. The recent discovery of using DNA in criminal cases has helped not only positively identify the suspect, but it has helped exonerate hundreds of innocent individuals. “With new advances in police technology and computer science, crime scene investigation and forensic science will only become more precise as we head into the future.” (Roufa, 2017) Forensic science and evidence helps law enforcement officials solve crimes through the collection, preservation and analysis of evidence. By having a mobile crime laboratory, the scene gets processed quicker and more efficiently. Forensic science will only grow in the future to be a benefit for the criminal justice
An individual trained in the field of forensic investigations also acquires proficient skills that assist in analyzing various types of evidence and assessing admissibility; examining evidence relevant and material to the elements of the charge; thoroughly documenting a crime scene for future reconstruction; in-depth report writing coupled with keen awareness of mendacious reporting (law enforcement, investigative summaries, witnesses, depositions); perspicacious interrogation skills; the proper techniques for the collection and preserving of evidence; and how to testify to one’s findings. “The scientific breakdown of evidence is crucial in determining an accused person’s guilt or innocence in a crime. Therefore, the role of forensic scientists is vital to the criminal justice process” (Criminal Justice USA,
I gained the amazing opportunity to work alongside prestigious neuroscience researchers looking into substrate phosphorylation in neurons. This work experience enabled me to gain crucial skills I feel will set me apart from other people applying for similar university courses, such as technical skill, problem solving and motivation to solve problems which may stand in my way. I was asked to apply not only my biological knowledge, but also my previous chemistry knowledge alongside psychological theories to grasp the basic idea behind the research I was conducting. I learnt new skills I am unable to practice at school such as completing western blots and even dabbled in journal writing when I attended a scientific journal club. I was able to gain hands on, real life experience in a professional environment and learn key aspects of biology beyond the
I have also taken part in RGU's Access to Forensic and Analytical Science, which allowed me to study different areas of science at university level, using advanced lab equipment alongside current students and lecturers. Undertaking these courses further reflects my dedication to studying biomedical sciences. Through varied experiences, I have developed many skills and attributes that are important to university life and the world of work. Since 2012, I have volunteered as a youth leader in ACE choir group. I achieved my 500 hours volunteering Saltire Award in March 2015; to date I have 773 hours.
With all the chatter about crime shows and movies, Forensic Psychology has become a growing career for many interested scholars. To many, it seems exciting, fun, and a field that most of us would like to try. But, what exactly is forensic psychology? If you look up the definition, as explained by Kitaeff (2011), it will state that it is “the application of scientific and professional psychology to questions and issues relating to the law and the legal system” (p. 350).
The discipline of forensic anthropology arose out of the need to determine and identify the skeletal characteristics of an individual. T.D Stewart (1979) defined forensic anthropology as the “branch of physical anthropology, which, for forensic purposes, deals with the identification of more or less skeletonized remains known to be, or suspected of being, human” (ix). Forensic anthropology is a multidisciplinary that is called upon for their knowledge of the human skeleton biology to be applied to the problems of medical science and the legal system (Işcan, 1988). Since the formalization of physical anthropology in the American Academy of Forensic in 1972, the discipline has made great advancements, particularly in the phenotype of age, sex