Forensic Science is a multidisciplinary subject, drawing principally from chemistry and biology, but also physics, geology, psychology, social science, etc.

Forensic Science is defined as any science used for the purposes of the law, and therefore provides impartial scientific evidence for use in the courts of law, e.g. in a criminal investigation and trial. In criminal cases forensic scientists are often involved in the search for, and examination of, physical traces which might be useful for establishing or excluding an association between someone suspected of committing a crime and the scene of the crime or victim.

Within a standard criminal investigation, crime scene investigators, commonly known as scenes-of-crime-officers (SOCO's), will collect material evidence from the crime scene, victim and/or suspect. Forensic scientists can analyse these materials to provide scientific evidence to aid in the exploration and court proceedings, and therefore work closely with the police. Senior forensic scientists, who typically specialise in a number of of the key forensic disciplines, may be forced to be present at crime scenes or give evidence in court as unbiased expert witnesses.

To find out more take a look at our Level 3 Forensic Science Diploma.