IF you are a big Law & Order fan, then you can very well appreciate the role of the forensic scientist in determining cause of death. But those who specialise in this area are not just limited to combing crime scenes, but are to be found putting their skills in several other sectors.

“A forensic scientist could specialise in or focus on different areas. So you might have one focusing on DNA, chemistry, pathology, and also toxicology. Usually the forensic toxicologists and the forensic pathologists work together. So in a case of sudden death or where somebody dies from poison, the forensic pathologist would send samples to the forensic toxicologist to determine what drugs or poison is in that person if there was a sudden death or a suspected case of poisoning,” explained Dr Wayne McLaughin, who is the co-ordinator for the Forensic Science Department at the University of the West Indies (UWI).

“Toxicology, in itself, is usually looking at areas like drugs and poisons and how these drugs and poisons affect the body and how drugs are metabolised by the body in terms of breaking down into different compounds. So the background of that person could be in biochemistry or pharmacology for example,” he said.

In order to qualify for the forensic science programme at UWI a student would ideally need to have a science background. Apart from strengthening their evidence gathering and investigative skills, students are also taught to do things like give evidence in court.

“In cases where there is a murder, a forensic scientist would most likely present evidence for the court to make a decision about guilt or innocence. So the forensic scientists would present his evidence and opinion to the court to allow the court to make a decision,” said Dr McLaughin.

1. Why does a degree in forensic science make sense?

The services of a forensic scientist are very important in a country like Jamaica where murders occur daily. These individuals are crucial in the solving of crimes as they are capable of analysing things like gunshot residue and poisons in human tissue and body fluid. But, apart from the crime scene situation, these individuals are important in the sporting industry as well, where toxicologists help to screen athletes for the use of banned substances. There are also environmental toxicologists who help to determine the cause of harmful substances in the atmosphere or even help to pinpoint what is behind the deaths of thousands of fish in the sea, for example. Then, too, there are those who specialise in genetics and can help to solve the paternity of individuals by assessing their DNA.

2. Where can I pursue a degree or courses in forensic science?

The University of the West Indies, Mona. The University of Technology also offers a module in this area.

3. What jobs can I get with a degree in this area?

“Even if these persons don’t go into the government labs to work, their training would allow them essentially to work in any lab basically,” explained Dr McLaughin.

Someone with a degree in forensic science could become a medical examiner, crime laboratory analyst, a crime scene examiner, a forensic engineer or laboratory technician. They can also go into academia, the justice system, the police department, work with an international sports agency, an environment agency or become a consultant.