Forensic science is a laboratory-based profession. The programme equips the student to apply his/her knowledge of science to crime investigation. Forensic scientists analyse all physical evidence found on a victim and compare it to evidence taken from the suspect and provide expert testimony in a court of law. They work closely with the police to provide scientific evidence which is admissible in court. A science background can lead you to a career in forensic science. You do not specifically require biology for this specialisation. You can either go for a Masters degree in forensic science or a diploma in forensic science and criminology. For this, you need to be a graduate preferably with a first division in physics, chemistry, zoology, botany, biochemistry, microbiology, pharmacy, dentistry or applied science. Punjabi University, Patiala; Dr Bhim Rao Ambedkar University, Agra; Bundelkhand University, Kanpur and University of Madras are some of the institutions offering the MSc programme in forensic science to science graduates. You can also consider a diploma in forensic science and criminology at University of Punjab, Chandigarh; a diploma in forensic anthropology at University of Lucknow, or a certificate in forensic science at Delhi Universitys department of anthropology. If interested in the life sciences, you could select from careers such as biotechnology, environmental science, medical laboratory technology, food processing, forestry, plastics and packaging, pharmacy and so on. These fields require post-graduate training, at the degree or the diploma level. With an MSc in biotechnology, or environmental science, you can work in biotechnology organisations, pharmaceutical companies, chemical industries, agriculture and allied areas, as well as with organisations which dealing in ways to control, eliminate and prevent environmental hazards. To work in food processing industries and laboratories, you should be an MSc in home science or food technology. This would open up opportunities in the food processing industry with organisations processing and marketing fruit juices, edible oils, breads, soft drink concentrates, fruits vegetables and so on. Pharmacy and jobs in medical laboratory technology are other openings for those with a life sciences degree. Moreover, you can also do an MBA and get into a management-related job. - by Usha Albuquerque

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