Course Overview.
Forensic science is simply the application of science to law. Broadly, it’s a scientific method which encompasses gathering and examination of information about the past crimes which is then used in a court of law for justice towards criminal investigations and litigation. Professionals in this field are known as forensic scientists among other titles. Forensic scientists may specialize in either laboratory analysis or crime scene investigation. The work of forensic scientists entails helping in investigating crimes by collecting and analyzing physical evidence which can then be used for criminal investigations and litigation.
Crime continues to be a big social problem worldwide. More advanced methods to identify and criminals are needed. Forensic science is a relatively new field in Kenya. The Bachelor of Science degree in Forensic Science has been developed to train competent manpower who can apply scientific methods towards solving criminal offences. The program draws from the biological sciences, chemistry and physics as well as from the fields of criminal justice and the law. It is designed to give students a broad theoretical as well as practical background in the scientific, legal and investigative aspects of forensic science to enable them become an all rounded forensic scientists ensuring graduates are well prepared for the real-life equivalent and help in solving civil and criminal cases in a professional and scientific approach.
Entry Qualifications
For self sponsored students, at least a mean grade of C+ in KCSE. For Government sponsored students, the minimum cut point which is announced annually applies. The students should in addition have good performance in the following cluster subjects; Subject 1 BIO, Subject 2 CHE, Subject 3 MAT A or PHY, Subject 4 ENG/KIS or 3rd GROUP II or any GROUP III or any GROUP IV or any GROUP V.
Becoming a forensic scientist
If you enjoy sciences and want to start a career that can help in solving crimes scientifically, then this course may be a perfect choice for you. In addition, you should be prepared to develop skills that can help you grow and succeed in this field.
Forensic scientists must have a high degree of accuracy and be able to give accurate, detailed and unbiased evidence that can be used in a court of law. They also need to use logic and be decisive in order to determine which items or facts of evidence are relevant to the case being investigated. Forensic scientists must also have excellent communication skills both oral and in writing to be able to communicate effectively with the investigation team and give testimony in a court of law when required.
During their work, forensic scientists must be highly composed as crime scenes are often the results of acts of violence and destruction and these experts must be able to maintain their professionalism and objectivity in such environment. Good analytical skills are mandatory to have as forensic scientists must be able to use their best judgment when matching physical evidence, such as DNA and fingerprints to suspects.
Excellent maths skills are required in this field as forensic scientists must have a solid understanding of statistics and natural sciences to be able to analyze crime scene evidence. Forensic scientists must be problem solvers and to be able to use scientific tests and methods to help law enforcement officials solve civil and criminal cases. Crime data collection involves critically observing the crime areas, these professionals must therefore have good observation and scientific skills.
Work environment.
Forensic scientists mostly work in crime laboratories but also visit may crime scenes to collect and analyze evidence. Their work is divided within; lab, court and office.
Career opportunities
Graduates of this course can find employment in areas such as; law enforcement agencies, crime laboratories, law offices among other areas related to crimes and civil litigation. With considerable experience, graduates can also start their own forensic lab consultancy business.
You may explore these courses
Bachelor of Science in Genomic Sciences
Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry
Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology
Bachelor of Science in Computer Security and Forensics
Bachelor of Criminology