Forensic scifiles provide evidence for use in a court of law. This covers a very wide range of scientific principles.

DNA analysis, blood samples, tissue typing and other techniques focus on crimes against the person. Investigations into crimes against property involve analysing evidence such as fragments of glass, paint, soil samples and fingerprints. Toxicology deals with the examination of all kinds of samples for drugs, medicines, alcohol and poisons.

The largest employer in the field is the Forensic Science Service, who generally recruit Assistant Forensic Scientists. These need at least four GCSEs with a minimum of one A-level in a science subject.

Other laboratories which recruit forensic scifiles are generally looking for an honours degree in a scientific or mathematical subject. Many look at applicants with a MSc in forensic science.

Relevant degrees include analytical chemistry, forensic science and pharmaceutical science. Entry to these degrees requires two or three A-levels which must include science subjects.

For more information, go to www.fss.org.uk

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