How to Become a Forensic Scientist in Canada

Forensic scientists in Canada must complete an advanced scientific degree and understudy in a forensic laboratory.

Forensic science is the detailed analysis of physical evidence obtained from a crime scene in order to aid criminal investigators. The scientists who work in this field are highly trained in scientific procedures such as firearms analysis, DNA profiling, and toxicological screening. They take courses in subjects ranging from anthropology, odontology, and biochemistry to engineering and firearm education. In Canada, most forensic science university programs are found in Ontario, with several others in Alberta, British Columbia, Nova Scotia and Saskatchewan.

Instructions

1. Get a degree in science with honors. Forensic scientists in Canada typically complete a four-year science degree with high honors. Potential forensic biologists will have achieved degrees in fields such as microbiology, biochemistry, molecular biology or genetics, while forensic toxicologists will have earned a degree in biochemistry or pharmacy.

2. Acquire post-secondary forensic science training. This can be part of the basic degree course or can be done after achieving a diploma or first degree. For example, the British Columbia Institute of Technology offers courses to graduates of a relevant discipline (e.g. biochemistry, molecular biology) which teaches forensic science, crime and intelligence analysis, economic and computing crime. Students graduate with skills in finding, gathering, assessing and organizing evidence for use in both civil and criminal law courts.

3. Work as an understudy. Upon graduation, qualified forensic scientists usually seek a forensic laboratory understudy position which, depending on the field or specialty, may last between nine and 18 months,

4. Acquire the appropriate higher education and certification. Certain fields will require additional certification. For example, forensic odontologists, who study teeth and match these to dental records, must be certified experts who are able to testify in courts of law. Forensic entomologists require a master's or doctorate degree in entomology and have also received Board Certification.

References

• Canadian Society of Forensic Sciences: Careers in Forensic Science
• Forensics.ca Portal
• Canadian Society of Forensic Science
• Study in Canada: Career Spotlight--Forensic Scientist
• British Columbia Institute of Technology: Bachelor of Technology in Forensic Investigation

Resources

• University of Toronto Mississauga: Forensic Science