Forensic scientists apply science to the law. They play two major roles: to analyze and compare evidence obtained from victims, suspects, objects, or locations, and to provide an expert opinion on that evidence.

Forensic scientists obtain evidence (or example, hair, pieces of clothing, fibre samples, teeth marks, and blood stains) from crime scene investigators and police.  They use a variety of methods to analyze this evidence, such as chemical analysis, or observing the evidence with a microscope or the naked eye. They also use complex instruments, sophisticated computer programs, and mathematical principals.

Workplace: In Canada, job opportunities for forensic scientists are mostly within RCMP labs, the Centre of Forensic Sciences in Ontario, provincial governments, and private laboratories. Forensic scientists spend a lot of time in labs to  analyze evidence, but they also work in offices writing reports. Scientists who work in large labs may use advanced equipment to analyze drugs, alcohol, arson evidence, or fibres.

Useful high school subjects: Mathematics; Probability & Statistics; Biology; Chemistry;
Physics; Law; Computers

Post-secondary education: You’ll need a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree, and employers often prefer a master’s degree as well. BSc’s in forensic science are also offered by a few universities across the country. Although there are no forensic science graduate degrees offered in Canada right now, many science departments in universities offer graduate programs in some areas of forensic science.

Salary: Forensic scientists can earn about $50,000 to $90,000 a year, depending on experience, education, and the employer..