Forensic chemistry analyzes substances related to crimes or dangerous to others. Forensic chemists examine substances, including drugs, fibers, and blood, to determine their chemical compounds. They may also work in the field collecting evidence and use physics to examine blood patterns. Forensic chemists are trained in organic chemistry to identify DNA and run toxicology screens. They may work in various agencies, including the FBI, and have graduate or doctoral degrees.
Forensic chemistry is a field of chemistry dedicated to the analysis of various substances that may be of importance or may have been used in the commission of a crime. A forensic chemist might also evaluate substances that could prove dangerous to others. For example, a mailed powder that appears to be anthrax would be analyzed by this professional chemist. While in the past many people working in this field had general degrees in chemistry and minors in criminal studies, today many universities offer specific degrees in forensic chemistry.
Viewers of television shows like CSI have seen forensic chemistry portrayals. These chemists not only examine under a microscope and identify blood or tissue matter, but also a variety of substances. For example, if crime scene investigators believe someone has been drugged, a chemist might examine all the materials taken from a crime scene to try to determine the presence of specific drugs. In fact, even in a drug case, where a person is carrying a small or large amount of a controlled substance, any apparent drugs taken as evidence must be verified by a chemist by looking at their chemical compounds. Alternatively, this professional might evaluate various fiber samples, such as clothing or carpet, to attempt to identify someone’s presence at the crime scene.
Although many people in this field only work in chemistry labs, some work in the field collecting evidence. Knowledge of physics could lead a forensic chemist to the crime scene to examine blood patterns to determine how an accidental or intentional injury occurred. These chemists may work on scenes where explosions or fires have occurred, to try to determine what happened. While they can evaluate a scene to decide if a crime has occurred, they may be able to rule out malicious intent by examining fire patterns and looking for certain chemicals associated with bomb-making or arson.
Forensic chemists are trained in organic chemistry so they can perform tests on blood and other body samples to identify DNA and to run toxicology screens. Therefore, they look at matter from the chemist’s point of view to glean more information about a substance, person, or crime, for a variety of reasons.
Individuals who earn a forensic chemistry degree may work at private laboratories, local police departments, coroner’s offices, fire departments, bomb squads, the military, or national agencies such as the FBI (FBI). Some are specialists in certain types of identification: forensic chemists might become experts in chemicals associated with explosives, for example. At a minimum, those in the field have graduate degrees, but those who want to teach or develop new investigative techniques may have graduate or doctoral degrees.
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