Another name for a forensic DNA analyzer is “forensic biologist”. Using DNA testing as a forensic technique in the United States began in 1985.
The extraction and examination of biological samples and chemicals are critical to determining the identity of a person.
Among these body fluids include hair, skin, bone marrow, saliva, and the like. The biological foundations of DNA analysis are well-established.
Adenine, cytosine, guanine, and thymine are the four nucleotides that make up the DNA molecule’s four structural components. This kind of DNA match only occurs in twins.
In a laboratory, DNA testing is carried out by skilled and educated scientists and workers. Sample quality has a significant impact on the testing procedures used.
Low-quality or polluted DNA is analyzed using Short Tandem Repeat (STR) Analysis.
Degree of Bachelor’s
A Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science, Molecular Biology, or Forensic Chemistry are your options at this level.
Biology, chemistry, mathematics, and forensic science are all part of the forensic biology curriculum. As part of a four-year program, students will be required to take many courses in chemistry and biology.
For example, molecular biology, biochemistry, organic chemistry, genetics, DNA analysis, and forensic microscopy are just a few of the subjects offered. Several of these subjects require lab work.
A ten-week, 400-hour internship is also included in the Ohio Northern University curriculum mentioned above. Additional forensic lab experience is provided in these courses, which can help you land a job in the field in the future.
Students are encouraged to join the Midwestern Association of Forensic Scientists and the Association of Future Forensic Professionals.
If you want to work as a DNA analyzer, you’ll need more training than a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences can offer.
Taking coursework in biology, organic chemistry, and genetics as part of an online degree program is one such example.
However, it lacks the rigor of subjects like molecular biology and biochemistry, which are useful for DNA testing.
There are classes in English composition, humanities, and social sciences in this particular program. In a second example, a degree in biological sciences contains 17 credits of biology, 11 credits of organic chemistry, and 8 credits of general mechanics.
With the emphasis on biology, chemistry, and a chemistry laboratory, this program appears to be a good fit for students.
Graduates with a Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science are well-prepared for careers in a wide range of settings.
Crime scene investigation, forensic toxicology, forensic biology, and weapons testing are just a few of the vocations that fall under this umbrella.
Toxicology requires an advanced degree, but the undergraduate curriculum provides a solid basis in a wide range of forensics-related fields.
Biology and chemistry lessons are included in the typical forensic science curriculum. The University of Tampa’s 94-credit-hour degree includes 49 hours each of chemistry and biology.
There are also chances for students to do internships with the county medical examiner and a local forensic lab through the institution.
In Molecular Biology, genetics and biochemistry are studied together. Chemistry is a branch of biology that focuses on the molecular structure and composition of living organisms.
To give you an idea, Missouri State University offers a Cell and Molecular Biology Bachelor’s degree.
Molecular and cell biology, human genetics, general and organic chemistry as well as the biomolecular interactions are included in the study plan’s major requirements.
Students can choose from a wide range of electives, such as human physiology, biotechnology, virology, electron microscopy, embryology, microbiology, and DNA methods.
All of these courses are geared for students who want to pursue a profession in DNA analysis. Chemistry-focused bachelor’s degree in Forensic Science is an alternative.
University of Central Oklahoma’s Bachelor of Science in Chemistry degree is heavily focused on the study of chemistry, including microscopy, forensic analysis, and laboratory work.
In order to complete the 124 credit hours required for graduation, students must complete 56 hours of chemistry coursework.
A bachelor’s degree in Forensic Chemistry might open you more professional options. You’ll have a good foundation in chemistry if you complete courses in general, organic, and analytical chemistry.
What you need to do DNA analysis and forensic toxicology and biology and trace evidence analysis is a mixture of forensic microscopy, mass spectrometry, and DNA profiling.
Accreditation
You may choose to limit your search for colleges and universities to those accredited by the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC).
It is the responsibility of this body to ensure the high quality of forensic science programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
Programs in scientific and laboratory training at the bachelor’s level are accredited by FEPAC. Law enforcement ethics, trial testimony and evidence gathering and analysis must also be covered in these courses.
Bottom Line
Many degree possibilities are available as shown in the table. Is there a preference in crime labs for a particular type of degree?
On a par with the world’s most comprehensive crime lab is FBI Quantico, Virginia. As early as 1932, the FBI has relied on scientific methods to detect and prevent crime. CODIS, or Combined DNA Index System, is in place at the site.
Those who have been arrested or who are suspected of involvement in criminal activity are included in the CODIS database.
The FBI’s requirements for scientists who analyze DNA include a bachelor’s degree in biological science, chemistry, or forensic science with a focus on biology.
