3 answers
sky
Student
St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
5
Questions
Asked
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What field of forensics should i do?
So I'm a grade 10 high school student. Very interested in pursuing forensics when I'm older. Currently, I'm between labs and psychology. I was wondering mainly what the biggest difference is in the courses you must take to do one or the other. Both are very very interesting to me I'm just wondering about the workload.
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3 answers
Noble Anthony
Bead craft
5
Answers
Benin City, Edo, Nigeria
Updated
Noble’s Answer
That’s a great career path! Let me break it down simply:
1. Forensics Labs:
Focus on science.
You’d need courses in biology, chemistry, and physics, as well as math.
In college, this could involve more hands-on lab work, like analyzing evidence or working with tools to detect chemicals or DNA.
Workload: Expect a lot of experiments, lab reports, and memorizing scientific concepts.
2. Forensic Psychology:
Focus on understanding people.
You’d need courses in psychology, along with some social studies, writing, and statistics.
In college, it’s more about studying how people think, why they act a certain way, and how that applies to crime.
Workload: More reading, writing papers, and analyzing human behavior.
Biggest difference: Labs = more science/math focus and hands-on work. Psychology = more people-focused and theory-based.
Workload: Both are challenging, but labs often require more time in class/lab. Psychology might need more reading and essays. Choose the one you enjoy working on more!
1. Forensics Labs:
Focus on science.
You’d need courses in biology, chemistry, and physics, as well as math.
In college, this could involve more hands-on lab work, like analyzing evidence or working with tools to detect chemicals or DNA.
Workload: Expect a lot of experiments, lab reports, and memorizing scientific concepts.
2. Forensic Psychology:
Focus on understanding people.
You’d need courses in psychology, along with some social studies, writing, and statistics.
In college, it’s more about studying how people think, why they act a certain way, and how that applies to crime.
Workload: More reading, writing papers, and analyzing human behavior.
Biggest difference: Labs = more science/math focus and hands-on work. Psychology = more people-focused and theory-based.
Workload: Both are challenging, but labs often require more time in class/lab. Psychology might need more reading and essays. Choose the one you enjoy working on more!
Thank you so much for the advice.
sky
Aisha Taylor
Mortgage Closing Specialist
464
Answers
Detroit, Michigan
Updated
Aisha’s Answer
Hello Sky,
It's fantastic to hear about your enthusiasm for forensics! The primary distinction between forensic labs and forensic psychology can be found in the core of your studies. Forensic labs revolve around scientific exploration, which means you'll be immersing yourself in subjects like chemistry, biology, physics, and laboratory methodologies. On the flip side, forensic psychology is all about deciphering criminal behavior, so your studies would be more inclined towards psychology, law, and mental health.
Laboratory work typically involves a hands-on approach with experiments and analysis, whereas psychology is rooted in research, case studies, and the comprehension of human behavior. Both fields are challenging in terms of workload, but laboratory work calls for more technical and scientific expertise, while psychology delves into the depths of human behavior, law, and mental health.
It's crucial to ponder over what captivates you more: the scientific examination of tangible evidence or the unraveling of the mental and emotional intricacies behind criminal behavior. Both fields are intriguing in their own right, but they necessitate different skill sets and strategies!
It's fantastic to hear about your enthusiasm for forensics! The primary distinction between forensic labs and forensic psychology can be found in the core of your studies. Forensic labs revolve around scientific exploration, which means you'll be immersing yourself in subjects like chemistry, biology, physics, and laboratory methodologies. On the flip side, forensic psychology is all about deciphering criminal behavior, so your studies would be more inclined towards psychology, law, and mental health.
Laboratory work typically involves a hands-on approach with experiments and analysis, whereas psychology is rooted in research, case studies, and the comprehension of human behavior. Both fields are challenging in terms of workload, but laboratory work calls for more technical and scientific expertise, while psychology delves into the depths of human behavior, law, and mental health.
It's crucial to ponder over what captivates you more: the scientific examination of tangible evidence or the unraveling of the mental and emotional intricacies behind criminal behavior. Both fields are intriguing in their own right, but they necessitate different skill sets and strategies!
Thank you so much! this is very helpful! i love that you took the time to answer! :)
sky
You are welcome!
Chinyere Okafor
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
560
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hello Sky,
Good question! The choice between forensic psychology and forensic science (lab work) will influence the courses and career paths you take. Here’s a breakdown of the main differences:
Forensic Psychology:
Focus:Understanding criminal behavior, evaluating mental health in legal cases, and working closely with the legal system.
- Key Courses:
- Psychology (Introductory, Developmental, and Abnormal Psychology)
- Criminal Justice or Criminology
- Law and Ethics (related to psychology)
- Research Methods and Statistics
- Neuroscience (optional)
- Degree Path: You’ll need a degree in Psychology (Bachelor’s), followed by a Master's or Ph.D. in Forensic Psychology.
- Workload: Expect a mix of psychology theory, research, and practical work with individuals. You'll also spend time writing case reports and potentially testifying in court.
Forensic Science (Lab Work):
Focus: Analyzing physical evidence from crime scenes (DNA, toxicology, ballistics, etc.).
- Key Courses:
- Biology, Chemistry, and Physics
- Forensic Biology, Forensic Chemistry
- Genetics, Toxicology, and Pathology
- Crime Scene Investigation Techniques
- Laboratory Techniques and Instrumentation
- Degree Path: A degree in Forensic Science, Biology, or Chemistry (Bachelor’s), often followed by specialized training or a Master’s in Forensics.
- Workload: Expect heavy science coursework with lab work, practical skills in analyzing evidence, and learning complex instruments. It’s more hands-on and research-oriented than forensic psychology.
Biggest Differences:
- Psychology Focus: More theory, working with individuals, legal evaluations, and mental health.
- Lab Focus: More science and lab work, analyzing physical evidence, with less direct interaction with individuals.
In terms of workload, forensic psychology tends to involve more reading, theory, and case studies, while forensic science is more hands-on, requiring extensive lab time and scientific study. Both are rigorous but focus on different skill sets. Consider which appeals to your strengths—working with people or working with scientific evidence.
Best wishes!
Good question! The choice between forensic psychology and forensic science (lab work) will influence the courses and career paths you take. Here’s a breakdown of the main differences:
Forensic Psychology:
Focus:Understanding criminal behavior, evaluating mental health in legal cases, and working closely with the legal system.
- Key Courses:
- Psychology (Introductory, Developmental, and Abnormal Psychology)
- Criminal Justice or Criminology
- Law and Ethics (related to psychology)
- Research Methods and Statistics
- Neuroscience (optional)
- Degree Path: You’ll need a degree in Psychology (Bachelor’s), followed by a Master's or Ph.D. in Forensic Psychology.
- Workload: Expect a mix of psychology theory, research, and practical work with individuals. You'll also spend time writing case reports and potentially testifying in court.
Forensic Science (Lab Work):
Focus: Analyzing physical evidence from crime scenes (DNA, toxicology, ballistics, etc.).
- Key Courses:
- Biology, Chemistry, and Physics
- Forensic Biology, Forensic Chemistry
- Genetics, Toxicology, and Pathology
- Crime Scene Investigation Techniques
- Laboratory Techniques and Instrumentation
- Degree Path: A degree in Forensic Science, Biology, or Chemistry (Bachelor’s), often followed by specialized training or a Master’s in Forensics.
- Workload: Expect heavy science coursework with lab work, practical skills in analyzing evidence, and learning complex instruments. It’s more hands-on and research-oriented than forensic psychology.
Biggest Differences:
- Psychology Focus: More theory, working with individuals, legal evaluations, and mental health.
- Lab Focus: More science and lab work, analyzing physical evidence, with less direct interaction with individuals.
In terms of workload, forensic psychology tends to involve more reading, theory, and case studies, while forensic science is more hands-on, requiring extensive lab time and scientific study. Both are rigorous but focus on different skill sets. Consider which appeals to your strengths—working with people or working with scientific evidence.
Best wishes!