Forensic Serology/DNA criminalists have from B.S. to Ph. D. degrees in the biological sciences. DNA Testing Laboratories in the United States  are required by the DNA Advisory Board (FBI(2000) Quality Assurance Standards) that employees in this section have completed a minimum of 12 semester or equivalent credit hours of a combination of undergraduate and graduate course work in biochemistry, genetics, and molecular biology (molecular genetics, recombinant DNA technology), statistics and/or population genetics. These forensic scientists analyze biological evidentiary samples of salvia, vaginal fluid or semen for the presence or absence of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA).  With the results of the known DNA compared with the results of an unknown sample(s) collected or permitted by state legislative statues may result in a positive identification of a suspect.  Criminalists in the DNA unit enter and maintain DNA data of convicted felons in a state’s data bank, the National DNA Identification Index (CODIS) which is linked and uploaded to the federal data bank. Criminalists from around the country are able to compare and positively identify repeat felons who may have committed offenses in other states.

 If you are good at record keeping and like to keep up with the latest advances in the scientific arena, then you probably have the making for a career as a forensic scientist specializing in Forensic Biology.

 First of all, what is Forensic Science?  I am glad you want to know.                        

 Forensic Science is the use of science to analyze evidence in matters relating to the law. 

 Forensic Biology is a specialized area that uses a range of sensitive techniques developed from studies of biological systems to analyze evidence collected at a crime scene or associated location, to aid the investigation of criminal cases.  Techniques like these have had a fantastic impact on the development of procedures and methods used in forensic science investigations overall and in particular, the field of DNA profiling.

 The origin of these techniques arrived from biological science specialist subjects such as biochemistry, genetics, molecular biology, physiology, medical science, microbiology, cell biology, the analysis of human remains and anthropology.

 A student should begin preparing as early as high school for a career in forensic biology    because the basic applications needed are taught during this phrase.  When you are required to write papers in English class, your skills for report writing are being put to the test. In science classes whether you are discussing parts of a cell or the composition of blood, you are building on your knowledge for basic forensic biology.  That math and chemistry homework prepares you for statistical and analytical concepts. 

  Once you enter college you want to take advantage of courses or activities that are related to public speaking like being on a debate team or in a drama club.  Major classes in biology and chemistry will provide a solid foundation for a career as a forensic biologist.  Enhance note taking skills by assuring that they are organized and detailed.  Since you will be writing a lot of lab reports, you may as well make good practice in the college science laboratory.  Advancing your degree beyond a BS/BA would definitely give you the upper hand on landing a position in a forensic lab.

  Although much of the work performed by the forensic biologist is in the laboratory, great pride is achieved when your work performance results in the perpetrator of a crime being brought to justice.

 When a crime occurs and the evidence is submitted to the forensic laboratory, the questions are raised:  What analyses are needed? What are we looking for? And what are we comparing it to?  At times a great deal of interaction is required between the forensic biologist and the investigating agency for purposes of properly evaluating the information and physical evidence at hand.

 n the Forensic Biology Section, items of physical evidence are examined for blood, semen, saliva and urine or other biological materials in an attempt to identify the source of the stains.

 Once stains are characterized, they can then be further developed through the process of DNA typing. 

 DNA-Deoxyribonucleic Acid is an organic substance found in the cell of all living organisms...

It is a basic building block of life, a chemical code with a unique configuration for every individual, except identical twins.  An individual’s DNA configuration is the same whether it originates from a person’s blood, semen, saliva or other body tissues.

Based on this information it is possible for the forensic biology scientist to compare DNA extracted from a bloodstain, other body fluids or body tissues recovered at a crime scene with the DNA of a known individual.  This could result in a match or exclusion.

The DNA typing methods in use today can be employed not only to analyze very limited samples, but have an exceedingly great discriminating power.  The chance that two unrelated individuals have the same DNA profile can be as low as one in several billion using theses types of analyses.

 After a DNA profile is created and it does not match the submitted suspect, it can be searched against local, statewide and national law enforcement databases.  If a laboratory has access to CODIS (Combined DNA Index System) it has the ability to take an unknown genetic profile and compare it to other unsolved cases throughout the country.  This CODIS link allows investigators from different jurisdictions working on serial-type cases to share important investigative leads.

 An examination that deals with blood but is not altogether a forensic biology function is bloodstain pattern interpretation or blood spatter interpretation.  This technique is useful primarily in the field, and occasionally in the laboratory.  The careful examination of bloodstain patterns may provide some information as to how the stains were deposited, thereby assisting in the reconstruction of the crime.

  Making this type of assessment is done by a blood spatter analysis and includes determining the angle and direction of the bloodstain and some information as to the force of the action that caused the bloodstains to be produced.

 Studying physics, biology, algebra and trigonometry is an asset for this type of examination; however special training in this area as well as on the job training must accompany this expertise.

 Although the Forensic Biology/DNA Scientist provides testing using state of the art technologies, they may also be requested to provide crime scene assistance to law enforcement agencies.

 At times when requested by a police agency, the forensic laboratory will provide personnel to assist in the detection and collection of biological and trace evidence at a crime scene. The laboratory has a crime scene team of individuals trained in evidence collection, crime scene processing, the use of alternate light sources and chemical enhancement methods for detecting blood and other body fluids if this is needed.

This is one point where note taking and paying attention to detail comes into play and is crucial.  You see, this is where it all begins, the crime scene.

 If you are detail oriented, enjoy projects that require careful follow through, love science and would like to put your talents to work for justice, then a career in forensic biology is right for you. 

 Forensic Biologists give expert testimony as well as their opinion when testifying in courts of law.  Sometimes they are relied upon for expert consultation by attorneys, judges and jurors.

 Many times lay people want to know "how real" is the job to the so well played out actions on the television and movie screen.  Well it is more complicated as well as more time consuming then the media gives record to.

 In some cases, a crime is quickly solved and in others it may take years before the perpetrator is discovered.  The area of forensic biology is constantly advancing and changing.  New technologies are constantly being developed to help the scientist become more efficient and productive.

You will find most forensic biologists employed within a state, county or city crime laboratory working cases that involve homicides, rapes and criminal paternity, as well as burglaries and other assaults.  Some forensic biologists may choose to work within a CODIS laboratory where a database of genetic profiles of convicted offenders and casework data is maintained and linked to the National database.                                                                                      

 Whether they are working property crimes or crimes against persons, these individuals offer a vast array of expertise and diligence when it comes to solving crimes.  

The basic educational requirements for a practicing forensic biologist are as follows:

 ● Shall have a minimum of a B.A. /B.S. degree or its equivalent in biology, chemistry or

     forensic science       

 ● Successfully completed college course work covering the subject areas of biochemistry,

    molecular biology as well as course training in statistics and/or population genetics

 ● Shall have a minimum of six months of forensic DNA laboratory experience, including the

    successful analysis of a range of samples typically encountered in forensic DNA analysis

    prior to undertaking independent analysis using DNA technology

 ●  Shall have successfully completed a qualifying test before beginning independent

      forensic DNA analysis (in an accredited laboratory) in compliance with FBI National

     Standards

As a forensic biology trainee, the first two years on the job involves a rigorous training program under the supervision of a qualified examiner