法医科学（forensics）是对历史信息的搜集、整理和检验的过程，一般比较常见于法律中的犯罪案件。从事此职业的通常称作法医。法医的职责是帮死者说话，即通过对死者解剖获取DNA等有效信息并及时提供给相关部门做进一步处理。除此以外，法医科学还可用于天文学、考古学、生物学和地质学等领域的勘探。
法医科学教会我们怎样做到倾听死者说话以及将有关死者的一切与犯罪案件紧密结合，通过生物学、化学等专业知识发掘不为人知的真相。
法医科学历史介绍
法医科学（Forensic Science）来源于拉丁文forēnsis，意思是辩论。据说在古罗马时代，罪犯在陪审团面前递交案件，然后，被告与原告二人就此展开“辩论”，哪一方辩赢了，则获胜。*(1)
就业展望
法医科学专业毕业生除从事法医职业外还可从事于天文学、考古学、生物学和地质学等领域的职业。
法医科技术员（Forensic Science Technicians）：$55,730
侦探与刑事调查员（Detectives and Criminal Investigators）：$77,860*(4)
临床化验师（Clinical Laboratory Technologists）：$58,640
化学家（Chemists）：$76,870
材料科学家（Materials Scientists）：$89,740
生物学家（Biological Scientists）：$76,220*(8)
警察（Police Officer）：$57,770*(9)
注：按美国劳工局的职业标准，化学家、人类学家、物理学家等在这里只是一个泛称，凡具备较高的知识储备——学历经常作为评价标准——专门从事某领域研究活动的人，都可以称为某某家。并非对从事某领域研究并取得辉煌成绩的人的尊称。
典型课程列表
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法医人类科学 |
Forensic Anthropology |
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犯罪现场调查 |
Crime Scene Investigation |
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生物科学概论 |
Concepts of Bioscience |
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人体生理学 |
Human Physiology |
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Molecular Genetics |
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Organic Chemistry |
|
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微积分 |
Calculus |
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Biochemistry |
|
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刑事司法与社区法 |
Criminal Justice and Community Law |
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Criminology |
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Social Psychology |
*(3)
注：课程列表为本科专业课程列表。
选校分析
Forensic science majors study science and criminal justice. They learn how to analyze blood, DNA, and other evidence and to use it in a court of law.
学校是否提供相关实习工作？
实验室设备都是全新的吗？
该专业还提供其他什么课程？*(11)
提供该专业的美国大学有——
阿肯色州立大学Arkansas State University
贝勒大学Baylor University
东肯塔基大学Eastern Kentucky University
路易斯大学Lewis University
新奥尔良洛约拉大学Loyola University New Orleans
曼斯菲尔德大学Mansfield University*(3)
心理准备
Are You Ready To...?
Stay on top of cutting-edge technology
Use science to study physical evidence, such as blood
Spend long hours in the lab
Possibly choose a specialization -- most likely forensic chemistry or forensic biology
Take as many science courses as a premed student*(2)
学生评价
An ace in the lab, a keen observer, and a real sleuth. You also need to be good at math and writing and pay close attention to details.
An easy major/profession? Not a chance. But rest assured that the work you do will be invaluable and possibly very lucrative.*(2)
参考资料
(1) Forensic science Wikipedia
(2) Major: Forensic Science College Board
(3) Major: Forensic Science The Princeton Review
(3) Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2012 19-4092 Forensic Science Technicians U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
(4) Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2012 33-3021 Detectives and Criminal Investigators U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
(5) Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2012 29-2011 Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
(6) Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2012 19-2031 Chemists U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
(7) Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2012 19-2032 Materials Scientists U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
(8) Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2012 19-1029 Biological Scientists, All Other U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
(9) Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2012 33-3051 Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics