How Does Chemistry Relate to Forensic Science?

Chemistry and forensic science are intertwined scientific disciplines. Forensic chemists analyze evidence from crime scenes and arrive at conclusions based on evidence found at crime scenes. They identify the quality of crime scene evidence. The analyzed evidence is then later worked into the overall larger forensic process of solving a crime. Forensic chemists primarily handle only the evidence collected from the crime scene while forensic applications are centered on total investigation of a criminal case.

Forensic Chemists' Job

A forensic chemist integrates tools from disciplines such as chemistry, biology, materials science and genetics to analyze and probe crime scene evidence. Chemistry demands that important DNA analysis must be performed on gathered evidence. The chemist analyzes DNA evidence genetically to identify suspects who have committed crimes and left evidences of their presence at crime scenes. Evidence often examined includes hair samples, paint chips, glass fragments or blood stains.

Court Jurors Rely on Impartial Forensic Chemists' Findings

The findings of a forensic chemist must be defendable, since the evidence places the chemist in the public arena where there is public exposure to media questioning. The evidence is thoroughly scrutinized and must be impartial information that is sometimes used to assist jurors during their deliberations in criminal cases.

Toxicology Applications in Forensic Chemist's Job

A combination of criminalistics and analytical toxicology are used by forensic chemists to arrive at conclusions. Examination is performed with the use of microscopy and spot testing. This method is merged with analytical toxicology that uses instruments to examine body fluids for evidence. Forensic chemists also use mass spectrometry analysis, which provides extremely strong toxicology evidence that is used in court proceedings.

Training for Forensic Chemists

• A strong background in chemistry and instrumental analysis.


• Extensive understanding of criminalistics is vital.


• Must possess undergraduate and graduate degrees in forensic science.


• Pursue courses in geology, soil chemistry and materials science in order to work with trace evidence including glass, hair and paper.


• Forensic biology and DNA analysis requires forensic chemists to choose microbiology, genetics and biochemistry courses.


• Forensic chemists should pursue physiology, biochemistry and chemistry courses in order to perform toxicology analysis.