Question 1

What does forensic mean, and why is it important to learn about?

Accepted Answer

Forensic means the use of science or scientific methods to detect and solve crimes. As science continually advances, forensic science approaches become more and more important to understanding and using evidence such as DNA, blood, or ballistics in court. The use of forensic evidence offers the potential to improve outcomes in our criminal justice system, but only if it is properly interpreted.

The biology, chemistry, and physics used to analyze the evidence left by blood and bullets aren’t the only types of science or scientific approaches relevant to forensics. Osteoarchaeology, a branch of anthropology, is used to analyze skeletal evidence from crimes that occurred a long time ago. Computer science is critical for monitoring and combating steadily-growing cybersecurity risks. And forensic accounting has long been important for financial fraud investigations as well as “following the money” used to commit other types of crimes.

Question 2

What kinds of careers can I have with a background in forensics?

Accepted Answer

Forensics, broadly defined, can apply to any number of career paths that deal with crime. From forensic accountants who trace financial fraud to IT security analysts focused on detecting cyber attacks, today’s criminal justice system as well as businesses are increasingly dependent on all types of forensic science.

Perhaps the most familiar career in this field is that of a forensic science technician, who is responsible for collecting and analyzing evidence from crime scenes in the laboratory. From weapons to fingerprints to bodily fluids, analysis of forensic evidence by these experts can play an invaluable front-line role in criminal investigations. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, forensic science technicians earned a median annual salary of $59,150 in 2019, and typically have at least a bachelor’s degree in a natural science such as chemistry or biology.

Question 3

Can I learn about forensics by taking online courses on Coursera?

Accepted Answer

Certainly. Coursera offers courses to build your background in forensic evidence across a range of disciplines, including biology, anthropology, and cybersecurity, as well as in the proper application of this evidence in the criminal justice system. You can learn remotely from top-ranked institutions from around the world, including Princeton University, West Virginia University, McMaster University, University of Lausanne, and Nanyang Technological University. And, if protecting against cyber attacks is your focus, you can get a Cybersecurity Analyst Professional Certificate from IBM by completing a Specialization spanning multiple courses.

Question 4

What skills or experience do I need to already have, before starting to learn forensics?

Accepted Answer

A background in biology, chemistry, anatomy, or computer science can be beneficial before you start to learn forensics. Forensic courses typically cover topics like DNA, chemical analysis, and insect behavior. With fundamental knowledge like vocabulary, you may feel better prepared for beginning your studies. You may find that building your computer science or accounting skills before tackling topics like forensic accounting, digital forensics, or cybersecurity is helpful too.

Question 5

What kind of people are best suited for roles in forensics?

Accepted Answer

People who are passionate about science and able to handle gory details and unpleasant situations are well suited for roles in forensics. Forensic science usually involves serious crimes that resulted in the death of a person or animal, and the details can be uncomfortable to learn about. People well suited for forensic roles typically have strong analytical skills, are detail-oriented workers who like connecting dots, and are able to keep accurate records that are likely to be used in court. Individuals with a strong sense of ethics and good communication skills also tend to work well in the field of forensics.

Question 6

What are common career paths for someone in forensics?

Accepted Answer

Common career paths for someone in forensics include crime scene analysis, crime lab technicians, forensic investigation, forensic accounting, and document examination. Someone with strong problem-solving skills may want to work in the field looking for and analyzing evidence at a crime scene. Others may prefer working in a laboratory where they analyze fingerprints and process blood and DNA found on evidence. Individuals who are willing to earn an advanced degree may choose to study fields like forensic psychology, engineering, and odontology.

Question 7

What topics can I study that are related to forensics?

Accepted Answer

If you’re interested in forensics, other topics you may want to study include hard sciences like biology, anatomy, and chemistry. You also may choose to learn more about psychology, criminal justice, or anthropology to build your knowledge of how people behave and interact with others. Courses in law enforcement and law may also interest you if you want to learn practical applications for forensic science.

Question 8

What are the benefits of taking an online Forensic course?

Accepted Answer

Online Forensic courses offer a convenient and flexible way to enhance your knowledge or learn new Forensic skills. Choose from a wide range of Forensic courses offered by top universities and industry leaders tailored to various skill levels.

Question 9

What Forensic courses are best for training and upskilling employees or the workforce?

Accepted Answer

When looking to enhance your workforce's skills in Forensic, it's crucial to select a course that aligns with their current abilities and learning objectives. Our Skills Dashboard is an invaluable tool for identifying skill gaps and choosing the most appropriate course for effective upskilling. For a comprehensive understanding of how our courses can benefit your employees, explore the enterprise solutions we offer. Discover more about our tailored programs at Coursera for Business here.

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Explore the Forensic Course Catalog

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Operational Research for Humanitarians

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Hacking COVID-19 — Course 5: Tracing SARS-CoV-2's Evolution

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Advanced Threat Hunting and Incident Response

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Deploy and Test a Visual Inspection AI Cosmetic Anomaly Detection Solution

Create a Cosmetic Anomaly Detection Model using Visual Inspection AI

Foundations of Human Anatomy and Physiology

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Frequently Asked Questions about Forensic

What does forensic mean, and why is it important to learn about?‎

What kinds of careers can I have with a background in forensics?‎

Can I learn about forensics by taking online courses on Coursera?‎

What skills or experience do I need to already have, before starting to learn forensics?‎

What kind of people are best suited for roles in forensics?‎

What are common career paths for someone in forensics?‎

What topics can I study that are related to forensics?‎

What are the benefits of taking an online Forensic course?‎

What Forensic courses are best for training and upskilling employees or the workforce?‎

Other topics to explore