Forensic Science or Chemistry as a degree?

Hey Guys!

I'm a little puzzled on what to choose as a degree.

I'm thinking (now) forensic science, of which I have been interested in ever since I was a child, but what about Chemistry?
Do you guys know anything about what it's like to study forensic science at uni? Also the same for chemistry, please..

Thank you! :biggrin:

Reply 1

username1494226

Speaking honestly, pick Chemistry. I had the same dream once a long time ago but then I realised that it was unlikely to happen due to the whole oversupply of graduates and undergrads getting into it. With Chemistry you have more broad appeal and you can then specialise off of that

Reply 2

jake.surfer

Original post by marco14196

Thank you! So, when you say "and you can then specialise off of that", do you mean do my degree in chemistry and then specialise in Forensic Chemistry or similar later? :smile:

Reply 3

Juichiro

Do chemistry. Forensic science is oversuscribed won't get you anywhere (unless you have contacts and tons of luck).

Reply 4

FecalTerrorist

Original post by jake.surfer

Bachelors should always be broad, definitely chemistry. Most forensic workers had degrees in chemistry/biochemistry/Applied biology. This also ensures you have a broader scope in terms of career options.

Edit: yes you can do forensics as a master later

(edited 8 years ago)

Reply 5

FecalTerrorist

in fact, I don't think you need a degree that states "forensics" to actually work in forensics! it just has to be relevant.

Reply 6

jake.surfer

Original post by FecalTerrorist

in fact, I don't think you need a degree that states "forensics" to actually work in forensics! it just has to be relevant.

Thank you!

Also, my chemistry teacher says that I should study chemistry as forensic science uses most, if not all of the same techniques as A-Level chemistry, anyway. :biggrin:

Reply 7

FecalTerrorist

Original post by jake.surfer

Thank you!

Also, my chemistry teacher says that I should study chemistry as forensic science uses most, if not all of the same techniques as A-Level chemistry, anyway. :biggrin:

yeah mass spectroscopy, electrophoresis and all that jazz, it was part of one of my applied biology programs that I wanted to apply for. Wise man! good luck!

(edited 8 years ago)

Reply 8

scrawlx101

@FecalTerrorist @jake.surfer @Juichiro @marco14196

sorry to steal the thunder but:

should i do english literature and psychology as a joint honours or focus on one of them as a single honours?

Which is better for career prospects? I enjoy both but the thing is I'm better at english however my dad/mum are worried that if i go to uni and dont like one subject or another I'll do bad...my parents(dad especially is so annoying...legit I spent 10 mins arguing about joint honours and single honours he said ucas makes people choose three subjects before finally picking the unis...)

Reply 9

jake.surfer

Original post by FecalTerrorist

yeah mass spectroscopy, electrophoresis and all that jazz, it was part of one of my applied biology programs that I wanted to apply for. Wise man! good luck!

Thank you! :biggrin:

Reply 10

FecalTerrorist

Original post by scrawlx101

@FecalTerrorist @jake.surfer @Juichiro @marco14196

hmmm I think when it comes to humanities the uni you got to (especially english lit) matters more then for STEM.which UNI are you looking at? I would say you go for psychology..Too many english grads and a professional psychologist is a solid career

Sorry I really don't know much about the humanities..I suck at english.

You should post this in the uni or humanities subjects section as a seperate thread

(edited 8 years ago)

Reply 11

jake.surfer

Original post by scrawlx101

My Dad is exactly the same!
Anyway, back to the point: I would go around different university websites and also contact their admissions offices and ask around/research what the courses are about and also what you'll cover. They usually have the modules you'll cover listed on the course information page.

If your college has like a careers person you can go to for advice, ask them what they would advise. Although my parents want me to do well at university, they have also said the same thing: "if you don't like the course, you'll do bad". Generally, if you don't like the course, you'll drop it and transfer onto a different one. It's not that big of a deal.. Loads of students do it! Also, it's not really your parents' decision to make - it's your future, not theirs.

I wish you the best of luck in the future! :biggrin:

Reply 12

jake.surfer

Also, what UNI are you hoping to study at?

Reply 13

username1494226

Original post by scrawlx101

I personally don't know because Im diving into the sciences. My only recommendation and this applies to everyone is to line up a backup route if it all goes wrong.

Reply 14

cuckoo99

Just finished my first year chemistry at Reading, I suggest you do chemistry as you should be able to do optional modules in forensics(uni specific). Also a masters in a forensics topic is also do able after your bsc in chem. Chemistry however is a tough degree and will require a decent level of focus throughout the year, unless ur like me and leave it all to the month before exams XD trust me you don't want to do that, I basically lived In the library for a month :frown:

but got a 2.1 out of it so result xd where was you thinking of studying chemistry ?

Reply 15

jake.surfer

Congratulations with your degree! A 2:1 is fantastic! :-)
I'm thinking of (I've changed my options AGAIN!!!) University of East Anglia, Reading (like yourself), South Wales and Sheffield Hallam. I have no idea what to go for - what was Reading like??