Forensic methods
Branches of forensic science: 12 disciplines explained
Forensic science is a family of disciplines, each matched to a kind of evidence. Here are the twelve main branches, what each one examines and the questions it answers.
Forensic Science Pakistan2 min read
Forensic science applies scientific methods to questions a court needs answered. Because evidence comes in very different forms, from bloodstains to phone data, the field is divided into branches, each with its own methods and specialists. The American Academy of Forensic Sciences groups the field into 11 sections, and the US standards programme coordinated by NIST covers 22 disciplines. The twelve below are the ones most often found in a forensic laboratory.
1. Forensic genetics (DNA and serology)
Identifies people from blood, saliva, semen, hair and touch traces, and establishes family relationships. See forensic genetics for the full laboratory process.
2. Fingerprints
Develops and compares friction-ridge marks left on surfaces. Our guide to the types of fingerprints explains loops, whorls and arches.
3. Crime scene investigation
Documents the scene with notes, photographs and sketches, and recovers evidence without contaminating it, starting the chain of custody.
4. Bloodstain pattern analysis
Reads the size, shape and distribution of bloodstains to reconstruct movements and the sequence of events.
5. Forensic toxicology
Detects and measures drugs, alcohol and poisons in blood, urine and tissue, and judges whether they contributed to death or impairment.
6. Firearms and toolmarks
Links bullets and cartridge cases to the weapon that fired them, and tool marks to the tool that made them.
7. Questioned documents
Examines handwriting, signatures, inks, paper and printing to establish authorship and detect alteration or forgery.
8. Digital forensics
Recovers and examines data from phones, computers, storage media and online accounts, preserving it so it can be verified.
9. Audio and video analysis
Enhances, authenticates and interprets recordings, including speaker comparison and detecting edits.
10. Forensic pathology
Determines the cause and manner of death through autopsy, carried out by medically qualified pathologists.
11. Forensic anthropology and odontology
Identifies skeletal remains and teeth, estimating age, sex and stature, and recognising trauma. It often works with DNA laboratories on degraded remains, the same problems studied in ancient DNA.
12. Forensic entomology
Uses the insects found on remains, and their stage of development, to estimate how long ago death occurred.
How the branches work together
A single case can involve several branches: a crime scene unit recovers a weapon, the fingerprint section develops marks on it, the DNA section profiles touch traces, and the firearms section links it to cartridge cases. In Pakistan, the Punjab Forensic Science Authority brings around 14 of these departments under one roof in Lahore.
Which branch should you study?
If you enjoy molecular biology, forensic genetics has the strongest demand; chemistry graduates suit toxicology and trace evidence; computing graduates suit digital forensics. Our guides to BS forensic science in Pakistan and the scope of forensic science in Pakistan cover degrees and jobs.
