One of the fields that has been rising recently in our country and offering attractive career opportunities is Forensic Sciences. The increase in crime rates and the need to combat crime are increasing the demand for Forensic Science Experts. Üsküdar University Vice-Rector, Director of the Institute of Addiction and Forensic Sciences Prof. Dr. Sevil Atasoy, informed students about the field of Forensic Sciences and career opportunities during the university preference period. Atasoy said, "For those who want to play an effective role in combating crime and contribute to the justice system, Forensic Sciences and Autopsy Assistant training offer attractive career options."
Atasoy stated that when crime rates increase, forensic sciences are used more in solving crime incidents, evidence analysis, and combating crime. "The knowledge and skills of forensic science experts are of great importance in combating crimes and identifying criminals. Forensic sciences contribute to the resolution of crimes. Thanks to these sciences, it becomes possible to correctly collect, analyze, and present evidence to judicial processes. Methods such as DNA analysis, fingerprint identification, ballistic examinations, and digital forensic science techniques play an important role in shedding light on crime incidents and identifying criminals." he said.
Prof. Dr. Sevil Atasoy stated that students in the field of Forensic Sciences and Autopsy Assistance gain theoretical knowledge and practical skills in subjects such as crime scene investigation, fingerprint analysis, chemical analyses, firearm examinations, and forensic medicine. She added that the department also provides students with the opportunity to work in forensic laboratories and practice intervening in crime incidents. Atasoy said, "In this way, students gain experience in environments similar to real-life scenarios, developing their qualifications to effectively work in Forensic Sciences. The quality of education offered at Üsküdar University is in a good position in Turkey and on international platforms. The education and internship opportunities provided to students help graduates be well-equipped to compete in the labor market." Atasoy noted that this year, two of the 4th-year Forensic Sciences students were accepted for a 2-week internship at the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Crime Laboratory, and last summer, four of our forensic science students interned at the same place. Graduating student Sena Deniz in 2022 was accepted for a master's program in 'Cognitive Forensic Sciences' at Sapienza University in Rome, Italy. Moreover, our doctoral student İnci Yağmur Tezbasan was selected as the member of the month by the International Association of Forensic Nurses, headquartered in the USA," emphasizing the students' international successes.
Forensic sciences in combating crime
Prof. Dr. Sevil Atasoy noted that forensic sciences offer techniques and methods for solving crimes and identifying criminals. "The data and analyses obtained through these sciences can also be used in determining society's crime-fighting strategies and punishment policies. Since the department is based on the principle of shedding light on crime to ensure justice, it requires the use of scientific branches we call 'Criminalistics' to clarify crimes." Atasoy also listed the courses taught in the department: "Our courses are vocational. Our students take Forensic Physics, Forensic Chemistry, Forensic Biology courses. They are also trained to use many science courses such as mathematics, statistics, and informatics for forensic purposes. While learning to clarify the question of 'was a person pushed or did they fall?' in a high-fall case using physics laws, they also learn to perform DNA analysis from a single hair strand obtained from a crime scene and identify the person using biological knowledge. Forensic Sciences also use its social branches to prevent crime. For this reason, our students also learn the social aspect of Forensic Sciences through Criminology-Victimology courses."
They learn the field of forensic sciences 360 degrees…
Forensic Sciences students also take law courses to be able to evaluate files from courts and public prosecutors' offices and to speak the same language as the judicial bodies of the justice system, as they will serve as expert witnesses after graduation. In this way, students receive an education that allows them to learn the field of Forensic Sciences 360 degrees, earning the title of "Forensic Scientist".
"We have a criminal laboratory"
Atasoy pointed out that every science course in the department includes practical training. "The knowledge learned in the theoretical lesson is then taught to the student through practical application in the laboratory. Forensic Sciences performs analyses in many areas such as physical, biological, and chemical examinations to shed light on crimes. Therefore, it is important to have the latest systems of the infrastructure possessed by all Criminal Laboratories in Turkey and to provide students with the opportunity to perform all kinds of analyses with this infrastructure. Our students are trained to master the equipment and techniques that will be used in the cases they will encounter when they start their profession. In Turkey, Üsküdar University is the first university to start undergraduate education in forensic sciences under my leadership. We are still the most experienced university in this field. We hold an important position in Turkey regarding Forensic Sciences and Autopsy Assistant education. Üsküdar University opened the Forensic Sciences program within the Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences and the Autopsy Assistant program within the Vocational School of Health Services." she said.
"We are training crime scene investigators"
Atasoy stated that "crime scene investigators" working to collect evidence for incidents in our country are part of the police or gendarmerie. "When our students want to pursue a career in crime scene investigation, they are practically trained in indoor and outdoor simulation crime scenes to recognize and collect all kinds of evidence, package it, and deliver it to the criminal laboratory in due form." she said.
Prof. Dr. Sevil Atasoy said that advancements in technology and innovations in forensic sciences have made young people interested in this field. "The forensic sciences department is an interdisciplinary field that contributes to the resolution of crimes and judicial processes. Here, students progress towards becoming Forensic Scientists, gaining skills in examining crime scenes, analyzing evidence, and collaborating with judicial authorities in legal processes. Graduates of the forensic sciences department have job opportunities in various institutions such as gendarmerie, police departments, forensic medicine centers, private forensic science laboratories, law firms, and government agencies. At the same time, opportunities for academic careers and research are also available." she said.
"TV series reflected the excitement of forensic sciences"
Atasoy pointed out that TV series like CSI (Crime Scene Investigation) reached a large audience by depicting the work of forensic science experts and investigation processes. "These series showed viewers how forensic sciences work, how evidence is analyzed, and how crime is solved, emphasizing that forensic sciences are a complex and exciting field. The influence of these series increased young people's interest in forensic sciences. The characters in the series captured the attention of young people by showcasing the knowledge and skills of forensic science experts in challenging investigation processes. The series contributed to the increase in the number of young people who want to pursue a career in forensic sciences." she said.
Correct education is important for a realistic perspective…
Atasoy stated that TV series often contain some surreal elements for the purpose of being dramatic and entertaining. "It is important for young people to be guided towards correct education and information sources to develop a realistic perspective in the field of forensic sciences. Educational institutions and forensic science experts can provide young people with accurate information, thereby rooting their interest in this field on more solid ground." she said.
"Forensic science has also become digital"
Prof. Dr. Sevil Atasoy stated that digitalization and artificial intelligence technologies are used in evidence analysis and crime detection, listing the technologies used in forensic sciences as follows:
"When analyzing evidence collected at the crime scene or in the digital environment, technologies such as facial recognition, voice analysis, and surveillance systems facilitate the detection of criminals and can be used for crime prevention. In the process of analyzing and interpreting the large amount of data collected in forensic sciences, artificial intelligence processes large data sets quickly and effectively, providing important clues. Artificial intelligence is also utilized in the analysis and verification of digital evidence. As crime incidents increasingly occur on digital platforms, evidence obtained from computers, mobile phones, social media accounts, and other digital devices is of great importance in forensic investigations. Artificial intelligence algorithms can quickly detect specific patterns and behaviors. Crime prevention and forensic investigation processes can proceed faster, and decisions can be made. In forensic medicine, artificial intelligence is used in areas such as evaluating autopsy reports, toxicology analyses, and pathology examinations. Artificial intelligence can help doctors make more accurate diagnoses and determine causes of death."