The Department of Chemistry, St. Agnes College (Autonomous), Mangalore, organized a guest lecture on 2nd Decemnber 2025, on the topic “Significance and Career Opportunities in Forensic Science” as part of the launch of the Value Added Course in Forensic Science. The resource person for the programme was Dr. Saritha Dsouza, Associate Professor and Head of the Department of MSc Criminology and Forensic Science, School of Social Work, Roshni Nilaya. The event was held under the guidance of Mrs. Helen Serrao, HOD of Chemistry. Dr. Saritha introduced forensic science as the application of natural science for crime investigation and legal justice. She explained how concepts from chemistry, biology, and physics are used to analyze evidence using tools such as DNA fingerprinting, chromatography and mass spectrometry in solving cases. She also introduced the major branches of forensic science including Forensic Psychology, Forensic Entomology, Forensic Toxicology, Fingerprint Analysis, and Odontology.
The resource person emphasized the significance of forensic science in crime-solving, supporting the legal system, ensuring unbiased evidence, preventing crime, and assisting in areas such as disaster victim identification, cyber security, counter-terrorism, environmental issues, and public safety. Dr. Saritha highlighted the wide career scope available in the field. Forensic professionals may work in Forensic Science Laboratories, Police Departments, Central Agencies such as IB, CBI, NCRB, and also in private investigation firms, media, research, corporate sectors, and entrepreneurship. Possible job roles include Forensic Science Technician, Criminalist, Scene of Crime Officer (SOCO), Document Analyst, Senior/Junior Scientist, and others. The guest lecture offered valuable insights into the nature of forensic science and its growing importance in society. It also provided students with awareness of the diverse professional pathways available in the field. The session successfully fulfilled its objective and served as the ideal launch to the Value Added Course in Forensic Science.
Total no of students attended: 29
