Miss KanishkaWhen a biological stain is recovered from a crime scene, the investigation does not immediately begin with DNA profiling. Forensic scientists may first need to identify what type of biological element is present. Blood? Semen? Saliva? Mucus? Another biological material? This is where the fields of forensic serology and forensic biology come in, since both are relevant to biological evidence. However, there is a clear difference between the two, and understanding this distinction can be incredibly useful for students of an M.Sc. Forensic Science with Forensic Biology, Serology and DNA.
What Is Forensic Serology?
Forensic serology focuses mainly on the identification and examination of biological fluids and stains that may be relevant to a criminal investigation. Among the common evidence types are blood, semen and saliva, since laboratory tests can be performed to screen or identify these fluids. For instance, forensic serology can involve tests associated with haemoglobin in blood, seminal fluid markers and enzymes such as α-amylase in saliva.
The purpose is not necessarily to identify a particular person, since serology’s purpose instead can be to answer an earlier question, what biological material is present in the evidence? That information can then help subsequent forensic examinations, including DNA analysis.
What Is Forensic Biology?
Forensic biology covers a much larger spectrum of biological evidence than serology does. In general, it concerns the application of biological knowledge and laboratory techniques to evidence collected during criminal investigations.
Biological evidence can include blood, saliva, semen, hair, skin cells, urine and other biological materials. Such evidence can contain DNA that can potentially be analysed to create a DNA profile. As such, forensic biology can include the examination of biological evidence from its collection and identification up through laboratory analysis and interpretation.
It can cover topics such as:
- Biological fluid examination
- Hair and fibre examination
- DNA analysis
- Human biological material
- Forensic botany
- Biological evidence collection and interpretation
The subjects can vary, depending on the M.Sc. programme.
Forensic Biology and Serology, How Are They Related?
Serology and forensic biology, in particular, the relationship between them can best be described as differing scopes and areas of specialisation. Serology, as a specialty, concerns biological stains and fluids, whereas forensic biology encompasses a wider scope of evidence and application.
Take, for example, a biological stain, which may require initial assessment before understanding what type of biological fluid it is. The next stage can be the laboratory analysis of the sample to see if it can yield viable DNA results. Thus, serological examination and DNA analysis can be successive steps to examine biological evidence.
Forensic DNA and Serology, What Is the Difference?
Forensic DNA and serology are related, but answer different questions. Whereas, serology can help identify the potential type of biological fluid, DNA analysis can help identify an individual in the event that viable DNA can be extracted. The difference is critical, because the presence of a biological fluid or tissue does not guarantee the ability to extract useful DNA for analysis. A number of factors can come into play, including the state of preservation of the evidence and samples of biological interest.
A postgraduate student, looking to specialise in forensic science can have the following areas of study on their curriculum: blood and bloodstains, seminal fluid stains, saliva, urine, hair and fibres, among others. A masters in Forensic Science can also include modules on forensic biology and chemistry, toxicology, and crime scene investigation, among others. Specialisation in forensic biology and serology is important for students who want to understand the complete spectrum of forensic biology from crime scene evidence collection, investigation and analysis, and laboratory examination.
Why Study M.Sc. Forensic Science With Forensic Biology, Serology and DNA?
The MSc Forensic Science offers postgraduate studies in forensic medicine and various other disciplines for aspiring forensics professionals. It focuses on a wide range of biological evidence, including blood and other body fluids and tissues, which can yield valuable DNA for analysis. It is a two-year program, which spans four semesters although the exact division varies between universities.
An M.Sc in Forensic Science is suitable for students, interested in a forensic career, spanning laboratory investigation, and research, and academia. Studying forensic biology, serology and DNA opens the door to understanding the intricacies of biological evidence in more detail and is ideal for students, interested in biological evidence, the importance of laboratories in forensic biology, and DNA and its applications in forensic science.
How Can You Pursue M.Sc. Forensic Science?
Each university has its own eligibility criteria for its M.Sc Forensic Science program, but most look for a B.Sc Forensic Science, or a science graduation with at least 50% aggregate marks, as a minimum requirement for first semester registration. Some universities also list final semester students as eligible candidates.
To apply for the course, one can consider AIFSET 2027, which positions itself as a national-level common entrance examination for forensic science courses offered by affiliated national universities.
AIFSET 2027, the all India Forensic Science Entrance Test, describes itself as a national-level common entrance examination for forensic science courses offered by affiliated national universities. Candidates must consult their desired university for eligibility and selection guidelines.
Add comment