98
solving crimes with physics
The American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS) maintains
a website with a detailed list of U.S. universities and colleges that
offer training in forensic sciences. The website also contains other
useful information for the prospective forensic scientist.
Some forensic engineers are greatly respected in forensic science, and
so are called to be expert witnesses in court cases. In addition, some fo-
rensic engineers find work consulting for law firms or insurance companies
investigating insurance claims or lawsuits.
Forensic Physicist
The path to becoming any sort of forensic expert requires a college educa-
tion and usually a large amount of on-the-job training. A handful of colleges
in the United States provide forensic training at present, but the number is
expected to increase as the field grows in popularity. The specific training
of a forensic physics expert is heavy in mathematics and science because
many of the formulas necessary for an understanding of physics require
complicated calculations. Having a solid math background is important for
a person interested in forensic physics as a career.
College Coursework
For any career in forensic science, a well-rounded four-year college cur-
riculum from an accredited school is recommended. Most of these colleges
offer degrees in the sciences that give a broad overview of the three major
