Üsküdar University Vice Rector, Director of Addiction and Forensic Sciences Institute Prof. Dr. Sevil Atasoy told the students about the field of forensic sciences and career opportunities during the university selection period. Forensic sciences is one of the fields that have been rising recently and offering attractive career opportunities in Turkey. Increasing crime rates and the need to fight crime increase the demand for forensic science experts. Atasoy said, “For those who want to play an active role in the fight against crime and contribute to the justice system, Forensic Sciences and Assistant Autopsy education offers attractive career options.” said.
Expressing that when crime rates increase, forensic sciences are used more in solving crime cases, analyzing evidence and fighting crime, Atasoy said, “The knowledge and skills of forensic scientists are of great importance in the fight against crimes and in the detection of criminals. Forensic science contributes to solving crimes. Thanks to these sciences, it is possible to collect and analyze the evidence correctly and present it to the judicial processes. Methods such as DNA analysis, fingerprint detection, ballistic investigations and digital forensic techniques play an important role in illuminating crime events and identifying criminals.” he said.
Stating that in the field of Forensic Sciences and Autopsy Assistant, students gain theoretical knowledge and practical skills in subjects such as crime scene investigation, fingerprint analysis, chemical analysis, firearm investigations, and forensic medicine. Dr. Sevil Atasoy said that the department also provides students with the opportunity to practice working in forensic laboratories and intervening in criminal events.
Atasoy said, “In this way, students develop their equipment to take an active role in Forensic Sciences by gaining experience in environments similar to real-life scenarios. Üsküdar University is in a good position in terms of the quality of education offered in Türkiye and international platforms. The training and internship opportunities provided to students help graduates to be equipped to compete in the labor market.” said. Noting that two of the Forensic Sciences 4th year students were accepted for a 2-week internship at Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Crime Laboratory this year, Atasoy said, last summer, 4 of our forensic science students did their internship at the same place. 2022 graduate student Sena Deniz has been accepted for her master's degree from the 'Cognitive Forensic Sciences' program of Sapienza University in Rome, Italy. On the other hand, 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.” He emphasized the international achievements of the students.
Forensic science in the fight against crime
Noting that forensic sciences offer techniques and methods for solving crimes and identifying criminals, Prof. Dr. Sevil Atasoy said, “The data and analyzes obtained with these sciences can also be used in determining the society's strategies for combating crimes and punishment policies. Since the chapter is based on the enlightenment of the crime in order to ensure justice, it requires the use of the branches of science that we call “criminalistic” to enlighten the crime.” used his statements.
Atasoy listed the courses taught in the department as follows:
“Our courses are professional. Our students take Forensic Physics, Forensic Chemistry and Forensic Biology courses. It is also trained to use many science courses such as mathematics, statistics and informatics for forensic purposes. In the case of a fall from height using the laws of physics, was a person 'pushed or fallen'? While learning to illuminate the question, he makes a DNA analysis of a person from a single hair grain obtained from the crime scene and learns who this person is by using his knowledge of biology. Forensic Sciences also uses its social branches to prevent crime. For this reason, our students also learn the social side of Forensic Sciences with Criminology-Victimology courses.”
They learn the field of forensic science 360 degrees
Forensic Science students also take law courses in order to evaluate the files coming from courts and prosecutors' offices and to speak the same language with the judicial organs of the justice system, as they will be experts after graduation. In this way, students gain the title of "Forensic Scientist" by receiving a 360 degree education in the field of Forensic Sciences.
“We have a criminal laboratory”
Pointing out that every science lesson in the department also has practical training, Atasoy said, “Firstly, the knowledge learned in the theoretical lesson is taught in the laboratory by making the students practice. Forensic Sciences analyzes many areas such as physical, biological and chemical investigations to illuminate the crime. For this reason, it is important to have the latest systems of the infrastructure of all Criminal Laboratories in Turkey and to give students the opportunity to make all kinds of analysis with this infrastructure. Our students are trained to master the equipment and technique to be used in the cases they will encounter when they start their profession. Üsküdar University is the first university in Turkey to start forensic science undergraduate education under my leadership. We are still the most experienced university in this field. We are in an important position in Forensic Sciences and Autopsy Assistant training in Turkey. We opened the Forensic Sciences program within Üsküdar University, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, and Autopsy Assistant program within SHMYO.” said.
“We train crime scene investigators”
Stating that the "crime scene investigators" who work to collect evidence for events in our country are within the body of the police or gendarmerie, Atasoy said, "When our students want to continue their career in crime scene investigation, they will be able to recognize and collect all kinds of evidence, package it and deliver it to the criminal laboratory in a proper manner. and they are trained practically at outdoor simulation crime scenes.” he said.
Stating that the progress in technology and innovations in forensic sciences make young people interested in this field, Prof. Dr. Sevil Atasoy said, “The department of forensic sciences is an interdisciplinary field that contributes to the resolution of crimes and judicial processes. Here, students progress towards becoming Forensic Science Specialists, gaining the skills to investigate criminal events, analyze evidence and cooperate with judicial authorities in legal processes. Graduates of forensic sciences have job opportunities in various institutions such as gendarmerie, police departments, forensic medicine centers, private forensic science laboratories, law firms and government institutions. There are also opportunities for academic careers and research.” he said.
“The series reflected the excitement of forensic science”
Pointing out that TV series such as CSI (Crime Scene Investigation) reached a large audience by describing the work and investigation processes of forensic scientists, Atasoy continued his statement as follows:
“These series highlighted the complex and exciting field of forensic science by showing viewers how forensic science works, how evidence is analyzed and crime is solved. Young people's interest in forensic sciences increased with the effect of these TV series. The characters of the series attracted the attention of young people by demonstrating the knowledge and skills of forensic scientists in the difficult investigation processes. The series contributed to the increase in the number of young people who want to pursue a career in forensic science.”
The right education is important for a realistic perspective.
Expressing that TV series usually contain some surreal elements in order to be dramatic and entertaining, Atasoy said, “It is important for young people to be directed to the right education and information resources so that they can develop a realistic perspective in the field of forensic science. Educational institutions and forensic science experts can put the interest in this field on a more solid basis by providing the right information to young people.” said.
“Forensic science has also become digital”
Stating that digitalization and artificial intelligence technologies are used in evidence analysis and crime detection, Prof. Dr. Sevil Atasoy listed the technologies used in forensic sciences as follows:
“When analyzing evidence collected at the crime scene or digitally, technologies such as facial recognition, voice analysis and monitoring 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 to reach important clues. Artificial intelligence is also used in the analysis and accuracy of digital evidence. Evidence obtained through computers, mobile phones, social media accounts and other digital devices is of great importance in forensic investigations, as crime events take place on more and more digital platforms. AI algorithms can quickly detect specific patterns and behaviors. Crime prevention and forensic investigation processes can progress more quickly and decisions can be made. In forensic medicine, artificial intelligence is used in areas such as evaluation of autopsy reports, toxicology analyzes and pathology examinations. Artificial intelligence can help doctors diagnose more accurately and determine causes of death.”