The DNA Project hosted its first ever live Q & A event via our Facebook page on the 19th of March 2014 with fellow DNA awareness trainer and Human Identification Specialist David Swanepoel regarding the topic of forensic DNA analysis.
The following is a full write-up of all questions that were asked by the various participants during the hour-long online event:
Q: DNA and Forensics is a very exciting area to be in. What are the qualifications required to get involved in:
1. DNA testing?
2. Crime Scene Investigation?
It certainly is an exciting field and is growing in leaps and bounds.
1. For DNA testing, it will be necessary to have some molecular biology experience – this could be a degree in molecular biology, or forensic science specifically. I will post further on the courses available in South Africa.
2. For crime scene investigations, it is recommended that you have some qualification in the area of crime scene analysis that you will be working in, i.e. if you are going to collect DNA at the scene, you should have some molecular biology knowledge, if you are working with chemicals/clandestine labs – some knowledge in chemistry would be advantageous. The SAPS has on the job training for crime scene personnel.