Forensic biologists examine blood and other bodily fluids, hair, bones, insects, plant and animal remains to help identify victims and support criminal investigations. Using leading-edge technology in the lab and in the field, forensic biologists collect and analyze biological evidence found on clothing, weapons and other surfaces to determine the time and cause of death. Detailed logs are kept and written reports prepared. Attention to detail is critical, because a single mistake can cause the evidence to be thrown out of court. Senior-level forensic biologists may testify in court about their findings.In addition to biology, forensic biologists may become experts in:

• DNA analysis
• Forensic anthropology
• Forensic pathology
• Forensic entomology
• Forensic botany
• Biological chemistry

In addition to helping solve crimes, forensic biologists may investigate environmental contamination or other public health threats. Working so closely with biological material (including every sort of fluid found in the human body) can be messy, smelly and generally unpleasant. Field work is particularly dirty work. At crime scenes, forensic biologists collect leaves, insects and other biological material and examine the victim's clothing and remains (which may be in an advanced state of decomposition). They may sift through the surrounding dirt and even garbage looking for biological evidence.  In the lab, forensic biologists examine this evidence using microscopes and other technology. They photograph and catalog the evidence and perform DNA and other tests on the samples.

Text courtesy of www.explorehealthcareers.org