What Courses Do You Have to Take to Be a Forensic Pathologist?

What Courses Do You Have to Take to Be a Forensic Pathologist?

In your childhood, you may have played the board game Clue and discovered that Colonel Mustard did it in the library with a wrench. But what you probably didn’t know was that forensic pathologists make these same determinations by examining the bodies of those who died through scientific evidence in order to tie down the location, cause and time of the death. Becoming a forensic pathologist requires taking courses that train you to master the methods used by death detectives to help solve crimes.

Math Requirements

Taking multiple math courses is a standard part to any curriculum in forensic pathology. John Jay College of Criminal Justice curriculum serves as a prime example for the types of math courses students can expect to take. The college requires two classes in calculus, a course in probability and statistics and physics courses offered during the sophomore year. Mathematics and quantitative reasoning also compose subject areas of general math education requirements for earning a degree in forensic pathology.

Pediatric Medicine

In order to become a forensic pathologist, a student must attend medical school, graduate with an M.D. and successfully complete the additional educational requirements in forensic pathology. One of many courses offered in medical school forensic pathology programs is pediatrics. In some cases, infants and children of various ages die in ways that require a medical examiner’s expert opinion. Southwestern Medical Center indicates that forensic pathologists are even used as professional consultants in a number of circumstances for their knowledge in pediatric medicine and anatomy.

Biochemistry Courses

Biochemistry classes are core courses in medical school curricula and are required for all future forensic pathologists to take. These courses teach the components of molecular biology and biochemistry and apply it within a medical context. Forensic pathologists must be able to examine the body at a molecular level and know how to identify and analyze proteins, amino acids and nucleic acids for their structure and function. In some cases when a person drowns, is poisoned or suffocates, biochemical evidence reveals details about the cause of a death. Courses in biochemistry prepare students for advanced biochemical courses within the forensic pathology specialty program.

Evidence-Based Medicine

Evidence-based medicine teaches epidemiology and biostatistics components and how their concepts are applied to the science. Evidence-based medicine also teaches students how to use this science within medical literature and provide appropriate patient care. Medical schools offer this course as a core component to their curriculum. Due to its emphasis on research and critical assessment skills, and considering that a forensic pathologist must learn to analyze and assess medical evidence, it is a valuable subject for future forensic pathologists to master.

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Jen Saunders is an entrepreneur and veteran journalist who covers a wide range of topics. She made the transition to writing after having spent 12 years in England where she studied and taught English literature.