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"Sexing up" science

18 Jun 2007

"Sexing up" science Students are misled about what science degrees are really about, according to an industry employer.

Mark Johnson, director of human resources at forensic science company Orchid Cellmark, has accused universities of "conning" graduates into choosing forensic science degrees by holding out the prospect of working on criminal investigations.

As reported by Personneltoday.com, Mr Johnson explained: "Universities are conning people into taking forensic science degrees - they are trying to sell courses so they 'sex them up'."

He said that "for many, their knowledge is not applicable to the industry" and that in reality forensic science often involves repetitive and detailed laboratory tasks.

Many students, he argued, then end up disillusioned and move into teaching.

Recent research from the Training and Development Agency found that 49 per cent of science graduates were considering a career in teaching - and certain employers have complained recently about the lack of applicants with science degrees.

Many commentators argue, however, that popular culture is more to blame than universities for "glamorising" forensic science.

Programmes like CSI: Miami regularly feature an entire cast of attractive and daring forensics experts solving crimes and getting caught up in action-packed adventures.

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