June 26, 2022 | Adamas University

Why Study Forensic Science?

Forensic science is a branch of science that is involved in the study of legal evidence. This branch of knowledge has contributed immensely to crime investigation, criminal law, and also civil litigation.

In the words of fiction writer Chuck Palahniuk, forensic science and its central role in criminal investigations may be succinctly explained as, “Everything is a self-portrait. A diary. Your whole drug histories in a strand of your hair. Your fingernails. The forensic details. The lining of your stomach is a document. The calluses on your hand tell all your secrets. Your teeth give you away. Your accent. The wrinkles around your mouth and eyes. Everything you do shows your hand.” This is precisely what Forensic Science is, in a nutshell!

This kind of work requires a lot of patience and attention to detail. The personalities that are best suited for it are those who are calm under pressure, have excellent powers of observation, who are good at problem solving, who can cope with working long hours and also carrying out strict routines.

The study of forensic science is a subject that is not usually very well known to the general public. There are many reasons why one should consider studying this subject, including the diverse and high-level job opportunities that it offers. Forensics is about identifying patterns and solving mysteries. A career in forensic science can also often lead to more ground-breaking work within other fields such as psychology, law enforcement, engineering, and medicine. Forensic scientists also use their skills to solve crime cases. This can involve identifying the perpetrators of crimes through blood spatter analysis or DNA testing. For example, they might be able to match a fingerprint found at the scene of the crime with a suspect. Forensics is not limited to just fingerprints and DNA tests though; forensic investigators often use ballistics tests, ballistic identification and firearms fingerprinting to identify criminals.

If you have a natural curiosity, enjoy solving puzzles, and care about truth and justice, then you may want to consider a career in forensic science. Forensic science is the application of scientific knowledge to criminal investigations. Examples of research areas in forensic science include:

Fingerprinting
DNA profiling
Ballistics
Tool marks
Forensic engineering
Crime scene reconstruction

With its multidisciplinary approach, forensic science is the crucial contributor which aids fuse together all types of evidence in whatsoever type of inquiry. This entails applying the ideas and methodology of several scientific fields to legal issues. And here is an illustration of the many fields of Forensic Science- Forensic Toxicology, Forensic Psychology, Forensic Pathology, Forensic Odontology, Forensic Linguistics, Forensic Geology, Forensic Entomology, Forensic Engineering, Forensic DNA Analysis, Forensic Archaeology, Forensic Anthropology, Digital Forensics, Forensic Ballistics etc.

Therefore, Forensic science offers several fascinating employment prospects. You can specialise on a few topics or get active in them all. Also, because each investigation and crime scene are unique, your tasks will vary from day to day. One day you may be visiting a crime scene and collecting pictures, and the next you could be in the lab looking for linkages between suspects and illegal behaviour, you may be in court a few days later, presenting evidence to the jury! Based on your scientific discoveries, you will also be required to rebuild crime scenes. As a result, you’ll never have a dull day. This is not your typical office job, where you sit in the same position every day! Rather A fascinating job path!

In a world where you are automatically prejudiced towards the organisation for which you work, you are fully unbiased in this position! You must offer entirely unbiased scientific data, relying solely on science to establish the facts. If there is DNA evidence of a suspect at a crime scene, your role is to convey it as reality rather than opinion! And, well, the work itself is fantastic! How great is it that you work in a field that employs science to solve crimes?

Bright Career Opportunities with specialization in the field of Economics

In today’s scenario of growing income inequality where technology is already displacing jobs at a fast pace, the shock created post-pandemic on health and the economy ground has put the economies into freefall, and labor markets are very much disrupted. There is huge unemployment created worldwide due to the global recession, and the recession has influenced mainly those communities which are already in a vulnerable position. The speed of technology adoption is expected to even enhance in near future and the adoption of cloud computing, big data, and e-commerce remain high priorities for business leaders, following a trend established in previous years. However, there has also been a significant rise in interest in encryption, non-humanoid robots, and artificial intelligence. In this scenario, this blog discusses career opportunities in the field of economics.

In today’s world of huge competition, it’s the field of specialization studies that are in high demand in all sectors. So, it is very important to opt for a career option where there is the core domain knowledge and subject specialization to fetch a good job in all aspects. Having specialization in the subject of Economics has bright career opportunity options in various sectors (both government and private) and it is expected to grow further in the post-pandemic scenario. A background in economics carries huge weightage and impression on the chances of selection for a bright career option in many sectors. The beauty of studying this subject is that the student can choose from many varied career options after finishing their graduation with economics honours.

Since every moment of our daily life, data is created everywhere, and a proper analysis of data can answer lots of questions. Hence, in the given scenario in the field of economics, there is a huge demand for professionals who are trained in handling Big Data.

Thus, after pursuing a Masters’s in Economics with a specialization in Econometrics where they learn data handling techniques and usages of software like EViews, Stata, and R, there are opportunities to work in MNCs working with handling Big Data. Since the subject of Economics always has a research inclination, there is a huge demand for Economics postgraduates professionals trained in analysing data and preparing reports. They are hired not only by corporates but also by various government agencies and organizations which are engaged in analysing data and publishing reports. It’s a win-win position for the postgraduates who have specialization in financial economics as well since there is a huge demand for profiles such as investment portfolio management which requires knowledge in finance and data handling. Online content development and content writing on the basis of reports and data analysis are in huge demand in the field of economics. Lots of start-ups are engaging people having skills in data analytics. Typically, Data analysts are promoted to higher positions like senior data analysts, data scientists, data analytics managers, business analysts, etc. So if somebody enjoys working with numbers, and thinks analytically the career option as a data analyst is extremely in demand. There is a huge scope in the academic research field also for social scientists like economists. Graduates in economics also have huge opportunities to incorporate MNCs and companies engaged in research-related activities. Many students also pursue MBA after their graduation in Economics, since it adds a feather in the cap of the candidate. They are in high demand in the corporate sector.

Besides the corporate sector, students with Masters in Economics can appear for the examination for various specialist officer posts in Economics which are conducted by various Government Banks and the Reserve Bank of India. These are specialist officer posts that require domain knowledge of economics. There are also examinations conducted by Public Insurance companies like Oriental insurance for specialist officer posts in Economics Those students having a research inclination and wish to come in the field of academics can appear for the NET examination for lecturership and NET-JRF examination for Ph.D. scholarship. There are various government organizations preparing research reports, they also hire Economics postgraduates for research purposes and various other officer posts.

There are career opportunities for students after finishing their graduation in Economics as well. The students can compete for prestigious government services like the Indian Economic services examination which is conducted by UPSC. The syllabus of this examination comprises all the topics which an Economics graduate learns in his/her three years of Economics Honours (BA/ B.Sc) course. They can also appear for various other government examinations like Staff Service Commission and Public Services Commission where a background in Economics is given good preference. There are various NGOs and Research organizations also engaging students of economics in preparing analytical reports on topics of social issues.

The above description gives us a clear picture that there is a huge demand for Economics graduates and post-graduates in many sectors for well-paid and prestigious positions.

Overall, the subject of economics is highly in demand in the world of Big Data especially in the post-pandemic world with data centers in growing demand. So, if students select a program with a specialization in the field of Economics, it will surely give them a competitive advantage in their career growth and opportunities.

Applications of Machine Learning in Geography: Present and future trends

Machine learning is one word at present time machine learning can be defined as a system where computers can perform tasks that require human intervention and intelligence. Machine learning is part of artificial intelligence which is growing rapidly in the present era. Artificial intelligence (AI) is the broader umbrella of computer-driven applications where Human support is hardly required. Deep learning is a subset of machine learning. AI is also associated with the development and design of algorithms. Artificial intelligence and machine learning have reduced the role of humans in many activities Like in industry public affairs research and academia. Geography as a discipline has also benefited from the applications of Artificial Intelligence and machine learning. Geographical information system Remote Sensing and GIScience as a whole get the benefit of machine learning which is termed GeoAI. Different organizations like the American Association of Geographers (AAG) in Environment System Research Institute (ESRI) and Microsoft are collaborating to develop a GeoAI-based platform for the analysis and visualization of different data.

The advantage of machine learning algorithms lies in the fact that the algorithm can use the data pattern to train itself and come up with better predictive or classification solutions. Machine learning is classified into different groups supervised learning, unsupervised learning, Semi-supervised learning, and reinforced learning.

In recent years automation in geography and location-based study is taking place at a quick pace. Mechanisms to monitor different spheres (terrestrial, atmospheric, and aquatic) are growing at high speed. This leads to a large quantum of data availability of different types and formats. Machine learning is helping to analyze this data using different advanced algorithms like Support vector machine, Random Forest, Artificial neural network (ANN), or even one step ahead deep learning methods like Convolution Neural network (CNN) and dynamic learning methods like Q- Learning.

In the area of human geography, machine learning has been used to explore the distribution of products and goods, population genetics, detecting, characterizing, and evaluating human epidemiology, tourism projections, detecting military patterns, international politics, and agricultural production systems. Within physical geography, ML is used to advance research on environmental diversity, biogeography, and abundance, water resource management, climate modeling, climate change, etc.

In the Geographical Information System (GIS), users can use it to comprehend the spatial elements of their work and connect it to data such as population data. The GIS data can be utilized for a variety of reasons, including transportation, drought analysis, agricultural, disease outbreak analysis, land occupation, and so on. At the same time, GIS enables the storing of a large volume of data in a secure manner, as well as access to it at any time and on a rapid basis. So, the purpose of this chapter is to examine previous works and research in this area to better understand the current status and capabilities; also, it will be an attempt to prepare for future improvements in the field of GIS.

There are also many challenges faced by machine learning in the part of lack of data and as well as the quality of data. Quality issues in machine learning lead to improper predictions and classification. As the technology is still evolving real-world complexities are sometimes mishandled by the algorithms. Ethical issues are very much prominent in countering human geographical contents. They’re also voids left for spatially explicit machine learning and other spatiotemporal models. This vacuum of Spatio-temporal models hinders the growth of machine learning applications in geography.

In the future, machine learning will be more robust with advanced GeoAI algorithms which can encounter issues like handling large and complex data. More spatial explicit models and algorithms will be available to provide solutions to complex and multifaceted real-world problems. The emergence of automatic machine learning (AutoML) is showing the path for such a solution. In solving geographical problems of the future integration is required between the conceptualisation and implementation of models. As artificial intelligence has started touching down nearly all spheres of life, machine learning is going to play a key role in unlocking the different mysteries of nature near future.

Why become a Cost and Management Accountant?

Who is a Cost and Management Accountant (CMA)?

CMA, a reputed designation like Chartered Accountant and Company Secretary, has a pivotal role in strategic business management. CMAs are such who, in addition to focusing upon optimum utilization of available funds, also need to take strategic decisions for meeting the sustainability goals of the company. Unlike mere Accountants, CMAs not only focus on cost estimation but also on cost reduction; while assessing operational efficacy in production and service-related operations. Through implementation of modern technology, CMAs advise on optimum product mix; and identification and mitigation of business risks. So, Excellence combines with multifaceted Accounting and Managerial skill, along with Advanced Technology in the role of a CMA.

Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) defines four major roles of CMAs as “Steward, Operator, Strategist and Catalyst” in their Global Salary Survey 2021. They mentioned the following:

“Stewards are responsible for safeguarding a company’s assets and ensuring compliance with financial regulations and external financial reporting.
Operators provide services like financial planning, treasury and tax to run an efficient finance organization.
Strategists are financial leaders that align business and finance strategies for the future of the business.
Catalysts execute new strategies related to a business’s finance function.”

How can one become a CMA?

A student needs to pursue CMA Course to become a CMA. This professional Course can be pursued from India (as offered by the Institute of Cost Accountants of India) or abroad (US CMA- offered by IMA). In India, there are three levels for completion of CMA Course- Foundation, Intermediate and Final. The entire process for pursuing CMA Course from ICMAI is given by means of flowchart below.

However, a candidate can also pursue US CMA, which is globally recognized, from IMA. Such a Course can be completed with a minimum of 6 months to 3 years. The candidate needs to get enrolment in CMA Program as a member from IMA website and register for the exam. The candidate needs to pass the Exam in 2 levels with a minimum of 360 marks out of 500. Further, there is no requirement of Article ship in US CMA as that of 6 months for CMA India.

Why become a CMA?

Demand for CMAs increases magnificently with the rapid industrial growth, owing for increase in demand in strategic business decisions and value creation. On account of involvement of modern technologies in business world, there lies a strong need to have certification which can build up a professional propensity for the competitive age. CMA certification increases employable skills through practical and industrial exposures.

For this reason, there becomes a rapid expansion of career prospects for CMAs as evidenced from increasing demand for Financial Managers, Financial Analysts, Chief Financial Officer, Financial Research Associate, Financial Controller, Corporate Controller, etc. by the Top MNCs. Not only in the Corporate, CMAs are also high in demand in the academic institutions in teaching cost and management accountancy. Further, CMAs also engage themselves in providing cost related consultancy services.

The competences developed at the CMA profession ranges in the following way:

Constructing Cost efficacy.
Business Analytics Strategy and Sustainability
Auditing & Assurance
Product pricing and Business Valuation
Cost Benefit Analysis
Firm Governance
Efficient Regulatory Landscape
Benchmarking
Cost and Management Accounting
Management of Finance.
Management of Direct and Indirect Taxes
Management Control Systems

As per Indian Express 2021 report, around 500 newly qualified CMAs were recruited by Top companies like Accenture, Philips, ITC, GAIL, TCS, L&T, etc. Such remarkable growth in demand was also evidenced by 40% hike in highest CTC offered by Accenture as compared to that of highest CTC in 2020. Not even that, the average CTC was also around Rs.10 lakhs per annum (30% hike as compared to that of 2020).

As per IMA Global Salary Survey report 2021, the mean compensation for the CMAs in India in 2021 were $ 29,685 as against $ 19,439 for non-CMAs. Even the mean salary for the CMAs was also increased in 2021 ($14,096 to $15,000).

Henceforth, aspiring candidates can enhance their core competences through getting a CMA certification; thereby getting distinct career opportunities and earn lucrative salary in the global business world.

APJ Abdul Kalam, Former President of India said “If we have to succeed in the globalized world, we have to enlarge the scope of Cost Audit to cover all aspects of manufacturing and service sector activities including healthcare and education.”

Post pandemic career opportunities in applied sciences

The worldwide coronavirus pandemic has an impact on many elements of life on Earth, including the various environmental conditions that could influence the COVID-19 virus’s propagation. The pandemic has shown that the public health concern is not only a medical problem but also affects society as a whole; so, it has also become the leading scientific concern to detect and treat the virus. It is natural to evaluate the settled situation in terms of career opportunities for undergraduate and postgraduate students who might have missed the real-time practical and experimental learning because of the pandemic.

Applied science is a branch of science that focuses on using existing scientific knowledge to create more practical applications, such as technology or inventions. While pure sciences are concerned with observing and collecting data about natural events in order to understand and explain them through experimentation and analysis, applied science is concerned with finding practical applications for that knowledge. Applied sciences are used in a variety of fields, including medicine, pharmacology, biotechnology, engineering, and material science. Applied sciences sometimes draw on multiple pure science streams. Applied science education gives a wide comprehension of a variety of scientific ideas and the ability to use that knowledge to solve problems and create answers in several settings. Microbiology, biochemistry, industrial chemistry, food science, fisheries science, environmental science, archaeology, polymer science, material science, electronics, energy, forensic science, and nanotechnology are examples of applied sciences. Candidates with this educational background have a wide range of national and international job options in government, the public sector, and commercial companies. As a research specialist or consultant, candidates might work in a variety of businesses. Biotechnology companies, chemicals companies, industrial laboratories, oil corporations, food institutions, and pharmaceutical companies all have a high demand for Applied Science employees.

Studies in applied sciences can be pursued through a variety of undergraduate programs. A student must choose a specific topic area and study the relevant pure sciences as well as their applications to real-life scenarios, which are often found in an industrial setting. Students who want to pursue a career in applied sciences must have strong analytical abilities to comprehend various parts of a real-life problem or scenario, as well as conceptual skills to develop a solution, invention, or innovation. They must also have a strong problem-solving mindset, as well as a keen eye for detail and scientific curiosity. They will need to work in large teams with individuals from various academic backgrounds, thus great communication and interpersonal skills will be advantageous.

It is important for students and parents to choose a place of learning for their studies as it will guide their whole path of success in life. If you want to be happy, you must choose the correct career. If you end yourself in the wrong work, you’ll be wasting half your energy hating it, which isn’t helpful for your career or life. You will be stuck in the wrong place, doing something monotonous, and as a result, not only will your professional life be affected, but also your personal life.

Adamas University, Kolkata was established with the aim to provide the best possible environment for the learning of students. Founded in 2014, Adamas university aimed to help the young aspirants to make their dream come true through quality teaching and competitive training in the best nature-friendly calm environment in the vicinity of Kolkata, the city of joy and cultural capital of India. The decision to found this university was not a discrete one. But a continuous exploration of the knowledge landscape of Bengal. This is the next step of RICE Education to bridge the basic prerequisite of the job through quality education. There was an essential need to create an eco-system of quality education from School to University. Adamas University is the culmination of that exploration. Starting with a modest beginning, today Adamas University is a unique lush green community of the highest academic standards for developing society-ready professionals for meeting the future demand of the nation by recognizing, identifying, and fostering the unique capabilities of each student and extending support as per the passion of young minds. Distinguished faculty, national-level sports trainer, and residence facility make it a campus that never sleeps. Outcome-Based Education is taught in the School of Basic and Applied Sciences (SOBAS). SOBAS is committed to addressing scientific concerns through value-based science education, which incorporates project-based and research-based learning. It develops pupils into scientifically proficient professionals who can use current instruments effectively. SOBAS cultivates a spirit of inquiry and collaboration in students, preparing them for careers in teaching, research, government, and non-government service. It aids pupils in developing an analytical mindset. SOBAS organizes many scholarly events on a regular basis, such as National/International Conferences, Workshops, Seminars, Expert Lectures, Lab/Industry Visits, and so on, through which students get exposure. The school provides various training programs for students so that they can compete in competitive examinations for achievement.