Most people only know forensic science from TV shows like Navy CIS and Criminal Minds. Some may have come across it in their favorite true-crime podcast. But as is often the case, television and reality paint a different picture.

Forensic science is an umbrella term that encompasses a variety of disciplines. What they all have in common is that they are sciences used in the service of justice in criminal cases. Evidence is collected and analyzed to provide scientific evidence.

Some disciplines are:

• Dactyloscopy, which is the science of fingerprints.

• The field of physical matching, which analyzes traces of tools used, for example, in a burglary.

• DNA analysis, to determine the unique genetic makeup of each individual.

• Geographic profiling, a discipline that uses psychology to predict an offender's area of residence.

• Crime scene investigators specialize in the proper collection of evidence at the scene of a crime.

• Forensic Psychologists study the behavioral patterns of criminals.

• Forensic Toxicology deals with drug testing.

• Ballistics, which is the science of firearms.

These are just some of the disciplines related to forensic science, and unlike the TV shows, each part is done by a specialist who is an expert in their field.