Scholars intrigued by ''forensics'' need to know that there are two quite distinct fields of Forensic Medicine and Forensic Science.

Autopsies are performed only by medically qualified personnel, in other words doctors or pathologists who have trained further as specialists in Forensic Pathology. Therefore this department is involved in teaching undergraduate medical students as well as postgraduates in various areas of forensic health care practice.

Forensic Sciences, on the other hand, involve laboratory investigations of post-mortem cases such as toxicology, alcohol and drug analyses etc. which are done at South African Police Services (SAPS) laboratories. Scholars are advised to visit the SAPS web-site (if this is their area of interest), for further guidance on which basic science degrees or courses would be suitable, as a pre-requisite to appointment at such facilities.