60122 Forensic Science Thesis 1
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Credit points: 24 cp
Result type: Grade and marks
Requisite(s): 65019 Foundations of Forensic Science AND 65009 Forensic Inference and Interpretation
There are course requisites for this subject. See access conditions.
Description
In this subject students undertake an individual research project in a specific area of interest in forensic science conducted under the supervision of a member of UTS academic staff. Some projects may be conducted externally in conjunction with an industry co-supervisor. This subject is designed to develop students into professional forensic scientists capable of conducting and disseminating research, contributing to existing knowledge in their chosen area, and engaging in continued learning. In collaboration with their supervisors, students plan a project, formulate aims and hypotheses, design and implement experiments, and analyse and interpret the generated data.
As part of their professional development in this subject, students learn how to design, appraise and use appropriate ethical research methods, critically assess the scientific literature and apply existing concepts or theories to their own research, and report their findings to scientific peers. This subject is linked to 60123 Forensic Science Thesis 2 and final marks are allocated upon the completion of that subject.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to:
| 1. | Create a research plan and design suitable experiments to test a scientific hypothesis |
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| 2. | Demonstrate the independence, creativity and knowledge to investigate a research problem in their chosen discipline area |
| 3. | Critically evaluate scientific literature and interpret new data in the context of existing knowledge |
| 4. | Effectively communicate research in oral and written formats to a variety of audiences |
| 5. | Synthesise new disciplinary knowledge or professional forensic science processes |
| 6. | Work effectively and collaboratively as part of a research team |
Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)
This subject also contributes specifically to the development of following course intended learning outcomes:
- Demonstrate critical engagement with the appraisal and application of advanced knowledge and technical skills to conduct research and generate new knowledge relevant to contemporary forensic science. (1.1)
- Assess, argue for, and conduct appropriate approaches to complex forensic science problems through investigation, analysis and the application of suitable research methods in a relevant professional context. (2.1)
- Develop and execute - individually or collaboratively - ethical, safe and sustainable work practices, accountable to stakeholder requirements in forensic science, locally and globally. (3.1)
- Reflexively discover, create, and evaluate the processes used to determine the value, integrity, and relevance of multiple sources of information to independently derive innovative solutions to complex forensic science problems. (4.1)
- Communicate complex ideas and justifications in a rigorous and professional manner using a variety of methods (oral, written, visual) to discipline experts, scientists, stakeholders, and the general public. (5.1)
Contribution to the development of graduate attributes
Graduate Attribute 1: Disciplinary Knowledge
Develop a professional identity through engagement with scientific knowledge to demonstrate depth, breadth, application and interrelationships of relevant discipline areas.
Students will apply the disciplinary knowledge and practical skills they have developed during the first year of the Master of Forensic Science program and related knowledge from their undergraduate studies to an unfamiliar research question in order to develop new knowledge or forensic science processes. To successfully complete their Master of Philosophy research project, students will build a much deeper understanding of their discipline or topic throughout the year by critiquing and/or using existing scientific literature to complete aspects of their project such as data analysis, experiments, or interpretation of results.
Graduate Attribute 2: Research, Inquiry and Critical Thinking
An ability to hypothesise, apply the scientific method and solve problems, incorporating evidence-based knowledge acquisition, deduction, inference and induction to contest current scientific knowledge through critical evaluation and data analyses.
Students will learn how to structure and investigate a research project from the design stage to the final report (thesis) and seminar by using scientific method. At the commencement of their project they will formulate scientific hypotheses and design appropriate experiments to test and evaluate these hypotheses with input from their supervisors. Students will also refine their problem-solving skills by applying existing knowledge or literature to solve unknown or unfamiliar problems.
The Master of Philosophy is an independent research year that provides the right environment and support for students to refine their independent learning and research skills. During their project year, students will be mentored to become competent scientists with the ability to research new practices or literature, assess the quality and validity of new methods, and adapt to or learn new techniques. Students will be trained on and gain expertise with state-of-the-art instruments, software and processes used in forensic science industry and research, setting them up to apply their technical skills to new workplace or research scenarios.
Graduate Attribute 3: Professional, Ethical and Social Responsibility
A capability to autonomously and collaboratively acquire technical, practical and professional skills within the context of work integrated learning and apply these in ethical ways to meet the current and future needs of society.
Students will refine their professional skills and enhance their ability to learn collaboratively with other scientists - necessary for continued career development in modern science - through independent research, participating in research group meetings, working with other researchers and students in the laboratory, and managing the day-to-day aspects of their project. Students will have an opportunity to refine key professional attributes such as time management, researching scientific literature, problem solving and personal organisation required for a successful career. As part of the initial stages of their projects, students will learn other professional skills such as laboratory risk assessment and management, conducting ethical research and maintaining thorough laboratory notes. In the second half of the project (60123), students will produce a technical scientific thesis and prepare scientific presentations.
Master of Philosophy research projects are designed to address an unresolved question, limitation or need in forensic science practice that will improve the detection, interpretation or use of forensic traces. Each of these aspects is crucial for improving the intersection with the security, policing or legal systems, and, more broadly, society's need for effective forensic science to ensure community safety. As students investigate their project, they will build an awareness of the current limitations and issues within their chosen discipline, and aid in the development of a solution to these limitations, whether it is the development of a new method or an industry-based validation or interpretation framework project.
Graduate Attribute 4: Reflection, Innovation, Creativity
A capacity for innovation and creativity beyond formal educational contexts through the development of reflective practise as self-directed learners, motivated by a curiosity to find solutions to current societal issues.
In order to generate new discipline knowledge or industry practice, students will be mentored by their supervisors and senior research students to develop their ability to produce innovative methods or practices to address current limitations in forensic science. As students become more independent in their project, they will become confident in independently seeking and test solutions to unfamiliar problems they encounter during their project, as well as their project hypotheses, using literature or practical research. Students will also have the opportunity to reflect on their own development as researchers through formal tasks such as the mid-year evaluation and meetings with their supervisors.
Graduate Attribute 5: Communication
Communicate effectively and professionally across all domains (written/oral/visual/graphical) to a range of audiences using appropriate media.
The communication of a student's project findings is an essential part of their professional development. Students will get an opportunity to continue developing their written scientific communication skills by writing a technical scientific thesis and critical literature review. Both written works require students to critically analyse and distil a variety of data and sources in a coherent body of work. Depending on their project, some students may also have the opportunity to collaborate on the drafting of a journal article. Students will also refine their oral communication skills via the presentation of their initial project plan and the final seminar. Those participating in the mid-year WSU-UTS Research Student Symposium will have the opportunity to practice their presentation skills in a conference-style atmosphere.
Teaching and learning strategies
Guided learning
Teaching and learning in this subject is on an individual level and linked to the student's project. Students will master crucial laboratory skills in formal training sessions with supervisors, professional research technical officers and/or industry supervisors. With assistance from their supervisors, students will learn other practices required in a research environment, such as preparing risk management plans, project plans, designing experiments, and research ethics. Supervisors will provide guidance and personalised feedback on assessments to help students refine their academic writing, literature critique and presentation skills. Students may also request one-on-one meetings with their supervisors to discuss specific problems or progress. More detailed information on student feedback modes is presented in the Assessment Feedback section. As the student develops subject matter expertise, they are expected to develop more independence in their learning and responsibility for their project.
Students will also attend communication workshops held throughout the year, hosted by the subject coordinator and a representative from the Teaching, Learning and Curriculum Unit. These will help students practice their presentation and scientific writing skills, and gain confidence in front of an audience in a safe and supportive environment.
Independent learning
As they mature into independent researchers, students will be responsible for further developing their professional attributes and knowledge. Students will be responsible for balancing research time and other commitments, providing draft work for critique in a timely manner, and providing regular updates to their supervisors. Students will use online resources such as scientific literature, webinars or tutorials to find solutions to project problems, develop a deeper understanding of their research topic and results, or select appropriate data analysis methods. Online support materials are provided on Canvas and are designed to complement the supervisors' guidance on literature review and presentation writing and general research practices.
Research group meetings and collaborative learning
All Master of Philosophy students are seen as active participants of their research group and are expected to show 'good citizenship' within their respective groups. Each research group has a different meeting calendar (weekly, fortnightly or monthly) and students should contact their supervisors for the schedule. Research group meetings are the student’s main channel for receiving regular feedback and guidance from their supervisors and other research students. This includes attending and giving updates at group meetings and participating in other activities such as journal clubs or practice seminars, which will help them refine critical review, scientific and presentation skills. Students will have the opportunity to learn from other students in their research group and assist others by providing or receiving project suggestions, assistance or feedback from each other. Students are encouraged to assist each other with day-to-day problems in the laboratory and to learn from senior research students in the laboratory.
Content (topics)
The content of each research project will be determined by the supervisory panel in consultation with the student. The initial project background and aims are published in the Honours project proposal booklet every September.
Students are expected to work with their supervisors to prepare a project plan in the initial weeks of semester that will be assessed prior to Autumn census date. Laboratory inductions and the risk management plan should be completed during the orientation period wherever possible as these processes are essential for gaining security access.
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Oral project plan
| Intent: | This assessment task contributes to the development of the following graduate attributes: 2. Research, inquiry and critical thinking 3. Professional, ethical and social responsibility 4. Reflection, innovation, creativity 5. Communication |
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| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): 1, 3 and 4 This assessment task contributes to the development of course intended learning outcome(s): 2.1, 3.1, 4.1 and 5.1 |
| Type: | Presentation |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 5% |
| Length: | 10 minutes (includes question time) |
| Criteria: | A detailed marking scheme is available on Canvas. You will be assessed on your ability to:
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Assessment task 2: Critical literature review
| Intent: | This assessment task contributes to the development of the following graduate attributes: 1. Disciplinary knowledge 2. Research, inquiry and critical thinking 4. Reflection, innovation, creativity 5. Communication |
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| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): 3 and 4 This assessment task contributes to the development of course intended learning outcome(s): 1.1, 2.1, 4.1 and 5.1 |
| Type: | Literature review |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 15% |
| Length: | 5000-7000 words |
| Criteria: | The literature review marking and feedback sheet is available on Canvas. You will be assessed on your ability to:
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Assessment task 3: Mid-year evaluation
| Intent: | This assessment task contributes to the development of the following graduate attributes: 2. Research, inquiry and critical thinking 3. Professional, ethical and social responsibility 4. Reflection, innovation, creativity |
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| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): 2, 5 and 6 This assessment task contributes to the development of course intended learning outcome(s): 2.1, 3.1 and 4.1 |
| Type: | Reflection |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | Mandatory task that does not contribute to subject mark |
| Criteria: | The researcher development appraisal is completed with your supervisory panel mid-way through your project. A review proforma is available on Canvas. You will be reviewed on your ability to:
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Assessment task 4: Final seminar
| Intent: | This assessment task contributes to the development of the following graduate attributes: 1. Disciplinary knowledge 3. Professional, ethical and social responsibility 5. Communication |
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| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): 2, 4 and 5 This assessment task contributes to the development of course intended learning outcome(s): 1.1, 3.1 and 5.1 |
| Type: | Presentation |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 20% |
| Length: | 20 minutes. Presentations should be approximately 15-17 minutes in length to allow time for questions. |
| Criteria: | A detailed marking scheme is available on Canvas. You will be assessed on your ability to:
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Assessment task 5: Thesis
| Intent: | This assessment task contributes to the development of the following graduate attributes: 1. Disciplinary knowledge 2. Research, inquiry and critical thinking 3. Professional, ethical and social responsibility 4. Reflection, innovation, creativity 5. Communication |
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| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 This assessment task contributes to the development of course intended learning outcome(s): 1.1, 2.1, 3.1, 4.1 and 5.1 |
| Type: | Thesis |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 60% |
| Length: | Approximately 70-100 pages |
| Criteria: | Detailed marking criteria are available on Canvas. You will be assessed on your ability to:
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