65032 Forensic Science Research Project A
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Subject handbook information prior to 2025 is available in the Archives.
Credit points: 12 cp
Result type: Grade and marks
There are course requisites for this subject. See access conditions.
Description
In this subject students undertake a short research investigation under the supervision of a member of academic staff. Students contribute, in collaboration with their UTS supervisor and, where appropriate, an industry or external co-supervisor, to formulating the scope of the research project, including planning the research work. The student is responsible for carrying out the work, including appropriate and critical analysis of the data or information obtained, and writing up their findings in a formal written report (7000–15,000 words approx.) which includes an introduction to the project, a description of the methods used, a presentation of the results obtained plus any analysis undertaken and a discussion of the results in the context of the relevant literature. They may also be required to present a seminar to other students, staff and industry or external partners.
Due to supervisory and infrastructure constraints, places in this subject are limited and it can only be undertaken with faculty approval. Students should approach their Program Adviser and potential supervisors about project availability in the first instance. A project proposal, written in consultation with, and signed by the proposed supervisor and countersigned by the Program Adviser must be sent to the Master of Science Course Director for formal approval. Where the project involves laboratory or fieldwork, a completed risk assessment form must also be provided with the approval request. Ethics approval is required for certain projects.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to:
| 1. | Develop and execute a research project in collaboration with a supervisor |
|---|---|
| 2. | Apply discipline knowledge and skills into practice to gain new expertise |
| 3. | Review and respond to existing academic literature |
| 4. | Apply appropriate data analysis and interpretation methods |
| 5. | Communicate the findings of your research through written and oral media |
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, technical skills and research principles relevant to professional practice in forensic science. (1.1)
- Assess, argue for, and conduct appropriate approaches to complex forensic science problems through investigation, analysis and independent research 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 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
You will apply the disciplinary knowledge and practical skills you have developed during the Master of Forensic Science program and related knowledge from undergraduate studies to a research question to contribute to the development of new knowledge or forensic science processes. To successfully complete this research project, you will build a deeper understanding of your focus area 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
You will learn how to structure and investigate a research project from the design stage to the final report and seminar using scientific method. You will formulate scientific hypotheses and learn how to design appropriate experiments to test and evaluate these hypotheses with guidance from your supervisor(s). You will also develop problem-solving skills by applying existing knowledge or literature to solve unknown or unfamiliar problems. You will be trained on and gain expertise with state-of-the-art instruments, software and processes used in forensic science industry and research appropriate to the project, and apply this knowledge and skills to new workplace or research scenarios.
Graduate Attribute 3 – Professional, ethical and social responsibility.
You will develop professional skills and ability to learn collaboratively with other scientists - 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 your project. You will have an opportunity to practice key professional attributes such as time management, researching scientific literature, problem solving, and personal organisation required for a successful career. You will learn other professional skills such as laboratory risk assessment and management, conducting ethical research, maintaining thorough laboratory notes, and scientific communication during project work.
Graduate Attribute 4 – Reflection, Innovation, Creativity
You will critically evaluate existing literature related to their project topic and apply an innovative and creative approach to further developing forensic knowledge or processes in their project field of research. Students will reflect on existing literature and how it contributes to the development of new ideas, and identify new questions or problems that may arise through their research.
Graduate attribute 5 – Communication
You will extend and develop communication skills through authentic workplace communications, including formal and informal oral and written communication to a range of audiences. This communication can include meetings, small group presentations, collaborative work and written reports, to help you develop your communication skills in the professional context. The communication of research project findings is an essential part of your professional development. Written communication is further developed by writing a scientific report at the end of the project, which requires critical analysis of the data and sources into a coherent body of work with. You will also practice oral communication skills, presenting your findings in a laboratory based presentation.
Teaching and learning strategies
Guided learning
Teaching and learning in this subject is on an individual level and linked to your project. You will acquire crucial laboratory skills in formal training sessions with supervisors, professional research technical officers and/or industry supervisors. With assistance from your supervisors, you will learn other practices required in a professional 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 you refine your academic writing, literature critique and presentation skills. You may also request one-on-one meetings with your supervisors to discuss specific problems or progress. More detailed information on student feedback modes is presented in the Assessment Feedback section.
Independent learning
You will be responsible for the day-to-day activities in your research project, including balancing research time and coursework commitments, providing draft work for critique in a timely manner, and providing regular updates to your supervisors. You will use online resources such as scientific literature, webinars or tutorials to develop a deeper understanding of their research topic and results. 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
You will be seen as an active participant of your research group, and you are expected to show 'good citizenship' within your respective groups. Research group meetings are one channel for receiving regular feedback and guidance from your 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 you develop your critical review, scientific and presentation skills. You will have the opportunity to actively learn from senior research students in the laboratory.
Content (topics)
The topic for this research project is developed in your research plan. Your research plan is the result of a process of consultation and feedback with your project supervisor and must be evaluated and formally approved by them.
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Literature review and project plan
| Intent: | The following graduate attributes are assessed in this task: 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 and 3 This assessment task contributes to the development of course intended learning outcome(s): 2.1, 3.1, 4.1 and 5.1 |
| Type: | Literature review |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 15% |
| Length: | Up to 2500 words |
| Criteria: | The literature review feedback sheet is available on Canvas. You will be reviewed and assessed on your ability to:
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Assessment task 2: Project final report
| Intent: | The following graduate attributes are assessed in this task: 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: | Report |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 60% |
| Length: | 4000-6000 words |
| Criteria: | You will be assessed on:
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Assessment task 3: Research seminar
| Intent: | The following graduate attributes are assessed in this task: 1. Disciplinary knowledge. 2. Research, inquiry and critical thinking. 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, 2.1 and 5.1 |
| Type: | Presentation |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 25% |
| Length: | 15 minutes (includes Q&A time) |
| Criteria: | You will be assessed on:
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