To develop an understanding of the areas of knowledge that are essential to forensic scienceas defined by the Forensic Science Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC)
Objective
Detailed Competence Of Material
Students will command detailed competence of core course material in forensic science. The Forensic Science Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC) define the core forensic science topics that must be incorporated into the graduate curriculum. These include analytical chemistry and instrumental methods of analysis, drug chemistry/toxicology, microscopy and trace evidence, forensic biology, and pattern evidence. This objective specifically addresses student learning, development and outcomes associated with the core forensic disciplines.
Indicator
Students Will Demonstrate Integration Of Knowledge And Skills Through A Formal, Objective Tool (FSAT)
The Forensic Science Assessment Test (FSAT) was developed as an assessment tool for forensic science academic programs in the United States. The first offering of the validated FSAT was in 2008. It is administered by the American Board of Criminalistics (ABC) and the content and administration of the examination were modeled on ABC certification exams.
In 2009, MSFS graduating students volunteered to take the FSAT at the expense of the MSFS Program. Eleven of the twelve graduating students elected to take the exam.
The FSAT exam covers core forensic disciplines including forensic biology, controlled substances, trace analysis, toxicology and latent prints.
Criterion
FSAT
At least 60% of students will score 574 or more. During the pilot study of the FSAT in Spring 2007 the mean score was 574.
Finding
Spring 09 FSAT
45% of graduates scored at or above the mean (574); 55% scored below.
A total of nine academic programs participated in the FSAT during the Spring of 2009.
The FSAT results for our graduates were ranked by subject. The % correct answers across the core disciplines (forensic biology, controlled substances, trace analysis, toxicology and latent prints) demonstrated a wide performance range - 39 (Trace)-90% (Toxicology). Performance was discipline-specific, indicating that the MSFS can improve the current curriculum.
Action
FSAT
The FSAT is a new examination and more robust criteria will be developed as more data is collected. There is limited historical data for comparison purposes.
The MSFS program will continue to offer the FSAT in 2010 on a voluntary basis; thereafter it will be mandatory and incorporated as a formal program requirement as part of the curriculum.
Course content will be carefully reviewed and the FSAT results for each subject will be discussed at the annual quality audit. Course content, objectives and materials will be updated as necessary.
Goal
Promote Advancement Within The Field
To provide students with the practical skills, knowledge and problem solving abilities that will promote their advancement within the field of forensic science.
Objective
Students Will Demonstrate Competency In Research.
Students demonstrate integration of knowledge and skills through a capstone experience. The MSFS capstone experience consists of an independent research project conducted in an environment conducive to research and scholarly inquiry. It provides an opportunity for faculty and students to contribute to the knowledge base of forensic science, including research directed at improving the practice of forensic science. The research project is conducted in thesis-based environment, culminates in a written report and is presented orally in a public forum for evaluation.
Indicator
Students Will Produce Research Of Publishable Quality.
Students will contribute to the knowledge base of forensic science and produce research directed at improving the practice of forensic science. This may be demonstrated by publication of research in a peer reviewed scientific journal or conference proceeding (e.g. American Academy of Forensic Sciences Annual Meeting). Publication of student research in journals and at national or regional conferences serves to demonstrate the value and quality of the work to the forensic science and/or scientific community.
Criterion
Publishable Quality
At least 70% of capstone course research or other program-sponsored research is of publishable quality.
Finding
Student Research Publications
Student research produced a total of 17 published papers (3 journal articles; 14 conference proceedings) for academic year 08-09. This represents >100% publication rate based on the number of graduates during this time period (12 total).
Indicator
Students Will Demonstrate Integration Of Knowledge And Skills Through A Formal Capstone Experience
The Forensic Science Capstone Course (FS/CJ 614) is an independent research project whereby students complete research in a thesis-based environment. The project is completed under the direction of a faculty advisor and Capstone Committee. During the capstone course students must demonstrate integration of discipline-specific knowledge and skills, problem-solving ability and effective written and oral communication. The project may require a consolidation of basic sciences, statistics, analytical and/or investigational methodology, and/or instrumental techniques.
Criterion
90% will score satisfactorily
At least 90% of students will score satisfactorily.
Finding
Capstone Research
Of the 12 graduate students completing capstone research this year, 100% of students completed satisfactorily. In many cases, the capstone course produces a body of work sufficient for publication in a scientific journal or conference proceeding.
Action
Capstone Course
Although 100% of students completed the capstone course satisfactorily, grades for the final written report are consistently lower than the overall grade due to technical writing difficulties.
The program will develop new initiatives to improve technical writing during the annual quality review.
Action
Contribution To The Field Of Forensic Science
Research papers and manuscripts accepted for publication or presentation reflects positively on the program's ability to make an active contribution to the field of forensic science.
SHSU provides financial assistance to students who present their research at meetings. This financial support is critical if the publication rate at scientific meetings is to be retained.
Goal
Knowledge Of The Literature In Respective Discipline Or Field Of Study
The Forensic Science Capstone Course (FS/CJ 614) is an independent research project whereby students complete research in a thesis-based environment. During the capstone course students must demonstrate integration of discipline-specific knowledge and skills, problem-solving ability and effective written and oral communication. The project culminates in a formal written report (capstone report). The report must demonstrate knowledge of the pertinent literature, as determined by the Capstone Committee.
Objective
Demonstrate Integration Of Knowledge And Skills
Students will demonstrate knowledge of the literature and the ability to integrate knowledge and skills necessary for future success in the field of forensic science (3) (Demonstrate integration of knowledge and skills)
Indicator
Students Will Demonstrate Knowledge Of The Literature In Their Respective Discipline Or Field Of Study.
The Forensic Science Capstone Course (FS/CJ 614) is an independent research project whereby students complete research in a thesis-based environment. During the capstone course students must demonstrate integration of discipline-specific knowledge and skills, problem-solving ability and effective written and oral communication.
The project culminates in a formal written report (capstone report). The report must demonstrate knowledge of the pertinent literature, as determined by the Capstone Committee.
Criterion
Final Written Report
At least 80% of students will score satisfactorily on the final written report.
Finding
Final Written Report
100% of students completing the capstone course this academic year performed satisfactorily on the final written report.
However, the numerical grade for the final written report in all cases ranked lower that the other assignments (project performance, oral defense etc), indicating a weakness.
Action
Capstone
Although 100% of students complete the capstone course satisfactorily, grades for the final written report are consistently lower than the overall grade due to technical writing difficulties.
The program will develop new initiatives to improve technical writing during the annual quality review.
This will be a priority during the next academic year.