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
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 2010, MSFS graduating students volunteered to take the FSAT at the expense of the MSFS Program. Eight of the eleven graduating students elected to take the exam (73%).
The FSAT exam covers core forensic disciplines including forensic biology, controlled substances, trace analysis, toxicology and latent prints.
Criterion
FSAT Performance.
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 2010 FSAT
During the 2010 FSAT examination 75% of graduating students achieved a score of 574 or more. The average score during the FSAT in 2010 was 613, ranking us third among the ten colleges that participate. This was a significant improvement in performance compared to last year.
All forensic disciplines now rank in the top four of participating programs, with the exception of questioned documents which is not part of the MSFS curriculum.
Action
FSAT
Although the MSFS Program significantly improved its ranking in 2010 compared to 2009, it will continue to implement measures to strengthen performance in the FSAT.
Specifically, course content will be carefully reviewed in light of the FSAT results during the annual quality audit (August 2010). Course content, objectives and materials will be updated as necessary to improve scores and overall ranking. Similar efforts last year were successful in terms of improving performance in DNA and trace evidence. The ranking in Forensic Biology increased from 7 out of 9 programs, to 1 out of 10. Trace Analysis also increased from 7 out of 9 to 4 out of 10.
Controlled substances will be the new target area for improvement and a new course to address this will go into effect during the Fall 2010 semester.
The FSAT is still a relatively new assessment tool for forensic science programs. There is limited historical data for comparison purposes and each year only a small number of forensic science programs participate.
The MSFS program will continue to offer the FSAT in 2011 and will consider making it mandatory rather than voluntary.
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 demonstrated by publication in a journal or conference proceeding.
Finding
Student Research Publications
Student research produced a total of 11 published papers between fall 2009 and spring 2010 (2 journal articles and 9 conference proceedings). This represents a 100% publication rate based on the number of graduates during this time period (11 total). Although the overall publication rate was 100%, not every project results in a publication. Instead, some students produced multiple publications with faculty, while some graduates had none.
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 11 graduate students completing capstone research this year, 100% of students scored satisfactorily. However, although all students met this standard in their final evaluation, the individual assessment of capstone course components (oral presentation, overall performance/effort and final written report) was indicative of passing yet insufficient performance for one student (performance/effort). The program implemented a formal evaluation tool comprising of three written interim evaluations this year. The rubric for the capstone research evaluation is defined in the syllabus. Both are attached.
Action
Capstone Course
Although 100% of students completed the capstone course satisfactorily, grades for the final written report were typically lower than either the oral presentation or overall effort/performance. Curriculum changes to address techncial writing issues that went into effect in fall 2009 have not yet had an impact.
The program will continue to explore additonal ways to improve techncial writing during the annual quality review in August 2010.
The program will also explore ways to improve the uniformity of publishable research during the annual quality audit.
Goal
Knowledge Of The Literature In Respective Discipline Or Field Of Study
TBD
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
Indicator
Students 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.
Although all written reports reflected acceptable performance, only 4 of 11 students produced reports that reflected academic excellence.
Action
Final Written Report
Techncial writing has improved but is still a performance limiting factor for the majority of students. Curriculum changes that were implemented in fall 2009 have not yet had an impact. This issue continues to be one of the Program's top priorities and will be the topic of renewed discussion during the annual quality audit.