Graduate
Student Learning Outcomes
Forensic and Investigative Sciences
Master of Science in Forensic and Investigative Sciences (M.S.)
- Analyze the Evolution of Forensic Science: Evaluate the historical development of forensic science globally and in the U.S., and assess its current state.
- Evaluate the Role of Forensic Science in the Judicial System: Critically analyze the role and impact of forensic science within the judicial system.
- Apply Rules of Evidence in Forensic Science: Synthesize and apply the rules of evidence pertaining to the introduction of scientific evidence.
- Assess Ethical Issues in Forensic Science: Critically evaluate the major ethical issues facing forensic scientists today and propose solutions.
- Implement Evidence Collection and Preservation Techniques: Demonstrate proficiency in the methods of collection, preservation of physical evidence, and maintenance of the chain of custody.
- Analyze and Apply Forensic Techniques: Integrate knowledge of various types of impression evidence and light microscopy applications to analyze forensic evidence.
- Evaluate and Apply Forensic Practice Standards: Critically assess and implement standards of forensic practice, including the ability to conduct comprehensive scientific investigations, prepare scientific reports, and provide effective courtroom testimony.
Specialized Outcomes for Students Completing the Thesis Track:
- Synthesize Forensic Science Knowledge: Conduct comprehensive literature reviews on forensic science topics, integrating findings to formulate research questions and hypotheses.
- Design and Execute Research: Participate in the design and execution of research projects, including the collection, documentation, and interpretation of data using appropriate experimental methodologies.
- Communicate Research Findings: Demonstrate proficiency in communicating research findings effectively through written reports, oral presentations, and visual aids, ensuring clarity, coherence, and scientific rigor.
Specialized Outcomes for Students Completing the Non-Thesis Track:
- Evaluate and Synthesize: Critically evaluate and synthesize relevant literature to formulate a comprehensive proposal for an independent laboratory project, integrating appropriate experimental design principles.
- Leadership Transition and Quality Assurance: Appraise the transition from scientist to leader, including leadership assessment, time management, communication, and delegation. Analyze and critique the key components of quality assurance, including the implementation of ISO 17025 and the discourse on the accreditation of forensic science laboratories.
- Financial Management and Team Building: Integrate financial management concepts such as revenue, expenses, assets, liability, appropriation, and fiscal year within the constraints of a forensic science laboratory. Compare, contrast, and formulate best practices for staff motivation, employee evaluation, conflict resolution, negotiations, problem-solving, decision-making, and team building.
Specialized Outcomes for Students Completing the Forensic Biology Concentration:
- Evaluate and Synthesize Forensic Applications: Evaluate the principles, instrumentation, and forensic applications of biological evidence analysis, including evidence collection and preservation, presumptive and confirmatory tests, DNA typing, and single source DNA profiling. Synthesize this knowledge to formulate an effective scheme for analyzing biological evidence found at a crime scene.
- Analyze Biological Evidence: Analyze the biological composition, origins, and significance of commonly encountered types of biological evidence such as blood, semen, and hair. Apply this understanding to differentiate between main theories and generate a comprehensive breakdown of several examples through individual presentations of research articles.
- Apply Population Genetics Concepts: Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of population genetics concepts, including the recognition and explanation of techniques such as GWAS and Forensic DNA profiling statistics. Apply this knowledge to practical examples of population genetics usage and formulate results using various Population Genetics computer software on sample data.
Specialized Outcomes for Students Completing the Forensic Chemistry Concentration:
- Evaluate and Synthesize Knowledge on Substance Effects: Critically evaluate the major effects of alcohol and drugs on the human body, and synthesize comprehensive reports on the legal issues surrounding these substances.
- Design and Conduct Research on Substance Analysis: Formulate research questions in the field of forensic chemistry, design appropriate research methodologies, and conduct research using advanced analytical methods.
- Apply and Analyze Trace Evidence Techniques: Apply principles, instrumentation, and forensic applications of various trace evidence analysis techniques, including chromatography, energy-induced methods, spectroscopy techniques, and mass spectrometry. Analyze the chemical composition, origins, and significance of commonly encountered types of trace evidence, and determine the appropriate analytical scheme for each type.
