Assignment: Research a forensic discipline (scientific topic) from the approved list below then produce a Power Point presentation.
Failure to follow all instructions will result in a zero.
Only PowerPoint format is allowed BUT it will be saved and uploaded as a .pdf- no other file format is accepted.
You must use only approved disciplines/topics from the list provided.
You must have a minimum of three scholarly references in addition to your textbook.
Accepted Forensic Disciplines/Scientific Topics for 3762L
Blood Stain Pattern Analysis
Forensic Pathology
Forensic Anthropology
Forensic Entomology
Fingerprints
Firearms- select on topic about firearms
bullet and cartridge comparison
gun powder residue testing
primer residue testing
Tool Mark Comparisons
The content for your presentation is below. There is no set number of slides but a minimum of six slides are required, and the cover and reference slides do not count. Make sure to answer all questions.
When completing the slides, do not put too much information on one slide as it may be difficult to read. Use images, charts, tables, etc. to make your presentation creative. Do not add your references on the slides unless you make a direct quote. Then use footnotes. If you follow the rubric or questions below, it will ensure all questions are answered. Follow the format but do not insert the questions or statements, (ie. “Define the discipline”)
Background: 10 pts total
Define the discipline. 5pts
Details of the discipline. What is the historical background, important persons? What impact did this discipline have on the criminal justice system/society as a whole? 5pts
The Science: 20 pts total
Explain the science behind the forensic discipline or procedure.
What makes this a science? 5pts
What was the hypothesis used in its creation (an if/then statement)? 5pts
How is it valid, repeatable, and reliable? 5pts
What other Natural Science are used in the discipline? 5pts
Collection and Preservation of Evidence: 20 pts total
Describe the proper procedure for collecting and preserving evidence that will be analyzed in this discipline.
What are the proper techniques that should be followed? 5pts
How is contamination of the evidence prevented? 5pts
How is evidence handled once in the lab? 5pts
How is contamination of the evidence prevented in the lab? 5pts
The Analysis: 20 pts total
Explain how the analysis is done (standard operating procedure).
Is the testing subjective and comparative or more objective? 5pts
Is there a procedure for reducing error? 5pts
What is the error rate for this discipline? This may not be exact, if so, how is error accounted for? 5pts
What is it and if there is not one, what accounts for error? 5pts
Technology: 10 pts total
Explain the technology used in the discipline. How has the technology changed over time? 5pts
What are the expectations for the future technology? 5pts
References and Creativity: 20 pts total
Thorough research is conducted using legitimate scholarly sources and properly referenced and cited throughout the presentation using APA Guidelines. For more information on legitimate sources and APA citation, visit the APA module and Library Tools link in the course menu. 10 pts
Your presentation should be creative and pleasing to the eye. You may use pictures, news articles or other items to help bring the discipline to life. 10pts
Once your project is completed you should save your PowerPoint as a .pdf to submit.
