FORS08009 2019 Research Project 1- (Literature Review)

Source primary literature on an assigned topic in forensic science / biology / chemistry

Critically appraise the quality and relevance of scientific literature and assess importance to assigned topic

Be self directed in terms of time, motivation and planning with minmal supervisory input

Demonstrate depth of sceintific knowledge and understanding in a clearly written, insightful, structured written review.

Present the findings as on oral presentation

In this module the students will engage in supervised self directed literature research on a topic related to the area of forensic science, biology or chemistry. The learning will be through review, appraisal and evaluation of literature sources on their topic of interest.

This module is 100% continuous assessment.

Continuous assessment - the students will be assessed by their supervisor on their ability to independently source relevant literature and to interpret and evaluate this literature in the context of the subject matter under study. They will also be assessed on their ability to meet interim deadlines and to respond to critical evaluation.

Written report - The final written report will be evaluated by the project supervisor and by a second academic. This assessment will evaluate the students ability to summarise the relevant literature as above into a cohesive report.  They also have to put forward a hypothesis and design experiments based on previous studies and with an awareness of the resources available.

Presentation - The written report will be defended by the student in an interview format and this will allow the student to further elaborate / explain their findings and chosen experimental design.   

Repeat project or submission of a revised project.

Conduct a literature review on an assigned forensic / analytical topic using robust, high quality literature sources e.g. Journals, Books, inter-library loans, internet and other electronic media etc.

Write a cohesive, thorough report summarising the state of knowledge and current research on the assigned topic

Design experiments and a project plan indicating tasks and milestones and present as a Gantt chart (or similar format) for implementation in Forensic Project 2 module.

Present findings in a written and oral format in line with formatting, structure and  referencing guidelines provided.