Wikipedia:Wiki Ed/Laurentian University/Seminars in Forensic Science (2024W)

Official course description: ‘Selected topics in the area of forensic science will be discussed. The topics of discussion will centre on current issues surrounding the analytical procedures and interpretation of non-biological evidence.” In practice, Students are tasked with finding and evaluating the “science” in Forensic Science disciplines. There are three key objectives to this course. You will • be introduced to the process of self-education through review of information as presented in the medium in which scientists communicate their findings: peer-reviewed journal articles; • gain experience in the preparation of reports based on literature reviews of primary sources in current forensic science publications; • enhance your abilities in verbal and written communication by completing an oral presentation as well as creating/editing a Wikipedia article on selected topics in forensic science. Your reports must • Identify/discuss the relevance of the topic in forensic investigation • Identify/discuss the types of evidence analyzed within the topic area • Identify and briefly describe methods of analysis of the evidence in question • Review and evaluate the method(s) in terms of forensic relevance, operational and/or conceptual principles, foundational and applied validity, and reliability; and highlight the implications and limitations of such an analysis • Cite relevant literature (which must include a significant component from the primary literature), and critically evaluate this literature, where appropriate.