As part of this class, you will write a research paper focusing on one branch of forensic science. It may be a field we’ve covered, or another that’s of interest to you.
You should:
Explain what the field involves
How it’s useful in forensic investigations
illustrate its use by summarizing at least two case studies.
This can include studies in which forensics was used to convict, to overturn a conviction, or to solve an historical mystery.
To complete this assignment, follow these guidelines:
Use solid information and research. All sources should be reflected in the information of your paper and on the reference page.
Include at least two case studies in your discussion of the forensic branch of interest, and how they helped solve the case. Include diagrams, charts, and pictures (though these don’t count towards the suggested length of 10 pages).
Additionally, the title page and reference pages do NOT count as part of the required 10 pages.
Use professional research skills. Use the proper references cited form (which we will discuss in class), and avoid plagiarism! Use professional writing skills. Complete sentences, supporting statements, grammar, proofread, etc.
Drafts:
You can turn in one or more early drafts of your paper for my review before the due date. I will accept and review as many drafts of this paper as you like, up to three days before the due date.
Suggested topics:
Toxicology
Entomology
Botany
Serology
DNA
Fingerprinting
Arson
Shoeprint
Tire Tread
Ballistics
Anthropology
Documents and Handwriting Analysis
Hair and Fiber
Glass
Soils
Paints
Bite Marks and Odontology
Explosives
Pathology and Medical Examination.
Feel free to suggest another topic!
Deliverable length for this assignment is 5-10 pages in APA format.
Minimum of 6 Sources
Include two books, two web sites, and two magazine or newspaper articles
Minimum of 2 Case Studies
Include at least two case studies in your discussion. Include diagrams, charts, and pictures (though these don’t count towards the suggested length of 10 pages)
At this point in the course you should be able to form an opinion and formulate your own ideas about the following case study. This is a real life example of an incident from our local area. Please use only what you have read in the case study article, make no assumptions and use all the knowledge available to you via this course and all materials provided.
