UC Davis Forensic Science Graduate Program

Transcription

1 UC Davis Forensic Science Graduate Program Proposed curriculum changes to the MS Degree in Forensic Science (Graduate Council approved June 21, 2007) Background The Graduate Forensic Science M.S. degree program (Plan I) is a self supporting program wherein the students are required to take 21 course units, 2 seminar units, and 9 research units for a total of 32 units. The proposed changes takes note that, in actual practice, the students spend about a year on their research so a more accurate reflection of that research effort would be research units. Initial Forensic Science Curriculum 2001 The initial MS forensics science program that was approved by the UCOP and Graduate Studies required the following courses: 4 core FOR courses - 13 units 3 elective courses 10 units 9 FOR299 research units 32 total units Revised Curriculum 2005 In order to increase the breadth of the forensic science offerings, a two-track program was initiated in This program allowed for a DNA-focused curriculum and a Criminalistics (Forensic Science) based curriculum. All students were required to take the following courses: 3 common FOR core courses (9 units) 2 track FOR specialty courses (6 units) 2 FOR290 seminar units 6 elective units 9 FOR299 research units 32 total units Issue We would like to enhance the course requirements of the UC Davis MS in Forensic Science program so that it is comparable to what is offered in other institutions that offer a MS degree in Forensic Science. At the same time, we would like to structure our curriculum so that it meets or exceeds the recommendation by the American Academy of Forensic Sciences. These recommendations by the American Academy of Forensic Sciences were developed during a series of meetings held with leading forensic science educators and practitioners from the field of forensic sciences. The results of the committee deliberations were published in 2003 in a document entitled Education and Training in Forensic Science: A Guide for Forensic Science Laboratories, Education Institutions, and Students. This National Institute of Justice (NIJ) Report can be down loaded at 1

2 Forensic Education Program Accreditation Committee (FEPAC) Graduate level Requirements The Forensic Education Program Accreditation Committee (FEPAC) was established as a standing committee by the American Academy of Forensic Science (AAFS) in FEPAC has developed the following guidelines for a graduate program in forensic science education in the United States. The highlights of the guidelines are the following: A bachelors degree in forensic or natural science required for graduate program entry Core forensic topics (specific courses are not required) in: o Crime scene investigation o Physical evidence concepts o Law/science interface o Ethics and professional responsibilities o Quality assurance o Specific courses covering the following areas: Analytical chemistry and instrumental methods of analysis Drug chemistry/toxicology Microscopy and material analysis Forensic biology Pattern evidence Graduate level courses in specialized areas appropriate to the track or specialization: o Molecular Biology o Population genetics o Advanced analytical chemistry o Materials analysis Graduate seminar session with presentation by students and experts A capstone experience shall include a written evaluation such as a standardized test, a publication and/or a report If a report is used, it must be reviewed to determine if it meets acceptable standards o Independent research projects culminating in a: Written report or a Thesis A description of how the UC Davis proposed courses would meet the FEPAC requirements is listed in Appendix I Other MS Forensic Science Programs or Related Graduate Degree Programs. A review of some of the more established forensic science degrees programs illustrates the fact that the UC Davis Forensic Science program requires fewer units than other similar academic programs. In part, this is due to the program s focus on research and the amount of time the Forensic Science students spend performing this research which is generally in excess of the nine units they are required to take. However, outside agencies are unfamiliar when it comes to evaluating the contribution of this research component and the extra effort is not always appropriately recognized. Thus the incorporation of an equivalent Plan II, M.S. degree program would also serve to enhance the program overall. 2

3 The curriculum of some of the other programs is illustrated in the table below. It is apparent that other programs require more class units from their students. As an example, the New York City CUNY system at John Jay with 33 semester units, equates to 49 Quarter units, whilst the average quarter equivalent units required by the other universities with similar programs is about 60 quarter units. Institution University New York- Albany Unit Basis Course Total Qtr. Equiv. Comment Sem is intern or capstone process Michigan State University Sem Thesis option Plan A University of New Haven Sem. 34 (6) California State University Sem. 44 Los Angeles (49) 6 (0) 5 (0) an option or more classes/internship Thesis option or comprehensive exam CUNY John Jay College Sem Thesis option only UC Davis Qtr Thesis option only Note: 1 semester unit = 1.5 quarters units 3

4 MS FORENSIC SCIENCE REVISED PLAN I CURRICULUM PROPOSAL In order to achieve parity with other graduate forensic science institutions and to meet FEPAC standards, we propose that the required number of quarter units for the UC Davis Forensic science program be increased from the current 32 quarter units to 45 quarter units. This change is a more accurate reflection of the time and effort required from the UC Davis MSFS student. Plan I Revision A comparison of the current Plan I and the Proposed Plan I is discussed below: Plan Current Plan I MS Degree Proposed Plan I MS Degree Total 32 units 48 units Thesis Required Required Course 21 units 27 units Seminar 2 units 3 units 9 units 18 units Core Required Track Required Elective Current Plan I Specifics 9 FOR200 Fundamentals Concepts of Forensic Science (3) FOR210 Personal Identification and Analytical methods (3) FOR240 Homicide Crime Scene 6 DNA Track (6 units) FOR278 Molecular Techniques (3) FOR280 Forensic DNA Analysis (3) OR Criminalistics Track (6 units) FOR205 Microscopy and Microanalytical methods (3) FOR220 Analysis of Toxicants (3) Electives 6 units (from any of the following) FOR215 Forensic Arson and Fire FOR221L Instrumental Laboratory approval) (2) FOR268 Forensic Statistics (3) Proposed Plan I Specifics 12 FOR200 Fundamentals Concepts of Forensic Science (3) FOR210 Personal Identification and Analytical methods (3) FOR240 Homicide Crime Scene FOR212 Scientific Evidence (submitted for Academic Senate approval) (3) 6 DNA Track (6 units) FOR278 Molecular Techniques (3) FOR280 Forensic DNA Analysis (3) OR Criminalistics Track (6 units) FOR205 Microscopy and Microanalytical methods (3) FOR220 Analysis of Toxicants (3) Electives 9 units (from any of the following): FOR215 Forensic Arson and Fire FOR221L Instrumental Laboratory approval) (2) FOR268 Forensic Statistics (3) 4

5 Seminars FOR281 Principles and Practices of Forensic DNA Typing (2) FOR293 Methods in Forensic Science (submitted for Academic Senate approval) (2) Campus Elective Options CHE115 Instrumental Analysis (4) CHE205 Symmetry, Spectroscopy, and Structure (3) CHEM217 X-Ray Structure Determination (3) CHE219 Organic Spectra (4) CHE240 Adv. Analytical Chemistry (3) CHE241C Mass Spectrometry (3) EME298 Impact Biomechanics and Design of Crash Protection Systems (4) EMS182 Failure Analysis (4) EMS230 Electron Microscopy ETX102B Quantitative Analysis of Environmental Toxicants (5) ENT158 Forensic Entomology (3) FPS161 Structure and Properties of Fibers (3) FPS161L Textile Chemical Analysis Lab (1) MCB120L Biochemistry Lab (6) MCB162 Human Genetics (3) MAE161 Combustion and the Environment (4) MAE217 Combustion (4) MCB221C Molecular Biology (4) Other courses as approved by the Graduate Advisor FOR290 Seminars 9 FOR299 in Forensic Science FOR281 Principles and Practices of Forensic DNA Typing (2) FOR293 Methods in Forensic Science (submitted for Academic Senate approval) (2) Campus Elective Options CHE115 Instrumental Analysis (4) CHE205 Symmetry, Spectroscopy, and Structure (3) CHEM217 X-Ray Structure Determination (3) CHE219 Organic Spectra (4) CHE240 Adv. Analytical Chemistry (3) CHE241C Mass Spectrometry (3) EME298 Impact Biomechanics and Design of Crash Protection Systems (4) EMS182 Failure Analysis (4) EMS230 Electron Microscopy ETX102B Quantitative Analysis of Environmental Toxicants (5) ENT158 Forensic Entomology (3) FPS161 Structure and Properties of Fibers (3) FPS161L Textile Chemical Analysis Lab (1) MCB120L Biochemistry Lab (6) MCB162 Human Genetics (3) MAE161 Combustion and the Environment (4) MAE217 Combustion (4) MCB221C Molecular Biology (4) Other courses as approved by the Graduate Advisor 3 2- FOR290 Seminars 1 - XXX290 Seminar session (a seminar session with another group) 18 FOR299 in Forensic Science 5

6 MS FORENSIC SCIENCE REVISED PLAN II CURRICULUM PROPOSAL Plan Two - Capstone Non-Thesis Option The Forensic Science Graduate Group continues to believe that the MS Plan I is the most desirable option. The students choosing this option would be required to produce a Capstone project report, usually in the form of a critical review of a forensic science method or approach to evaluating evidence that meets all of the Program s established standards. This Capstone project would have an approving committee structure similar to the current Plan I Thesis option. Students would also be required to pass a Comprehensive Oral Examination conducted by their Capstone committee. Plan II Comparisons Plan Current Plan I New Plan II Total 32 units 48 units Thesis Required No Capstone No Yes Project Comprehensive No Exam Course 21 units 39 units Seminar 2 units 3 units 9 units 6 units Core Required Track Required Elective Current Plan I Specifics 9 FOR200 Fundamentals Concepts of Forensic Science (3) FOR210 Personal Identification and Analytical methods (3) FOR240 Homicide Crime Scene 6 DNA Track (6 units) FOR278 Molecular Techniques (3) FOR280 Forensic DNA Analysis (3) OR Criminalistics Track (6 units) FOR205 Microscopy and Microanalytical methods (3) FOR220 Analysis of Toxicants (3) Electives 6 units (from any of the following) FOR215 Forensic Arson and Fire Yes Oral Examination (by student s committee) Proposed Plan II Specifics 12 FOR200 Fundamentals Concepts of Forensic Science (3) FOR210 Personal Identification and Analytical methods (3) FOR240 Homicide Crime Scene FOR212 Scientific Evidence approval) (3) 6 DNA Track (6 units) FOR278 Molecular Techniques (3) FOR280 Forensic DNA Analysis (3) OR Criminalistics Track (6 units) FOR205 Microscopy and Microanalytical methods (3) FOR220 Analysis of Toxicants (3) Electives 18 units (from any of the following): FOR215 Forensic Arson and Fire 6

7 Seminars FOR221L Instrumental Laboratory approval) (2) FOR268 Forensic Statistics (3) FOR281 Principles and Practices of Forensic DNA Typing (2) FOR293 Methods in Forensic Science (submitted for Academic Senate approval) (2) Other Campus Elective Options CHE115 Instrumental Analysis (4) CHE205 Symmetry, Spectroscopy, and Structure (3) CHEM217 X-Ray Structure Determination (3) CHE219 Organic Spectra (4) CHE240 Adv. Analytical Chemistry (3) CHE241C Mass Spectrometry (3) EME298 Impact Biomechanics and Design of Crash Protection Systems (4) EMS182 Failure Analysis (4) EMS230 Electron Microscopy ETX102B Quantitative Analysis of Environmental Toxicants (5) ENT158 Forensic Entomology (3) FPS161 Structure and Properties of Fibers (3) FPS161L Textile Chemical Analysis Lab (1) MCB120L Biochemistry Lab (6) MCB162 Human Genetics (3) MAE161 Combustion and the Environment (4) MAE217 Combustion (4) MCB221C Molecular Biology (4) Other courses as approved by the Graduate Advisor FOR290 Seminars 9 FOR299 in Forensic Science FOR221L Instrumental Laboratory approval) (2) FOR268 Forensic Statistics (3) FOR281 Principles and Practices of Forensic DNA Typing (2) FOR293 Methods in Forensic Science (submitted for Academic Senate approval) (2) Other Campus Elective Options CHE115 Instrumental Analysis (4) CHE205 Symmetry, Spectroscopy, and Structure (3) CHEM217 X-Ray Structure Determination (3) CHE219 Organic Spectra (4) CHE240 Adv. Analytical Chemistry (3) CHE241C Mass Spectrometry (3) EME298 Impact Biomechanics and Design of Crash Protection Systems (4) EMS182 Failure Analysis (4) EMS230 Electron Microscopy ETX102B Quantitative Analysis of Environmental Toxicants (5) ENT158 Forensic Entomology (3) FPS161 Structure and Properties of Fibers (3) FPS161L Textile Chemical Analysis Lab (1) MCB120L Biochemistry Lab (6) MCB162 Human Genetics (3) MAE161 Combustion and the Environment (4) MAE217 Combustion (4) MCB221C Molecular Biology (4) Other courses as approved by the Graduate Advisor 3 2- FOR290 Seminars 1 - XXX290 Seminar session (a seminar session in another group) 6 FOR299 in Forensic 7

8 Science Rationale for Plan II The Plan Two Option meets the FEPAC educational guidelines and would give the Forensic Science Graduate Group the flexibility to meet the varied goals of the diverse student population. This plan would allow forensic science students to take more specialized classes to achieve their professional goals. In addition, the Forensic Science Graduate Group would require any students choosing this option to produce a Capstone project report that meets all of the Program s established standards. Plan II Capstone (6) Students would be required to develop a non-lab based research using six (6) FOR299 research units. These projects could be in areas such as but not necessarily limited to: literature review, equipment validation, database additions, laboratory intern work, etc. The students would have to submit their proposals in the same manner as the Plan I students and upon completion of the project submit a detailed paper discussing their accomplishment. The student s Capstone advisors would then conduct an oral examination to satisfy the requirement of the Comprehensive Exam. 8

9 Appendix 1 FEPAC/UCD Comparison Table FEPAC Requirements UCD MSFS DNA Track UCD MSFS Criminalistics Track Core Core Core Quality Assurance Ethics & professional responsibilities FOR200 3 units FOR200 3 units Physical evidence concepts FOR200 3 units FOR210 3 units FOR200 3 units FOR210 3 units Ethics & professional responsibilities FOR200 3 units FOR212 3 units FOR200 3 units FOR212 3 units Pattern Evidence FOR210 3 units FOR210 3 units Crime scene investigation FOR240 3 units FOR240 3 units Comments Law/science interface FOR212 3 units FOR212 3 units Core Core Track Core Track Forensic Biology FOR278 3 units TBA Forensic Biological Methods NA Course Drug Chemistry/toxicology Analytical Chemistry & Instrumentation NA FOR220 3 units FOR221-2 units ETX102B-5 units Microscopy & materials NA FOR205 3 units Graduate Level Graduate Level Graduate Level Molecular Biology FOR278-3 NA Population Genetics GGG211 3 units NA Advanced Analytical Chemistry NA FOR221-2 units CHE240 3 units Materials analysis NA FOR205 3 units EMS289E -3 units Seminar Seminar Seminar A course FOR290 2 units FOR290-2 units Seminar Outside 290 series XXX290 1 unit XXX290 1 unit Report or thesis as a FOR299 (15) FOR299 (15) Approved Thesis Capstone 9