To have satisfactorily studied at PgD level

The content of this module reflects the importance attached to this module which is equivalent to 60 credits at level 7. The study will be carried out independently and will demand dedication, initiative and originality. You will carry out a substantial laboratory or field exercise to gather results pertinent to an agreed topic within the overall discipline of forensic science. The results will need to be evaluated, appraised, and discussed and conclusions derived. In preparation for the study you will need to carry out an extensive literature search (assessment no. 3). The literature search and draft manuscript contribute 70% of the marks for the module.

During the block preceding the start of your project, in consultation with the module leader and lecturers, you will determine an area of study. You will present to your supervisor a project planning assignment (3000 words) containing:
- a statement of the aims and objectives of the project;
- an outline of the experimental method that is planned;
- a formal consideration of the ethics and health and safety issues associated with the project (practical work must not start until full ethics and health and safety clearances have been given by the University);
- a short description of the methods to be used to analyse the data that will be generated by the experimental work;
- a list of annotated journal references to show the relevance of each reference to the project;
- a completed collaborative work form (only required from students who plan to complete their project's experimental work using the facilities of any organisation other than Staffordshire University).

Providing that you have made satisfactory progress at the diploma stage and your project planning assignment is deemed satisfactory, you will then carry out your project study. Throughout your experimental study, you will maintain a logbook of your work and meet regularly with your supervisor to discuss progress (three 20-minute meetings). If a work-based project has been approved, you will meet a delegated person at regular interviews and arrange to appraise your supervisor at the University of progress by agreed means (e-mail, chat room, telephone). You can expect to have 20 hours contact time with your tutor. This will cover all aspects of the project work including advice on writing the final report.

El-Masri, M. M. and Fox-Wasylyshun, S. (2017) Printing a Publishable Research Manuscript: Practical Guidelines. Canadian Nurse 113 (6): 20-24.

Gastel, B. and Day, R. A. (2016) How to write and publish a scientific paper. Santa Barbara: Greenwood.

Pugh, E. M. and Pugh, D. S. (2010) How to get a PhD: A handbook for students and their supervisors. 5th ed. Maidenhead: Open University Press.

Ridley, D. (2012) The literature review: a step-by-step guide for students. 2nd ed. London: SAGE.

Journals
Instructions to authors for journals, such as Science and Justice, Forensic Science International and Journal of Forensic Science.

A suitable computer capable of accessing the internet, Blackboard, and the university server. The module handbook contains important information about the module. Library access is essential. The use of laboratory and equipment facilities suitable for carrying out the experimental element of the project is also needed for this module.

1. Search literature sources to produce a critical analysis of current research in a specific area of Forensic Science or Digital Forensic Investigation
Learning
Enquiry
Analysis

2. Devise and undertake an experimental programme to meet a set of aims and objectives.
Knowledge and Understanding
Problem Solving
Application

3. Interpret and report novel results from experimental work making use of initiative and originality of thinking.
Problem Solving
Application
Reflection

4. Produce an extensive piece of work which effectively presents the research carried out through a sound understanding of both practical and theoretical aspects, especially in the synthesis, evaluation and analysis of results and concepts, and in the limitations of the study.
Knowledge and Understanding
Learning
Enquiry
Analysis
Communication

Coursework (Project Proposal) - Learning outcomes 1 and 2

In the project proposal you will identify a research question that you will answer following a programme of experimental work. This submission should provide a clear rationale for the research and what work has been conducted in this area. Detailed consideration of the methodology, ethical issues, and health and safety are required. Alongside the project proposal, you are required to submit an ethics form, risk assessment form, and list of expected materials that you anticipate will be needed to complete the project.

Dissertation - Learning outcomes 1, 2, 3 and 4

This assessment will give you the opportunity to write up your results and interpretation of the practical work carried out as part of this module. A dissertation will allow for you to give a full discussion of the underlying research question, the theory that your work was based on and the results obtained from a programme of experimental work.

Project Output (Logbook) - Learning outcomes 2 and 3

The log book allows you to record progress, results, and initial interpretations obtained from your practical experimental work. This should be filled in on a regular basis as it provides evidence of consistent engagement with your project. The meeting reports give you the opportunity to reflect on progress to date and to discuss this with your supervisory team.

Presentation – Learning outcome 3

Your research project should be a substantial piece of work, following the creation of your dissertation, your final assessment will be to create a 15-minute presentation that would be suitable for a broad audience of both specialists and non-specialists. You should be able to present your work clearly and effectively, with a strong ability to answer questions from the audience afterwards.

Following a critical appraisal of the current research in a specific area of forensic science, you will devise and carry out an appropriate experimental programme. You will interpret your results making use of initiative and originality of thinking and produce an extensive report, which effectively describes the research carried out and demonstrates a sound understanding of both the practical and theoretical aspects encountered. You are free to choose the subject matter of the project, subject to us being able to support it with academic supervision and equipment.