Communication Skills in a Forensic Context

GMS6354

Core Course
Credits: 3


This course will provide the student with an introduction to the importance of scientific report writing and forensic science professionalism. Foundational issues including ethics on a crime scene, academic plagiarism, and dishonesty within case report writing and courtroom testimony will be discussed with a focus on writing specialized forensic reports throughout. 

Course Objectives:

  • Demonstrate proficiency in scientific report writing with forensic science applications 
  • Understand the differences in writing styles and techniques based on the role in a forensic investigation 
  • Distinguish between plagiarized work and original work with respect to casework analysis 
  • Explain techniques that contribute to successful public speaking in a court room 
  • Understand and explain the “on paper” steps of an investigation from the scene to the trail 
  • Define and explain jurisprudence and how it is used in forensic science 

Topics:

  • Module 1: Citing Your Sources and Plagiarism in Scientific Report Writing 
  • Module 2: Interacting with the Media and Avoiding Professional Bias in Casework 
  • Module 3: Academic Writing in Forensic Research 
  • Module 4: Report Writing for the Forensic Investigator 
  • Module 5: Analytical Report Writing for the Forensic Science Expert 
  • Module 6: Techniques of Successful Public Speaking – Explaining Forensic Science Topics to a Non-Forensic Scientist 
  • Module 7: Expert Witness Testimony – From Scene to Trial 
  • Module 8: Jurisprudence