UOIT Faculty of Science launches pilot project for Forensic Science program

Twenty University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) Faculty of Science students in their third year of the Forensic Science program have been placed at the forefront of emerging forensic science applications and technology in Canada, thanks to a two-year pilot project involving the use of tablet computers.

Resembling laptops, tablet computers are designed to convert to a notebook by manually turning the screen and folding it down. Using a stylus pen, students can make handwritten notes and sketches directly on the computer screen while at a crime scene, in addition to taking notes in class. Coupled with a portable wireless Internet connection, it provides the unique potential of collecting crime-scene data and immediately transmitting it to a laboratory for preliminary analysis.

"This leading-edge technology puts our students at the top of their game in forensic science," said Kimberly Nugent, senior laboratory instructor with the Faculty of Science. "Technology is a useful tool in forensic science and these tablet computers offer the unique potential of collecting electronic crime-scene data in the field."

Commencing in September 2007 the project was established to mirror real-life forensic science practices and to test the feasibility of this type of data collection and analysis by forensic practitioners. It also provides students with an increased opportunity to utilize the technology employed in the field of forensic science.

Another useful function of the tablet computers is their ability to connect to portable digital microscopes on scene through a USB port. The microscopes provide 200 times magnification and are helpful in determining whether data collected warrants laboratory analysis.

Used primarily in the third-year Criminalistics I and II, Forensic Biology and Forensic Chemistry courses, which take place in UOIT's unique crime scene house laboratory, students have found their tablet computers to be useful in many of their additional classes.

"I find it amazing for lectures," said Sara Garrard, a third-year Forensic Science student. "Professors post PowerPoint lectures on WebCT and I can write directly on the PowerPoint using my tablet computer during class. It saves me time and helps me keep organized."

Numerous UOIT professors post their PowerPoint presentations on WebCT, allowing students to download the presentations prior to class. WebCT is interactive software used by students and professors to remain connected anytime and anywhere, through discussion forums, assignment and grade postings, etc.

"I am definitely finding them useful in all aspects of the program," said Dainis Simson, a third-year Forensic Science student at UOIT.

UOIT has developed a national reputation for its award-winning leading-edge learning environment. Students use industry- and program-specific software to conduct research, make presentations and access course material, putting them one step ahead when they graduate.

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