The Discussion Board (DB) is part of the core of online learning. Classroom discussion in an online environment requires the active participation of students and the instructor to create robust interaction and dialogue. Every student is expected to create an original response to the open-ended DB question as well as engage in dialogue by responding to posts created by others throughout the week. At the end of each unit, DB participation will be assessed based on both level of engagement and the quality of the contribution to the discussion.
At a minimum, each student will be expected to post an original and thoughtful response to the DB question and contribute to the weekly dialogue by responding to at least two other posts from students. The first contribution must be posted before midnight (Central Time) on Wednesday of each week. Two additional responses are required after Wednesday of each week. Students are highly encouraged to engage on the Discussion Board early and often, as that is the primary way the university tracks class attendance and participation.
The purpose of the Discussion Board is to allow students to learn through sharing ideas and experiences as they relate to course content and the DB question. Because it is not possible to engage in two-way dialogue after a conversation has ended, no posts to the DB will be accepted after the end of each unit.
Assignment Guidelines
Forensic biology is a scientific method of examining, testing, and probing evidence from a crime scene investigation. When you review the history of forensics, you see that there are varying timelines. The history, as complied by the American College of Forensic Examiners, began as early as the 4,000 BC. The modern association of forensic biology has been developed into many subdivisions such as toxicology, pathology, anthropology, and odontology, just to name a few.
- In 4–6 paragraphs, address the following:
- In your own words, what is the definition of forensic biology? Explain.
- Which of the major subfields do you feel is the most important to forensic biology? Explain.
- Examples can include serology, entomology, odontology, etc.
- If you must select 1, which of the following developmental stages of forensic biology do you feel is the most important to the field? Explain why.
- Antigen polymorphism
- Protein polymorphism
- DNA polymorphism
- How might each of the above be used in an investigation to clear or convict a criminal? Provide 1 example for each.
- Post a new topic to the Discussion Board that contains your responses to the above questions.
