Meteo 482 - Weather Communications II -- Forensics Section

Spring 2017: T,R 10:35-11:50

Bill Syrett; Office Hours: W 7:00-10:00 and by Appointment 

Goal: To create an interdisciplinary environment where the learners will gain skills in communication and investigation related to applications in the non-science world 

Specifics:  You will apply your meteorological knowledge to a legal setting, where you must:

• know how to apply your scientific skills to a particular case
• know the limitations of your data
• honestly and realistically express potential error in your analysis
• understand the courtroom and or discovery process
• be familiar with certain relevant cases and doctrines 

Skills:

• Communication
  • concise, clear peer presentations
  • concise report writing
  • effective small teamwork 
• Investigation
  • effective data search
  • effective presentation of data/results
  • proper use of time

Outcomes of Assignment (100 points, * denotes group grade)

• follow the three fundamental forensic science principles
• well-written, logically organized and concise report (*)
• intelligent, confident and concise oral presentation of data with readily      understandable graphics for a non-scientific audience (jury, possibly)
• relatively equal and fair division of labor among group members
• ability to “think on your feet” and answer unscripted questions 

Teaching Outline (Forensics Section Only)

• Class 1: Forensic science overview. Data sources revisited. Reading and brief forensic homework assigned.
• Class 2: Quiz on forensic lecture, reading homework.  Brief forensic report discussion if needed. HOMEWORK DUE FRIAY AT 1PM. Primary assignments, pairs formed.
• Class 3: Primary assignment rough draft due, returned before 3:00pm. Break-out sessions.
• Class 4: Primary report due, 3 copies. Reports given to opposition team.
• Class 5: Presentation of facts, questions & answers.
• Class 6: Presentation of facts, questions & answers.

Grading (Industrial Only)

• 35 points (35%)  Final Written Report (Group)
• 20 points (20%)  Oral Presentation (Individual)
• 20 points (20%)  Question Quality
• 15 points (15%)  Brief Report (First Homework)
• 10 points (10%)  In-Class Quiz