Course Overview
Under the supervision of the graduation project research methodologist, faculty mentor(s), and industry subject matter expert, you will build upon the project concept initiated in FSCT7910 and complete a theoretical or applied independent research proposal. The course will focus on research themes relevant to your chosen areas of specialty in forensic investigation. You will conduct a comprehensive literature review, prepare a research design and protocol, validate the measurement model(s), conduct reliability and validity studies, and undertake a pilot study to ensure measurement instrument reliability. The research proposal should be innovative, experimental, or explanatory in nature to demonstrate the practical application of knowledge and skills. It should be comprehensive, covering all the operational aspects of the project and the measurement instrument to be employed. The research models employed and the research protocol followed will be well articulated and defined. This course will be focusing on building a foundation that leads to FSCT8621, Graduation Project 2.
Prerequisite(s)
- 60% in FSCT 7910
- Completion of all framework courses and all specialty courses or permission of program coordinator.
Credits
3.0
Registration requirements
Departmental approval is required to register for this course. You must have approval from the department to register. Students accepted into a program can register directly.
Domestic fees
$569.40
International fees are typically 3.4 times the domestic tuition. Exact cost will be calculated upon completion of registration.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course the student will be able to:
- Develop appropriate research question(s) for the scope and depth of the research project.
- Prepare a literature review to underpin the research questions posed.
- Justify why the project will enhance expertise in chosen specialty.
- Assess the research project from a project management perspective to ensure adequate time and resources are available to complete it.
- Assess the significance of conceptualization and measurement in crime research and analysis by framing a well-defined research question and research model to be pursued.
- Assess the differences between qualitative and quantitative research.
- Design the appropriate methodology or approach to complete the project.
- Apply statistical crime research methods and data analysis techniques using SPSS to complete the research project.
- Prepare a written research proposal
- Present and defend your research proposal via an oral presentation to your peers.
- Assess, discuss, and critically examine research proposals in the forensic investigation context.
Effective as of Winter 2024
Related Programs
Graduation Project 1 (FSCT 8611) is offered as a part of the following programs:
- Indicates programs accepting international students.
- Indicates programs eligible for students to apply for Post-graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
School of Computing and Academic Studies
- Forensic Investigation (Crime and Intelligence Analysis Option)
Bachelor of Technology Part-time
- Forensic Investigation (Digital Forensics and Cybersecurity Option)
Bachelor of Technology Full-time/Part-time
- Forensic Investigation (Forensic Science Option)
Bachelor of Technology Part-time
Course Offerings
Fall 2026
Below are two offerings of FSCT 8611 for the Fall 2026 term.
CRN 40171
Dates
Sep 10 - Dec 03 Loading
- CRN 40171
- $569.40 Domestic fees
Class meeting times
| Dates | Days | Times | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 10 - Dec 03 | Thu | 17:30 - 21:00 | Online |
Duration
13 weeks
Instructor
TBD
Course outline
Course outline TBD — see Learning Outcomes in the interim.
Important information
- This online offering is for students enrolled in ALL forensic programs options. Attendance and participation in all classes is important for success in the course. Please note, there is no textbook for this offering. Instructor will provide all materials in class. Prior to course registration, please connect with your program head (by August 1, 2026 at the latest) to discuss and obtain his approval to start the grad project in the Fall term. It is important to finish the project on time as extension will need to be re-approved with course registration fee to be re-paid.
Confirmation
Required
To proceed with registration and add this course to the cart, please confirm:
No approval yet? Request approval You must have approval from the department to register. Students accepted into a program can register directly.
Status
If you have any questions about this course, please contact us.
CRN 39881
Dates
Sep 13 - Dec 13 Loading
- CRN 39881
- $569.40 Domestic fees
Class meeting times
| Dates | Days | Times | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 13 - Dec 13 | Sun | 10:00 - 13:30 | Online |
Duration
13 weeks
Instructor
TBD
Course outline
Course outline TBD — see Learning Outcomes in the interim.
Important information
- This offering is for students enrolled in ALL forensic programs options. Attendance and participation in all classes is important for success in the course. No class on Sunday, Oct 11, 2026 (Thanksgiving weekend). For details on the required digital textbook, please check: www.bcitbookstore.ca/bcit/buy_textbooks.asp (BCIT-FALL 2026 TERM / DE – FSCT / 8611 / NET-ILSEVER) /and select “Click here to buy this CEI digital code” OR purchase from here directly: bit.ly/4fVYL00. (copy and paste the https: link into your browser). Prior to course registration, please connect with your program head (by August 1, 2026 at the latest) to discuss and obtain their approval to start the grad project in the Fall term. It is important to finish the project on time as extension will need to be re-approved with course registration fee to be re-paid.
Confirmation
Required
To proceed with registration and add this course to the cart, please confirm:
No approval yet? Request approval You must have approval from the department to register. Students accepted into a program can register directly.
Status
If you have any questions about this course, please contact us.
Programs and courses are subject to change without notice. Find out more about BCIT course cancellations.