Key facts
UNE unit code: FSC102
*You are viewing the 2024 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 1 - On Campus
- Trimester 1 - Online
- Armidale Campus
- Yes
- Yes
- Yes
- 6
Unit information
In recent years there has been an explosion of interest in forensic science as new crime solving characters have emerged in fiction and tv. In practice, forensic science is a fascinating field that goes well beyond its depictions in pop culture.
This unit explores the application of scientific investigations to the criminal justice system. With insights into the roles of the forensic scientist, you will learn about the principles of crime scene investigations.
Forensic scientists are required to integrate their knowledge of core physical and biological science concepts. You will be introduced to these concepts and explore contemporary methods for forensic investigations and the analysis of physical evidence.
Using case studies to understand why and how examinations are performed you will cover topics such as crime-scene investigation, physical evidence and its analysis, arson and explosions, bloodstain pattern analysis, drugs, toxicology, and DNA analysis.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 1 | On Campus, Armidale Campus |
| Trimester 1 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
| Start | Finish | Duration | Attendance | Offerings | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22 April 2024 | 24 April 2024 | 3 days | Non-Mandatory Intensive School | Trimester 1, Online | While it is not mandatory to attend the intensive school, it is mandatory to either attend the intensive school, which is held in Armidale, or complete a case study. |
Enrolment rules
There are no requisites for this unit.
Notes
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- recognise the technical and theoretical knowledge required in the role of a forensic scientist;
- use a broad range of cognitive, technical and communications skills to explain procedures of evidence collection and preservation from crime scenes;
- apply knowledge and skills to demonstrate judgement and defined responsibility in the area of health and safety procedures at a crime scene; and
- transmit information using oral and written communication skills and demonstrating information literacy.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
| Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment 1 | Yes | 10% | All offerings | On-line quiz. Multiple choice questions. No. Words: 250 |
| Assessment 2 | Yes | 10% | All offerings | On-line quiz. Multiple choice questions. No. Words: 250 |
| Assessment 3 | Yes | 10% | All offerings | On-line quiz. Multiple choice questions. No. Words: 250 |
| Assessment 4 | Yes | 10% | All offerings | On-line quiz. Multiple choice questions. No. Words: 250 |
| Assessment 5 | Yes | 20% | All offerings | Practical report/case study. The practical report is completed during the optional intensive school within the spaces provided in the report template. If a student does not attend the optional intensive school then they must complete the 2000 word case study. ALL Block F students must compete the case study assessment task. It is mandatory to pass this component in order to pass the unit. No. Words: 2000 |
| Final Examination | Yes | 40% | All offerings | It is mandatory to pass the final examination in order to pass the unit. |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
Criminalistics (Global Edition): An Introduction to Forensic Science
ISBN: 9781292062020
Saferstein, R., Pearson Education 11th ed. 2014
Text refers to: Trimester 1 (On Campus), Trimester 1 (Online)
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