SLE112 - Fundamentals of Forensic Science

Unit details

Year:

2024 unit information

Enrolment modes:Trimester 2: Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
Credit point(s):1
EFTSL value:0.125
Previously coded as:SBF111
Unit Chair:Trimester 2: Annalisa Durdle
Prerequisite:

Nil

Corequisite:

SLE010

Incompatible with: SLEM112
Typical study commitment:

Students will on average spend 150 hours over the teaching period undertaking the teaching, learning and assessment activities for this unit.

This will include educator guided online learning activities within the unit site.

Educator-facilitated (scheduled) learning activities - on-campus unit enrolment:

1 x 1 hour lecture per week, 1 x 1 hour seminar per week, 3 x 3 hour practical experience (laboratory) per trimester.

Content

SLE112 is a fundamental forensics unit, during which students will explore forensic science in an Australian context and learn the challenges and differences of forensic science in a global context. This includes some of the key principles used to study the science, including Locard's exchange principle, principle of individuality, comparative analysis, and class and individual characteristics. Students will engage in activities that will require them to apply forensic processes from a forensic laboratory to the court. It will also require them to apply introductory forensic analysis including chemical, biological, and physical techniques and learn about the legal system including the laws of evidence and the role of the forensic scientist as an expert witness.

ULO These are the Learning Outcomes (ULO) for this unit. At the completion of this unit, successful students can: Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes
ULO1

Apply the fundamental principles of Forensic Science and explain various disciplines within forensic science and the contributions they make in a forensic investigation.

GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities

ULO2

Consider the workings of the Australian legal system, evaluate the legal processes involved in forensic judgement and reflect on the process.

GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities
GLO3: Digital literacy
GLO4: Critical thinking
GLO6: Self-management

ULO3

Demonstrate practical skills in a range of forensic disciplines to obtain and communicate forensic laboratory results in a standard written scientific format.

GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities
GLO2: Communication
GLO4: Critical thinking
GLO5: Problem solving

Assessment

Assessment Description Student output Grading and weighting
(% total mark for unit)
Indicative due week
Assessment 1
Online tests
Two 50-minute online tests 30% (2 x 15%) Weeks 6 and 11
Assessment 2
Assignment
2500 word written report 25% Week 8
Assessment 3
Practical reports and practical skills demonstration
Three written practical reports, and three practical skills demonstrations 45% (3 x 10%, 3 x 5%) (Reports, Demonstrations) Within 1 week of practical session completion

The assessment due weeks provided may change. The Unit Chair will clarify the exact assessment requirements, including the due date, at the start of the teaching period.

Hurdle requirement

To be eligible to obtain a pass in this unit, students must achieve at least 50% in the practical report and practical skills demonstration assessment.

Learning Resource

Prescribed text(s): Saferstein, 2014, Criminalistics: Introduction to Forensic Science Global Edition, 11th edition, Pearson Education.

The texts and reading list for the unit can be found on the University Library via the link below: SLE112 Note: Select the relevant trimester reading list. Please note that a future teaching period's reading list may not be available until a month prior to the start of that teaching period so you may wish to use the relevant trimester's prior year reading list as a guide only.

Unit Fee Information

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