SLE313 - Forensic Analysis and Interpretation

Unit details

Year:

2024 unit information

Enrolment modes:Trimester 2: Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
Credit point(s):1
EFTSL value:0.125
Previously coded as:SBF313
Unit Chair:Trimester 2: Xavier Conlan
Prerequisite:

SLE112, SLE155 and one of SLE111 or SLE132.  A level 2 or level 3 chemistry unit is recommended.

Corequisite:

SLE010

Incompatible with: SBF211
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:

2 x 1 hour lectures per week, 1 x 1 hour seminar per week, 1 x 6 hour practical experience (laboratory) per trimester (Crime Scene House), 2 x 4 hour practical experience (laboratory) per trimester.

Content

This unit includes: Forensic chemistry and toxicology; including trace chemical evidence, arson and explosives investigations, analysis of illicit drugs, introduction to forensic toxicology. Application of analytical methods in forensic science including uncertainty of measurement, statistic and interpretation of evidence are covered. Management and quality assurance, including quality control, traceability, management of forensic science provision, professional ethics are another focus. Laws of evidence relating to the admissibility of expert evidence will be illustrated by selected case studies.

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 chemistry, biology, toxicology and forensic science concepts and knowledge to a problem.

GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities
GLO5: Problem solving

ULO2

Collaborate as a member of an investigative team to demonstrate a range of employability skills to deliver an authentic police brief of evidence based on the processing of a crime scene.

GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities
GLO2: Communication
GLO3: Digital literacy
GLO4: Critical thinking
GLO5: Problem solving
GLO6: Self-management
GLO7: Teamwork
GLO8: Global citizenship

ULO3

Critically reflect upon a professional activity to develop their skills in peer- and self-evaluation of their performance.

GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities
GLO2: Communication
GLO3: Digital literacy
GLO6: Self-management

ULO4

Present evidence in a professional ethical manner consistent with the level required of an expert witness in a court of law.

GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities
GLO2: Communication
GLO3: Digital literacy
GLO4: Critical thinking
GLO8: Global citizenship

ULO5

Apply their critical thinking skills and understanding of forensic science to evaluate and discuss a topic and provide a justified viewpoint.

GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities
GLO2: Communication
GLO3: Digital literacy  
GLO4: Critical thinking

Assessment

Assessment Description Student output Grading and weighting
(% total mark for unit)
Indicative due week
Assessment 1
Case assessment
Infographic presentation 15% Week 5
Assessment 2
Online tests
Two 60-minute online tests 40% (2 x 20%) Weeks 6 and 11
Assessment 3
Practical
Group and individual component 30%  Weeks 7, 11 and 12
Assessment 4
Oral presentation -moot court
15-minute presentation 15% To be allocated in the first class of trimester

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.

Learning Resource

The texts and reading list for the unit can be found on the University Library via the link below: SLE313 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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