SLE356 - Advanced Topics in Forensic Biology
Unit details
Year | 2025 unit information |
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Enrolment modes: | Trimester 3: Waurn Ponds (Geelong) |
Credit point(s): | 1 |
EFTSL value: | 0.125 |
Unit Chair: | Trimester 3: Bianca Szkuta |
Prerequisite: | SLE208 and SLE228 |
Educator-facilitated (scheduled) learning activities - on-campus unit enrolment: | Intensive 6 week period: 1 x 1 hour lecture per week, 1 x 2 hour seminar per week, 6 x 3 hour practical experience (laboratory) per trimester. |
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. |
Content
This unit covers current concepts, controversies and latest methodological advances in forensic biology, to develop graduates as professionals. Selection of advanced topics in forensic biology will be used to illustrate current challenges and developments. Students will develop critical awareness of forensic science subject areas and be able to exercise independent and scientifically justified views. Important characteristics of this unit will be the ability to express ideas both verbally and in written form and justify opinions.
Learning Outcomes
ULO | These are the Unit Learning Outcomes (ULOs) for this unit. At the completion of this unit, successful students can: | Alignment to Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes (GLOs) |
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ULO1 | Demonstrate their knowledge of forensic biology and demonstrate a deep understanding of the science involved. | GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities |
ULO2 | Demonstrate oral and written competence in the use of scientific terminology and present factual forensic based information as appropriate for a range of professionals within the forensic science community. | GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities GLO2: Communication GLO8: Global citizenship |
ULO3 | Draw on their forensic knowledge and use of appropriate techniques to critically evaluate forensic literature. | GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities GLO2: Communication GLO4: Critical thinking GLO8: Global citizenship |
ULO4 | Utilise standard forensic practices to collect samples and then apply practical skills, analytical techniques and scientific methodology within the laboratory environment to analyse those samples. | GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities GLO3: Digital literacy GLO4: Critical thinking GLO6: Self-management |
ULO5 | Present results, associated analysis and interpretation of a forensic scenario within a professional report. | GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities GLO2: Communication GLO3: Digital literacy GLO4: Critical thinking GLO6: Self-management GLO8: Global citizenship |
Assessment
Assessment Description | Student output | Grading and weighting (% total mark for unit) | Indicative due week |
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Assessment 1 Weekly online quizzes | Multiple-choice questions (30-minutes) | 15% (6 x 2.5%) | Weekly |
Assessment 2 Literature review poster presentation | Abstract and poster presentation with peer/self, and lecturer assessment | 25% (5%, 20%) | Week 5 - 6 |
Assessment 3 Report - Decomposition | 2,000 word written report | 30% | Week 8 |
Assessment 4 Report DNA Case File | 2,000 word written case file | 30% | Week 11 |
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 SLE356 can be found via the University Library.
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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