Unit Overview
- Description
This unit encompasses four interrelated modules that provide foundational knowledge and skills for practitioners of forensic science:
(1) Ethics in Forensic Science – Introduces professional ethical codes and their role in guiding forensic practice. Students explore ethical principles and case studies to develop appropriate responses to ethical dilemmas.
(2) Scientific Method and Research Design – Covers the application of the scientific method, including formulating research questions and designing appropriate, reliable research approaches.
(3) Data Analysis and Statistics – Focuses on basic statistical techniques for analysing and interpreting forensic data in support of evidence evaluation.
(4) Scientific Communication – Develops skills in written and oral communication, including structuring reports and presenting findings clearly and professionally.
- Credit
- 6 points
- Offering
(see Timetable) Availability Location Mode Semester 1 UWA (Perth) On-campus -
The timetable for this teaching period is not currently available. Please see the Important Dates page for the timetable release date and other key date information.
- Outcomes
Students are able to (1) recognise and evaluate ethical issues in forensic practice by applying professional codes and legal responsibilities to support ethical decision-making in casework and expert testimony; (2) apply the scientific method within a forensic context to design and evaluate evidence-based investigations that meet legal standards for admissibility; (3) communicate forensic information effectively by producing clear, structured written and oral outputs tailored to scientific, legal, and general audiences; and (4) apply appropriate statistical techniques to data to assess reliability and support defensible scientific conclusions.
- Assessment
Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) written reports; (2) practical; and (3) examination. Further information is available in the unit outline.
Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.
- Unit Coordinator(s)
- Professor Daniel Franklin
- Contact hours
- lectures (9 x 3hrs) with some built in discussions and practical activities.
- The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
- All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
- Visit the Essential Textbooks website to see if any textbooks are required for this Unit. The website is updated regularly so content may change. Students are recommended to purchase Essential Textbooks, but a limited number of copies of all Essential Textbooks are held in the Library in print, and as an ebook where possible. Recommended readings for the unit can be accessed in Unit Readings directly through the Learning Management System (LMS).
- Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.
Face to face
Predominantly face-to-face. On campus attendance required to complete this unit. May have accompanying resources online.
Online flexible
100% Online Unit. NO campus face-to-face attendance is required to complete this unit. All study requirements are online only. Unit is asynchronous delivery, with NO requirement for students to participate online at specific times.
Online timetabled
100% Online Unit. NO campus face-to-face attendance is required to complete this unit. All study requirements are online only. Unit includes some synchronous components, with a requirement for students to participate online at specific times.
Online Restricted
Not available for self-enrolment. Students access this mode by contacting their student office through AskUWA. 100% Online Unit.
NO campus face-to-face attendance. All study and assessment requirements are online only. Unit includes some timetabled activities, with a requirement for students to participate online at specific times. In exceptional cases (noted in the Handbook) students may be required to participate in face-to-face laboratory classes when a return to UWA’s Crawley campus becomes possible in order to be awarded a final grade.
External
No attendance or regular contact is required, and all study requirements are completed either via correspondence and/or online submission.
Off-campus
Regular attendance is not required, but student attends the institution face to face on an agreed schedule for purposes of supervision and/or instruction.
Multi-mode
Multiple modes of delivery. Unit includes a mix of online and on-campus study requirements. On campus attendance for some activities is required to complete this unit.