Unit details

FNSC5615 Medicolegal Death Investigation

Credit

6 points

Offering
(see Timetable)

Availability	Location	Mode
Semester 2	UWA (Perth)	Face to face

Content

This unit comprises two interrelated modules on the disciplines of Forensic Entomology and Pathology. Each module consists of a variety of lectures and laboratory/field sessions: (1) Forensic Entomology component—introduction to forensic entomology; insect structure and function; WA Department of Agriculture visit; forensic entomology; succession and ADD (accumulated degree days); aquatic insects; insect structure and taxonomy; and simulated crime scene practical at Harry Waring Marsupial Reserve; (2) Pathology component—coronial system; post-mortem changes; time of death; injuries and gunshot injuries; drowning deaths; asphyxia; electrocution; fire-related deaths; death from natural disease; introduction to toxicology (drugs and alcohol); special deaths and hidden homicide; and mass disasters.

Outcomes

Students are able to (1) understand the relationship between medicine and the law, specifically relating to the detection and interpretation of changes associated with death; (2) have basic knowledge of the causes of natural deaths, and the distinction between natural and violent death; (3) gain knowledge of the indicators of death due to poisons and intoxication; (4) gain awareness of common forensic problems such as the detection of hidden homicide and identification of visually unidentifiable bodies; (5) understand the structure and function of insects; (6) be aware of insect ecology and insect succession; (7) have the skills to identify insects to order; (8) develop an understanding of the reproductive cycles of insects of forensic significance, and how this information can be used to determine the post-mortem interval; (9) develop crime-scene management and evidence collection skills, with a focus on insect material; and (10) appreciate appropriate protocols for handling and rearing insect specimens.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) practical work; (2) court report (entomology); and (3) final theory examinations. Further information is available in the unit outline.

For units commencing in May 2022 or later the availability of the supplementary assessment is subject to confirmation.

Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Except where supplementary assessment is not available in a unit, it will be offered to students in all units who:

• Are in good academic standing overall;
• Have passed over half the units taken in the teaching period concerned, except where they are only enrolled in two or less units in the period;
• Have submitted all assessment items in the unit;
• Have achieved a mark between 45 and 49 for the unit overall, or the same mark in any failed component item in the unit; and
• No finding of academic misconduct has been made against them in the unit concerned.

Additionally student may apply for supplementary assessment in any unit which is the final unit required for graduation in there course and where they have achieved a mark between 45 and 49 for the unit overall, or the same mark in any failed component item in the unit.

Unit Coordinator(s)

Associate Professor Daniel Franklin and Ambika Flavel

Unit rules

Prerequisites:

Nil

Co-requisites:

Nil.

Incompatibility:

FNSC8503 Forensic Pathology, FNSC8561 Forensic Entomology

Contact hours

lectures: 2–3 hours per week; labs: approx. 2–3 hours per week.