Studying online (if an online offering is shown below)
There are now 2 possible online modes for units:
Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.
Click on an offering mode for more details.
Unit Overview
- Description
This unit is taken as part of the Graduate Diploma in Forensic Odontology and is taken in conjunction with DENT5653 Forensic Medicine. It provides an overview of the history of forensic odontology, protocols of the mortuary and crime scene, the medico-legal autopsy, post-mortem changes, significance of saliva, semen, cytology and DNA fingerprinting, non-biological methods of identification, the biodynamics of craniofacial injuries, disaster victim identification (DVI), physical anthropology investigation and forensic photography. The unit emphasises oral histology and pathology and the scientific aspects of these topics.
- Credit
- 6 points
- Offering
Availability Location Mode Not available in 2025 UWA (Perth) Face to face - Outcomes
Students are able to (1) understand the process of body decomposition; (2) demonstrate skills in evaluating injuries resulting in death; (3) demonstrate the ability to evaluate bite marks; (4) use effective communication skills with colleagues and allied personnel such as pathologists; (5) understand and apply mortuary protocols and policies; and (6) demonstrate skills in mortuary procedures.
- Assessment
Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) assignment work; (2) one written examination (1.5 hours); and (3) a viva voce examination (45 minutes). 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)
- Dr Stephen Knott
- Unit rules
- Prerequisites
- Bachelor of Dental Science from this University or equivalent as recognised by the Faculty.
and at least two years' experience in the practice of general dentistry - Co-requisites
- enrolment inthe Graduate Diploma in Forensic Odontology (91350).
and DENT5653 Forensic Medicine
Approved quota: 2 - Contact hours
- lectures, seminars, tutorials and practical work: 60–70 hours according to mortuary casework and court attendance
- Texts
-
An Introduction to SEM, DVD tutorial
Bass, W. M. Human Osteology: a Laboratory and Field Manual: Missouri Archaeological Society 1987
Blau, S. and Ubelaker, D., eds. Handbook of Forensic Anthropology and Archaeology: Left Coast Press 2009
Dolinak, D. et al. Forensic Pathology: Principles and Practice: Elsevier Academic Press 2005
Finkbeiner, W. E. et al. Autopsy Pathology: a Manual and Atlas, 2nd edn: Churchill Livingstone 2004
Flegler, S. L. et al. Scanning and Transmission Electron Microscopy: an Introduction: W. H. Freeman 1993
Haglund, W. D. and Sorg, M. H., eds. Forensic Taphonomy: the Post-Mortem Fate of Human Remains: CRC Press 1997
Krogman, W. M. and Iscar, M. Y. The Human Skeleton in Forensic Medicine, 2nd edn: Charles Thomas Publishing 1986
Pickering, R. B. and Bachman, D. C. The Use of Forensic Anthropology: CRC Press 1996
White, T. D. Human Osteology: Academic Press 2000
Rogers, S. L. The Testimony of Teeth: Forensic Aspects of Human Dentition: C. C. Thomas 1988
Saukko, P. and Knight, B. Knight's Forensic Pathology, 3rd edn: OUP 2004
Scott, G. R. and Turner, C. G. The Anthropology of Modern Human Teeth: CUP 1997
Scott, J. H. and Dixon, A. D. Anatomy for Students of Dentistry, 2nd edn: Livingstone Press 1966
Standish, M. S. and Stimson, P. G., eds. Symposium on Forensic Dentistry: Legal Obligations and Methods of Identification for the Practitioner: Saunders 1977
- 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.