Studying online
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 introduces students to the application of science to a key public area—solving crime. Students experience the contextual application of each discipline to problem solving in forensic case work. Forensic science is the application of scientific principles and scientific disciplines to the investigation of criminal acts. The role of a forensic scientist is to present objective evidence and opinions that will assist the court with their deliberation process. Unit content covers the skills and analysis techniques used in modern forensic science encompassing crime scene protocols and evidence evaluation. The unit calls on the State's leading forensic experts including the Western Australian police forensic section. The lectures and practicals combine a broad view of the application of analytical skills in science with a continuing focus on crime solving. The handling of evidence involves both legal and ethical issues and these matters are raised and considered throughout the course content.
- Credit
- 6 points
- Offering
(see Timetable)
(see Summer Timetable) Availability Location Mode Semester 2 Online Online timetabled Semester 2 UWA (Perth) Face to face Summer teaching period Online Online timetabled - Details for undergraduate courses
- Level 2 core unit in the Criminology and Criminal Justice major sequence
- Level 2 elective
- Outcomes
Students are able to (1) describe the various forensic science disciplines, and how they can be applied to the investigation of crime; (2) appreciate the importance of ethical considerations in forensic science; (3) use the language of forensic science in an appropriate legal context; (4) apply concepts learned in forensic science to problem solving; (5) recognise the overlap of forensic science with other scientific and humanitarian disciplines; (6) appreciate the diversity of forensic science in the modern global context, with specific reference to Australia; and (7) develop and apply skills in critical thinking and describe the interplay between science and the law.
- Assessment
Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) research poster; (2) module tests; and (3) continual assessment (practical sessions). 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)
- Associate Professor Daniel Franklin and Ambika Flavel and Dr Zuzana Obertová (Summer)
- Unit rules
- Advisable prior study
- a background in biological
or social sciences
- Contact hours
- lectures released online (2 hours / week)
laboratories 8 x 2 hours. (Summer: taught in intensive mode) - Texts
The recommended text book is not a compulsory purchase. Hard copies can be borrowed from the Science Library (closed reserve) or students can access the online version via the UWA Library system (student log-on credentials are required).
Houck, M. M and Siegel, J. A. Fundamentals of Forensic Science, 2nd edn: Oxford Academic Press 2010
Additional Information Sources:
More information can be found in the following textbooks which are available in closed reserve in the Science library:
Goff, M. L. A Fly for the Prosecution: How Insect Evidence Helps Solve Crimes: Harvard University Press 2001
Haglund, W. D. and Sorg, M. H. eds Forensic Taphonomy: the Post-mortem Fate of Human Remains: Boca Raton CRC Press 1996
Hunter, J., Roberts, C. and Martin, A. eds Studies in Crime: an Introduction to Forensic Archaeology: Batsford 1996
Freckelton, I. The Trial of the Expert: a Study of Expert Evidence and Forensic Experts: Oxford University Press 1987
Rathburn, T. A. and Buikstra, J. E. eds Human Identification: Case Studies in Forensic Anthropology: Charles C Thomas Pub Ltd 1987
Saferstein, R. Criminalistics: an Introduction to Forensic Science, 7th edn: Prentice Hall 2000
- 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.