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 encompasses three interrelated modules:
(1) Ethics in Forensic Science—this module covers the necessity for a professional ethical code, describes existing codes from various forensic societies, and describes ethical conflicts that can arise in the course of professional practice. The practical session covers a selection of case studies designed to provide students with the opportunity to discuss the ethical dilemmas involved in each and make suggestions on how they could be appropriately resolved.
(2) Research Methods in Forensic Science—these lectures focus on the relevance and application of the scientific method in modern forensic science, including formulating research questions, applying the appropriate research methodology, discussing the data (including through the use of statistics), and making recommendations based on the analysed results. The effective communication of research findings through scientific writing and oral presentations are also discussed. The practical exercises are designed to reinforce the scientific concepts being taught in the lectures and students are required to design and execute a strategy for analysing a forensic case study.
(3) Practical Applications of Forensic Science—industry professionals and research students deliver a series of lectures on the practical applications of a range of forensic disciplines, and contemporary issues are highlighted and discussed in detail.
- Credit
- 6 points
- Offering
(see Timetable) Availability Location Mode Semester 1 UWA (Perth) Face to face - Outcomes
Students are able to (1) describe the role and importance of ethics in forensic science; (2) describe how ethical conflicts may arise in the course of professional practice; (3) describe the role of the forensic scientist as an expert witness; (4) explain the laws that govern the admissibility of forensic evidence; (5) identify the various components of the scientific method and explain each; (6) explain the importance of communicating scientific research; (7) identify and apply the correct style and format of scientific writing across several mediums; (8) explain the importance of, and correct conventions for, referencing scientific research; (9) identify the resources available for undertaking a literature search; (10) identify and apply appropriate statistical methods in forensic science; (11) develop familiarity with current developments in basic forensic sciences; and (12) work competently as an individual and within groups.
- Assessment
Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) Written reports & practical work; (2) Critical review; and (3) Final theory exam. 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
- Contact hours
- lectures: 2–3 hours per week
practicals: 1–2 hours per week
seminars: 6 x 2 hours
- 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.