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
In a 1996 trial, the defendant had a confirmed alibi, the victim failed to pick the defendant out in an identity parade, and the age of the defendant did not match with the description of the aggressor given by the victim. The only incriminating evidence against the defendant was a DNA sample found at the crime scene. Can science help us assessing a criminal case of this sort?
Can science detect fraudulent statements in tax declarations just by looking at the ciphers?
Can science detect whether it was an accident, or a person was pushed down?
This unit answers these questions and provides students with a foundation in forensic mathematics. The basic mathematics and physics needed for this unit will be developed inside the unit itself, hence no prerequisites are required. Several specific forensic topics will be covered, including ballistics (distinguishing accidental falls from criminal incidents), bloodstain analysis (reconstructing blood sources and movements of the suspects from the crime scene), shotgun pellet patterns (determining the distance of the weapon from the surface hit by the pellets), fingerprint analysis (distribution of the fingerprint classes amongst the population), DNA evidence (can we use the detection of DNA as the only incriminating evidence?), and fraud detection (using mathematics and statistics to assess the reliability of quantitative claims and declarations).
The theoretical studies are complemented with the analysis of real criminal cases, trials, and courts' decisions.
Students from all degrees are welcome to join this class. Mathematics Applications (High School ATAR subject) or equivalent is recommended.
- Credit
- 6 points
- Offering
(see Timetable) Availability Location Mode Semester 1 UWA (Perth) Face to face - Details for undergraduate courses
- Level 1 option in the Criminology and Criminal Justice major sequence
- Level 1 elective
- Outcomes
Students are able to (1) explain some of the mathematical methodologies used for criminal investigations and assessments in trials; (2) demonstrate an understanding of scientific and mathematical methods, by answering specific technical questions; and (3) apply basic concepts from mathematics and physics to real-world situations motivated by crime investigation and forensic science.
- Assessment
Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) tests and (2) working group (group project concluded with a presentation). 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 Caterina Sportelli
- Contact hours
- Lectures: 2x45 minute lectures per week
Practical classes: 2x45 minute classes per week
- 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.