FSC200 Introduction to Forensic Science (8)

Abstract

This subject is designed to introduce the concepts, disciplines and principles of the forensic sciences in their application to modern policing practices and justice. Topics include the history of forensic science, an overview of the commonly utilised scientific disciplines (e.g. forensic biology, medicine, pathology, population genetics, odontology, anthropology, toxicology, chemistry, psychology, document examination, ballistics, and crime scene), the use and implications of forensic databases, ethical issues and federal legislation (the forensic procedures model for the collecting of forensic evidence), the skills involved in scientific analysis (observation, interpretation, record keeping, report writing, expert testimony), critical thinking, preseentation of evidence, work environment health and safety issues and accreditation procedures and quality assurance.

+ Subject Availability Modes and Location

Session 2
Distance	Wagga Wagga Campus

Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details: FSC200
Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.

Subject information

Duration	Grading System	School:
One session	HD/FL	School of Biomedical Sciences

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
-demonstrate an appreciation of the diversity of the forensic disciplines

-demonstrate an understanding of the interdisciplinary nature of forensic science;

-demonstrate an understanding of the basic concepts behind the more commonly utilised forensic disciplines

-demonstrate an appreciation of the value of databases in their application to crime investigation

-recognise the scientific, ethical and legal implications in the collection, storage and dispatch of forensic evidence

-demonstrate an understanding of the skills involved in scientific analysis (observation, interpretation, record keeping, report writing, expert testimony)

-demonstrate an understanding of the role of forensic scientist in the collection and interpretation of evidence and the presentation of expert testimony, and its importance to assurance of judicial equity

-demonstrate an awareness of key aspects of communication within the forensic sciences including oral and written forms

-demonstrate an understanding of the purpose, principles importance of accreditation, quality assurance and work environment health and safety

-demonstrate and understanding of the basic concepts of population genetics and its fundamental role in DNA profiling and information storage in DNA databases;

-demonstrate skill in critical thinking relevant to the presentation of expert testimony and understand its importance to assurance of judicial equity.

Syllabus

The subject will cover the following topics:
Forensic science and the forensic scientist -An overview of the forensic sciences -A brief exploration of the history of forensic science, using a more detailed history of forensic biology and DNA technology as an example of the influence of the forensic sciences on modern policing practice -The scientific and generic skills of the modern forensic scientist. The forensic sciences and their applications to modern policing practices -The diversity of the forensic disciplines -An overview of the more commonly used forensic disciplines -The role of databases in forensic examination and analysis, and in criminal investigation -Forensic procedures legislation as a tool to manage the collection and storage of forensic specimens and the implications of this legislation in criminal investigations and the admissibility of forensic evidence -Jurisdictional variations in the forensic procedures legislation and their implications in the sharing of information via Databases -The role of the expert during judicial presentation -Other issues associated with judicial admissibility of evidence; other ethical issues, proof of expertise, proof of continuity in the chain of evidence, security and storage of forensic evidence, record keeping. Environmental, health and safety values, quality management and accreditation -Dangers involved with the collection, analysis and storage of forensic specimens -Examples of workplace practices that both minimise risk and reduce risk of the contamination of evidence -Quality management -ISO/IEC 17025 and accreditation in the field of forensic science

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