65007 Biometrics and Identification Sciences
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Credit points: 8 cp
Result type: Grade and marks
Requisite(s): 65019 Foundations of Forensic Science AND 65009c Forensic Inference and Interpretation
The lower case 'c' after the subject code indicates that the subject is a corequisite. See definitions for details.
These requisites may not apply to students in certain courses.
There are course requisites for this subject. See access conditions.
Description
This subject follows on from the foundational forensic science concepts and processes in 65019 Foundations of Forensic Science and 65009 Forensic Inference and Interpretation. In this subject, students learn about the use of biometric traces for human identification purposes – such as fingerprints, DNA, and facial features – in modern forensic science, and the changing nature of ethical and privacy considerations in the context of emerging technology. Students gain practical experience with the detection, analysis, interpretation, and reporting of biometric traces in a simulated professional environment through the investigation of a mock case in the laboratory and linked workshop sessions.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to:
| 1. | Develop hypotheses and critically examine forensic traces in the context of a case using appropriate methods |
|---|---|
| 2. | Evaluate the results of forensic analyses in a variety of case scenarios |
| 3. | Explain complex forensic science concepts to diverse audiences in oral and written formats |
| 4. | Discuss emerging issues in biometrics and human identification sciences and their impact on shaping modern professional practice |
| 5. | Develop independent research skills, including formulating research questions, selecting the appropriate methodology, data collection and interpretation, and synthesising information |
Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)
This subject also contributes specifically to the development of following course intended learning outcomes:
- Critically engage with the appraisal and application of advanced knowledge, technical skills and research principles relevant to professional practice in forensic science. (1.1)
- Assess, argue for, and conduct appropriate approaches to complex forensic science problems through investigation, analysis and independent research in a relevant professional context. (2.1)
- Develop and execute - individually or collaboratively - ethical, safe and sustainable work practices, accountable to stakeholder requirements in forensic science, locally and globally. (3.1)
- Communicate complex ideas and justifications in a rigorous and professional manner using a variety of methods (oral, written, visual) to discipline experts, scientists, stakeholders, and the general public. (5.1)
Contribution to the development of graduate attributes
The Faculty of Science has six graduate attributes that you will develop during your course at UTS. This subject is intended to develop four of these attributes.
Graduate Attribute 1: disciplinary knowledge
Students will learn how to analyse and interpret biometric traces encountered in modern forensic science casework and security contexts that require a strong grounding in fundamental forensic science principles and enabling sciences. Students will work with a variety of traces and apply their knowledge to complex and multi-trace scenarios using a holistic approach to casework management, from the formation of hypotheses through to the analysis and interpretation of their laboratory results. The application of discipline knowledge is embedded in each learning and assessment task during the session to provide students with continued feedback and mastery opportunities.
Graduate Attribute 2: research, inquiry and critical thinking
Students will investigate a mock case by forming and testing hypotheses about the source and activity that created a trace, and developing inferences from experimental or theoretical data. They will have the opportunity to continuously refine their critical thinking skills throughout the session through case-based and inquiry-based learning activities in the workshops and online module activities. As part of their case interpretation, students will design and undertake a short case-based research project to test activity level hypotheses for the evaluation one of their traces.
Graduate Attribute 3: professional, ethical and social responsibility
Practical work in this subject is performed in a professional team environment using instruments, techniques and processes applied in operational facilities. Students will learn to collect, analyse and use biometric information ethically and accurately in traditional and non-traditional (e.g. security or intelligence) contexts. They will master their professional, collaborative, and independent learning skills while working in collaborative teams during face-to-face classes and on their case-based research project.
Graduate Attribute 5: communication
Students will have the opportunity to practice their soft and scientific communication skills during face-to-face classes, while using the online discussion boards and in their assessment tasks. Emphasis is placed on students' ability to communicate complex scientific concepts to a non-expert audience in both written and oral formats - an important part of professional practice - and students receive ongoing feedback during classes and linked assessment tasks.
Teaching and learning strategies
Interactive online learning materials
There are no formal lectures for this subject - students are required to engage with the online content through formative and summative assessed activities. Concepts and theory will be presented on Canvas where students can learn and revise the material at their own pace. Theory will be presented alongside interactive examples, problems and videos to contextualise the information. Discussion boards allow students the opportunity to form, debate and review their opinions and understanding of the materials with their peers prior to attending workshop sessions. Regular avenues for general and individualised written feedback are embedded in module quizzes and activities. Links to further reading and multimedia are also provided to students to expand their learning outside of the classroom and syllabus.
Workshops
A series of 2 hour workshops are scheduled during the middle of the teaching session. These workshops provide students with a supportive class environment to discuss and practice more difficult professional skills and concepts - including emerging forensic science principles - related to their mock case and identification sciences more broadly. Students are placed in charge of their own learning through self-directed workshop preparation activities. In the classroom, students will work together in small collaborative teams on the analysis and evaluation problems and apply their new skills directly to their own mock case data. Academic staff provide real-time informal feedback on workshop activities to supplement formal feedback on assessment tasks.
Practicals
Practical sessions run for 4 hours and are scheduled during the middle of the teaching session. The practicals allow students to gain experience with the analysis and interpretation of traces in complex cases involving biometrics in a professional laboratory setting. Teams of students are assigned a mock case they must complete from the initial receipt of traces through to the preparation of an expert witness report. These classes are student-led with opportunities for one-on-one and group support and feedback provided by teaching and professional staff. Students are also encouraged to seek solutions to issues they encounter in the laboratory and collaborate with other investigative teams. The practicals also offer an avenue for personalised feedback on assessment task 3 before submitting the components for assessment.
Content (topics)
- Fingermark detection
- Fingerprint comparison
- Forensic genetics
- Facial and other biometrics
- Gait analysis
- Ethics, privacy and data ownership
- Emerging technologies and applications
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Student-led activities
| Intent: | This assessment task contributes to the development of the following graduate attributes: 1. Disciplinary knowledge 2. Research, inquiry and critical thinking |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): 1, 2 and 4 This assessment task contributes to the development of course intended learning outcome(s): 1.1 and 2.1 |
| Type: | Exercises |
| Groupwork: | Group, group and individually assessed |
| Weight: | 30% |
| Criteria: | Task is assessed as: 15% Engagement with Canvas activities (individually assessed) 15% Collaborative workshop activities (group assessed) You will be assessed on your:
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Assessment task 2: Case report
| Intent: | This assessment task contributes to the development of the following graduate attributes: 1. Disciplinary knowledge 2. Research, inquiry and critical thinking 3. Professional, ethical and social responsibility 5. Communication |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): 1, 2, 3 and 4 This assessment task contributes to the development of course intended learning outcome(s): 1.1, 2.1, 3.1 and 5.1 |
| Type: | Laboratory/practical |
| Groupwork: | Group, group and individually assessed |
| Weight: | 45% |
| Length: | Case report: approx. 10 pages Presentation: 10-15 minutes |
| Criteria: | You will be assessed on your ability to:
|
Assessment task 3: Case-based research project
| Intent: | This assessment task contributes to the development of the following graduate attributes: 2. Research, inquiry and critical thinking 3. Professional, ethical and social responsibility 5. Communication |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): 1, 2, 3 and 5 This assessment task contributes to the development of course intended learning outcome(s): 2.1, 3.1 and 5.1 |
| Type: | Project |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 25% |
| Length: | 2000 words (excluding 1 page summary) |
| Criteria: | You will be assessed on your ability to:
|
Minimum requirements
Students are actively encouraged to participate in all scheduled learning activities as these classes are designed to help students successfully complete the linked assessment tasks.