65006 Advanced Chemical Criminalistics
Warning: The information on this page is indicative. The subject outline for a
particular session, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source
of all information about the subject for that offering. Required texts, recommended texts and references in particular are likely to change. Students will be provided with a subject outline once they enrol in the subject.
Subject handbook information prior to 2025 is available in the Archives.
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
The forensic science discipline is built upon the analysis of traces, and just like any other scientific discipline, this analysis is broken down into fields of specialty. In chemical criminalistics the focus is on traces that primarily require chemical analysis in addition to forensic fundamental and reasoning skills. In this subject students are introduced to this forensic discipline on a foundational level, before they are then brought up to a higher level of forensic reasoning and challenged with the analysis and interpretation of a complex forensic case. The content is introduced through online modules that are accessible on Canvas, allowing the students to direct their own learning. These modules are then complemented by the practical and workshop program that first introduces key skills before asking the students to lead their own complex case. By the end of this subject, students are proficient at leading and triaging traces in an investigation, using analytical procedures, advanced forensic interpretation, and expert witness reporting.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to:
| 1. | Use current forensic analytical procedures to accurately and effectively analyse traces |
|---|---|
| 2. | Formulate and test hypotheses about the source and activity that created a trace |
| 3. | Synthesise and communicate expert opinion and complex information to a wide range of audiences in a variety of formats |
| 4. | Interpret and evaluate complex traces in general and within the context of a complex case scenario |
| 5. | Demonstrate the utility and value of chemical traces and micro traces within modern forensic science |
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
Advanced Chemical Criminalistics introduces the students to chemical analyses in the context of criminalistics and imparts the necessary skills required to work in a Chemical Criminalistics Unit or in field deployment dealing with forensic traces. It exposes the students to advanced concepts, methods and interpretation models that are key to the forensic science discipline. This subject will also provide the students with the opportunity to further their foundational skills, including communication and problem solving, within a professional forensic and legal context.
-
-
1. Disciplinary Knowledge
During the practicals you will get hands on experience analysing traces and using analytical techniques that are used in professional chemical criminalistics units (CCU). These practicals will be complemented by online modules that will introduce the foundational knowledge required. They will also be complemented by the workshops that will focus on guiding the students through the complex interpretation of traces. All the skills imparted during the practicals and the workshops, along with the knowledge introduced in the online modules will enable you to move into the workforce with a sturdy knowledge of the discipline along with strong analytical and interpretation skills.
2. Research, inquiry and critical thinking
Just like in the workforce, you will be required to run and manage your own complex case that will run for five weeks and will involve the analysis of a range of traces. You will form small teams that will handle specific trace types and will need to keep eachother updated on your progress. Throughout the case you will need to use your knowledge and the instrumentation along with individual independent research to provide an expert opinion on your provided traces and the case as a whole. Due to the complexity of this case there will be challenges that you must face that will involve different elements of problem solving, from determining the best analytical procedures and methods, to effectively triaging the evidence to ensure that no traces get damaged or lost. You will also have to form and test hypotheses throughout the entirety of the case. The workshop activities will complement the practical sessions and will expose you to complex data and interpretation to work through and present.
3. Professional, ethical and social responsibility
Throughout the course of the semester you will be working in labs that will mimic a professional environment. The first four practicals will provide you with guidance in regard to the analytical techniques and procedures, however, once you begin the major case you will have to manage your own time and will also have to manage the different group members. Just like in a real chemical criminalistics unit you will need to self-manage and monitor your own time and progress in the case. The teaching staff will act as supervisors and will ask for regular updates on your teams progress in the case.
5. Communication
One of the most important parts of the forensic scientists' role is to effectively communicate complex information and interpretation to a broad audience in plain English. During this subject you will be asked to communicate in a professional and accessible way both in a written and verbal form. During the workshops and practicals you will be expected to communicate professionally and effectively with both teaching staff and your fellow team members as you would in a real chemical criminalistics unit. This informal communication is an important skill to develop, especially when entering the workforce.
Based on the tasks completed in the practicals and the traces that you analysed you will also be asked to submit four skills reports, which will require you to communicate complex theoretical information about the analytical techniques, along with two expert witness reports. These reports will challenge you and you will be expected to communicate professionally and to a broad audience. The feedback that you receive throughout the session will enable you to perform at your best when creating these reports. In relation to your Major Case Assessment you will also be expected to create and submit a video presentation with your investigative team. In this presentation you will have to explain your case and all analyses and interpretation to a lay audience in a verbal fashion, which will allow you to gain experience in communicating complex information verbally.
Teaching and learning strategies
Online Learning:
The online content provided through Canvas will provide the students with the knowledge required to analyse traces that are commonly submitted to chemical criminalistic units. In order to facilitate a smooth transition into the workforce, the students will also learn the theory behind common chemical criminalistic examination procedures and instruments which they can then apply in the practical and workshop sessions. The online content will be a mix of online modules and lectures, that will introduce the concepts, and interactive online tools, which will allow the students to cement their knowledge and test themselves. There will also be some workshops that are presented in an online format. These modules and online tools can be accessed and revised at any time throughout the semester.
Workshops:
The interpretation of forensic traces can be a complex undertaking, so during the workshops the students will be guided through the analysis of traces, to assist in the development of their foundational knowledge. Accompanying the interpretation workshops there will be sessions that are focused on introducing traces that are an important part of chemical criminalistics, but that could not be covered during the practical sessions. This will give the students a more well-rounded view of chemical criminalistics and ensures that the students are exposed to all different elements of the profession. The workshop environment is used for these complex concepts to provide the students with a more supportive and collaborative class environment which will assist them in their understanding. Small workshop related assessment activities will be used to cement the concepts introduced during the workshops and to also provide another avenue of feedback to the students.
Practicals:
The practical sessions for Advanced Chemical Criminalistics allow the students to become familiar with analytical procedures commonly used in a chemical criminalistics unit within a collaborative and professional setting. At the start of the semester the students will be introduced to foundational analytical skills and techniques and, as the semester progresses, these skills will be built upon through the introduction of complex interpretation and problem-solving skills. Throughout these sessions the students will be actively learning in a collaborative environment with regular face-to-face informal feedback from teaching staff. The students will be required to submit short, low-stake assessments for each practical so they can gain practice and feedback on their presentation and discussion of results along with their general communication skills. During the second half of the semester the students will be given a complex case for them to work through. This case will involve multiple trace types and will require the students to think critically and manage their own analyses using the concepts introduced during the first four practicals. The students will be working in small groups and the tasks will be student-led with teaching and professional staff available to provide one-on-one and group support.
Content (topics)
- Trace theory and analysis
- Detection, collection and analysis of traces
- Paint analysis
- Glass analysis
- Fibre Analysis
- Miscellaneous microtraces
- Document analysis
- Firearms chemistry
- Explosives chemistry
- Fire scene chemistry
- Forensic interpretation of traces
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Online Quizzes
| Intent: | The following graduate attributes will be assessed
|
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): 3 and 5 This assessment task contributes to the development of course intended learning outcome(s): 1.1 and 2.1 |
| Type: | Quiz/test |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 10% |
| Length: | N/A |
| Criteria: | Throughout the online modules, you will be introduced to a number of different theoretical concepts along with information regarding specific traces and the way they are analysed within forensic science. The two online quizzes will be marked based on:
|
Assessment task 2: Trace Investigation and Practical Skills
| Intent: | Following graduate attributes will assessed
|
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 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, individually assessed |
| Weight: | 30% |
| Length: | Skills reports: Less than three pages in length Expert Witness Report 1: Expert certificate style report that is 3-4 pages in length |
| Criteria: | Skills Reports 1 to 4 will be assessed on your ability to:
For expert witness report 1 you will be assessed on your ability to:
|
Assessment task 3: Workshop Activities
| Intent: | The following graduate attributes will be assessed
|
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): 1, 2, 4 and 5 This assessment task contributes to the development of course intended learning outcome(s): 1.1, 2.1, 3.1 and 5.1 |
| Type: | Exercises |
| Groupwork: | Group, group and individually assessed |
| Weight: | 20% |
| Criteria: | Writing instruments and TLC Criteria: In this workshop you will be assessed on your ability to:
GRIM, MSP and FTIR interpretation Criteria: In this workshop you will be assessed on your ability to:
Fibre analysis Criteria: In this workshop you will be assessed on your ability to:
Dust, pollen and GSR Criteria: In this workshop you will be assessed on your ability to:
Accelerant and explosive analysis interpretation Criteria: In this workshop you will be assessed on your ability to:
The analysis of unknowns Criteria: In this workshop you will be assessed on your ability to:
|
Assessment task 4: Complex Case Investigation
| Intent: | The following graduate attributes will be assessed 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, 4 and 5 This assessment task contributes to the development of course intended learning outcome(s): 1.1, 2.1, 3.1 and 5.1 |
| Type: | Report |
| Groupwork: | Group, group and individually assessed |
| Weight: | 40% |
| Criteria: | You will be assessed on your ability to:
Individual case file:
Group video presentation:
|
Minimum requirements
Students are required to attend the practical sessions and all face to face workshops unless special circumstances can be demonstrated. The activities during these sessions are directly linked to assessment tasks.