65019 Foundations of Forensic Science
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
There are course requisites for this subject. See access conditions.
Anti-requisite(s): 65034 Introduction to Forensic Science
Description
This subject is designed to introduce the fundamental knowledge of forensic science to students with pre-existing scientific backgrounds. The global investigative process is presented from the crime scene to the forensic laboratory investigation. Philosophies, principles as well as crucial forensic science concepts are presented in their historic context and their impact on modern forensic science is developed. Within the global context of forensic science, the various forensic sub-disciplines are presented in a descriptive and logical manner. The subject intends to familiarise students with the concepts and methodologies of forensic science and also enhance the learning experience of other specialised forensic science subjects.
The subject covers the following areas of forensic context: general definitions and concepts; crime scene investigation, methodology and methods, forensic laboratory investigation, sub-disciplines, methodologies and documentation.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to:
| 1. | Scrutinise and discuss the foundational concepts of forensic science, both practical and theoretical |
|---|---|
| 2. | Critically analyse forensic traces, exhibits and case context to develop forensically relevant hypotheses and methodologies. |
| 3. | Examine a crime scene and identify relevant evidence as part of the investigation. |
| 4. | Evaluate complex case scenarios to gain a greater understanding of forensic processes and interpretation |
| 5. | Demonstrate high quality written and oral communication skills to convey scientific information to diverse audiences. |
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
An understanding of the nature, practice and application of the discipline-specific concepts is fostered through the lecture material and is enhanced through online independent learning activities. Upon completion of this subject students should be able to understand the role and function of forensic science and be able to examine and form hypotheses based on different information. Students should be able to critically evaluate various hypotheses and take a flexible methodology to approach the forensic investigation. Students are expected to be able to have a good understanding of what is required from forensic experts in the field, and to identify the best practice. Students will be assessed on their knowledge across assessments tasks 1, 2 and 3.
Graduate Attribute 2 – Research, inquiry and critical thinking
Students will develop a foundation of current theoretical forensic knowledge which they build on in their online independent activities and lectures. They will learn about research techniques and how to approach different forms of evidence including scientific literature. This knowledge will then be applied to case studies and practical examples throughout the subject. Students will be guided through case studies using an inquiry-based approach framed in a professional context. Students will use their own reflection to investigate realistic scenarios during the workshops and extract relevant information from them. Each scenario presents a challenge and encourages students to use their collaborative problem-solving skills to investigate, interpret and find a solution. Students will be encouraged to think critically about the materials presented and display these skills in the final assessments.
Graduate Attribute 3 – Professional, ethical and social responsibility
This refers to the ability to acquire, develop, employ, and integrate a range of technical, practical, and professional skills, in appropriate and ethical ways within a professional context. In this subject, the students are expected to be able to draw inferences from forensic evidence, develop team skills, learn to analyse information ethically and accurately, and to manage the requirements of the legal system. Students will be introduced and assessed on these skills developed during the workshops and practicals.
Graduate Attribute 5 – Communication skills
Students will be able to develop their communication skills both online and face-to-face as they will be able to interact with each other and the teaching staff in all spaces. They will also develop their scientific vocabulary through these interactions and engagement with the online learning materials. They will be given feedback on their writing skills in both their online short answers questions and individual reports, designed to further help them communicate in professional scientific contexts. Students will also give an oral presentation which will improve their ability to communicate forensic knowledge to a range of audiences.
Teaching and learning strategies
Practicals will be held on campus and students are required to partake in these activities to obtain hands-on experience. All three class modes have been designed to work together and complement each other, with information from the online modules preparing the students for both the online workshops and practicals. These online workshops feed into the practicals and provide the students with a more hands on application of the theory and content that is then utilised in the practical sessions. Active participation is highly encouraged and comprises 10% of the marks associated with this subject (Practicals Professional Practice Points). You will begin the session by interacting with the online learning space Canvas where you will be introduced to the foundational concepts in forensic science. These online independent learning activities are designed to let you engage with the materials before face-to-face classes to help facilitate discussion and collaboration with peers. You will receive early formative feedback on quizzes designed to test comprehension of learning materials provided online. You will engage in critical thinking exercises and discussions which are designed to test your knowledge and encourage you to critically examine forensic investigations and literature.
In the face-to-face sessions, the content will be reinforced and elaborated on using a series of case studies and examples based on current research. Active participation will be required as you will be working in groups and will be given the opportunity to directly interface with the demonstrators, asking questions and gaining verbal feedback as the sessions progress. The workshops will first involve a presentation from the demonstrators, delivering the content relevant to the exercises, you will then complete different activities, either individually or as a group (workshop dependant), receiving feedback on your progress.
During the practicals you will be introduced to key foundational skills (imaging and crime scene processing) after which you will be given a case scenario to complete. This will start off with your group being allocated a crime scene that you will need to document, search and process, before packaging relevant exhibits to be sent to the laboratory for processing. After this you will be performing your examination and analysis on the traces you collected. Finally, you will be asked to analyse and compare the results obtained during the laboratory sessions according to the forensic methodology covered during the online modules and workshops. The results will then be presented orally. The aim of these practical sessions is to familiarise yourself with the global scheme of a forensic investigation and to develop your ability to appropriately apply the most common forensic laboratory techniques to detect, observe, examine, and analyse traces.
Content (topics)
- Forensics science definitions and terminologies
- Concepts, principles of forensic science
- Crime scene investigation
- Documentation
- Forensic photography
- Trace searches
- Forensic examination
- Forensic methodologies
- Sub-disciplines of forensic science
Assessment
Assessment task 1: In-class and online teaching activities
| Intent: | The following graduate attributes are assessed in this task: 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, 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: | 40% |
| Length: | N/A |
| Criteria: | In the online quizzes students will be assessed on their ability to correctly respond to multiple choice questions and their demonstration of comprehension and critical thinking in short answer responses. The workshop activities will require students to work as a cohesive group to critically analyse and reflect on the role of forensic science and the many foundational concepts required to perform a sound laboratory examination. In the practicals students are required to actively participate, behave professionally, come to class prepared, work safely in the lab and communicate and work as a cohesive team with respect for all students and staff. |
Assessment task 2: Critical Analysis of a Forensic Case Report
| Intent: | The following graduate attributes are assessed in this task: 1. Disciplinary Knowledge |
|---|---|
| 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 and 5.1 |
| Type: | Report |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 30% |
| Length: | 2000-2500 words |
| Criteria: | An inquiry-based approach will be assessed alongside the application of professional skills. Students are assessed on their ability to accurately apply knowledge to the investigation of a realistic complex scenario, demonstrated in their analysis. |
Assessment task 3: Group Oral Presentation
| Intent: | The following graduate attributes are assessed in this task:: 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: | Presentation |
| Groupwork: | Group, group and individually assessed |
| Weight: | 30% |
| Length: | 15-20 minutes oral presentation |
| Criteria: | An inquiry-based approach will be assessed alongside the application of professional skills. Students are assessed on their ability to accurately apply knowledge to the investigation of a realistic complex scenario, demonstrated in their analysis and presentation skills |