65314 Complex Cases
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: 6 cp
Result type: Grade and marks
Requisite(s): 65316 Criminalistics
Description
This subject is designed as an advanced practical subject where the students apply techniques and principles gained in previous forensic subjects to process a mock case from the investigation of the crime scene to the writing of an expert witness report. It aims to familiarise the students with the management of a complex forensic case involving more than one type of trace. It is a practice-oriented subject involving crime scene investigation, forensic analysis of various types of traces previously studied (i.e. marks and impressions, chemical, biological and digital traces), results interpretation, and preparation of expert witness reports, with a strong focus on trace prioritisation based on relevant case information. The practice in the laboratory is complemented by various workshops, group discussions and presentations, where the students learn how to develop propositions, apply a scientific approach and present their case results and further refine their understanding of forensic science as a whole.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to:
| 1. | Apply knowledge of forensic traces to complex case scenarios and prioritise traces based on relevant case information |
|---|---|
| 2. | Process a forensic case involving multiple types of traces, from crime scene investigation to expert report writing |
| 3. | Evaluate the value of analysed traces and justify the analysis through verbal and written forms |
| 4. | Apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills in the interpretation of evidence and case data |
| 5. | Synthesise and communicate the findings through an expert witness report |
Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)
This subject also contributes specifically to the development of following course intended learning outcomes:
- Demonstrate a command of forensic science practice, including the detection, collection, and analysis of traces in order to exploit and integrate the results of analyses into investigative, evaluative and intelligence frameworks. (1.1)
- Apply investigative, critical thinking and problem-solving skills to forensic science problems and design experimental methods to test hypotheses and critically analyse and interpret data. (2.1)
- Practise safe, ethical, and professional conduct with consideration for the role of forensic science in addressing current and future challenges faced by law enforcement, the legal system, security, and the wider community. (3.1)
- Demonstrate skills in communicating experimental conclusions, expert opinion, and the justification of professional decisions related to forensic science processes effectively to expert, scientific, and non-expert audiences. (5.1)
Contribution to the development of graduate attributes
Contribution to the development of graduate attributes
Complex Cases builds on prior knowledge learnt in previous subjects and provides students with the opportunity to apply this knowledge to a practical mock case. It also allows students to further their problem solving, scientific and communication skills within a professional context. Upon completion of this subject, students should be able to: critically examine, analyse and evaluate various types of traces put forward to advance a particular set of proposals or propositions.
Graduate Attribute 1 - Disciplinary Knowledge
Students will further their understanding of forensic science as a discipline, and its application to a practical mock case. Students will be faced with a range of sub-disciplines of forensic science during laboratory sessions, and they will learn how to prioritise, exploit and interpret multiple types of traces that require a sound understanding of the fundamentals of forensic science.
This knowledge will be developed and reinforced throughout the semester with workshops, practical classes and seminars. Students will have the opportunity to demonstrate the application of their knowledge in all assessment items and feedback will be provided during the sessions to assist student development.
Graduate Attribute 2 – Research, Inquiry and Critical Thinking
Students will manage and investigate a mock case in the laboratory sessions, and engage in group activities reflecting the challenges and philosophies of contemporary forensic science using knowledge drawn from previous subjects. By forming and testing hypotheses on the source of - and the activity that led to the transfer of - traces, students will build their problem solving and critical thinking skills alongside their understanding of scientific method. The development of inquiry-based learning is embedded in all tasks or activities submitted throughout the semester. Feedback will be provided to students both formally (on assessable activities) and informally during laboratory sessions and workshops.
Graduate Attribute 3 - Professional, Ethical and Social Responsibility
Students will refine their professional, collaborative and independent learning skills through laboratory and workshop sessions. Students will have an opportunity to refine generic skills such as time management, problem-solving and personal organisation, and they will also work collaboratively in their laboratory groups. The development of specific professional skills, including forensic interpretation, documentation practices, ethics, laboratory practice and case management, will be monitored via feedback on assessable items and verbal feedback during classes.
Graduate Attribute 5 - Communication
Students will refine their communication skills both informally and via formal assessment. Their written communication skills will be developed through the preparation of a crime scene investigation report and an expert witness report (communicating complex scientific concepts to a non-scientific audience). Their oral communication skills will be developed through oral presentations during workshop and class activities. Students will be developing these skills and given feedback throughout the laboratory sessions. Students will be assessed on their oral and written communication skills through progress report presentations and expert witness report.
Teaching and learning strategies
Teaching and learning strategies
This subject will be delivered through practical classes and workshops, as well as independent learning activities. Feedback on student’s progress is available during workshops and practical activities. Most theoretical content to support practical activities is available as online course material and other learning support activities on Canvas. Students are required to study the online materials before laboratory and workshop sessions so that they arrive prepared. Please note that attendance to all practicals and workshops is strongly encouraged.
Practicals
Students are expected to exercise considerable diligence and independence, to strive for efficient utilisation of laboratory facilities to ensure maximum benefit from these resources by their learning group. This subject is practice-oriented since students will spend most of their time working on a mock case. The entire class will work collaboratively on the same case, and the students are organised in groups and engage with each other in teams to complete the laboratory activities. Each team will focus on different type of traces and each student will be part of two teams.
Workshops
Each step of the case will be complemented by various workshop activities. Topics such as case pre-assessment, scientific approach, trace prioritisation and expert witness report writing and oral testimony will be covered. Active participation in workshop discussions and group activities will be required.
Content (topics)
- Approach to investigating cases with multiple traces
- Case pre-assessment and trace prioritisation
- Analyses, evaluation and interpretation of a wide range of traces
- Expert witness report writing containing analyses and interpretation of multiple traces
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Oral testimony
| Intent: | This assessment task contributes to the development of the following graduate attributes: 1. Disciplinary Knowledge 2. Research, Inquiry and Critical Thinking 5. Communication |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): 1, 3 and 4 This assessment task contributes to the development of course intended learning outcome(s): 1.1, 2.1 and 5.1 |
| Type: | Presentation |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 25% |
| Length: | Recording of approximately 10 minutes. 2 Hours available to produce the video. |
| Criteria: | This assessment task contributes to the development of the following graduate attributes
|
Assessment task 2: Expert witness 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, 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, individually assessed |
| Weight: | 50% |
| Length: | Approx. 10 pages, word limit 4000-5000 |
| Criteria: | A full rubric will be provided on Canvas with specific guidelines and information for each of the below criteria.
|
Assessment task 3: Brief of Evidence
| Intent: | This assessment task contributes to the development of the following graduate attributes: 1. Disciplinary Knowledge 2. Research, Inquiry and Critical Thinking 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 and 5.1 |
| Type: | Report |
| Groupwork: | Group, group assessed |
| Weight: | 25% |
| Length: | Three A4 pages maximum |
| Criteria: | Students will be assessed on their ability to communicate a factual account of the forensic examinations and results conducted during class. They will be required to apply disciplinary knowledge to analyse preliminary results of multiple traces. Students will then demonstrate their ability to critically identify and justify the significance of evidence items for their simulated scenarios. A full rubric will be provided on Canvas with specific guidelines and information for each of the below criteria.
Assessment will be designed to measure the groups examination progress and time management through the semester. This assessment will test the student’s ability to work as a team to create a cohesive report outlining the facts of the simulated scenario. This report will be a factual recount of the examination and analysis of each trace from the simulated scenarios up to mid-semester STUVAC. This will give the students the opportunity to analyse current results and request any reference material for additional comparison and evaluative purposes. It gives the students the opportunity to begin evaluating their results prior to the final report and gives the demonstrators the ability to provide students with feedback that can be implemented into the final report. There will be a 3 page limit on this report. |
Minimum requirements
You are strongly encouraged to attend all lectures and practical sessions (both the online and on campus components) during the session.
Practical classes in subjects offered by the Faculty of Science are an important and integral part of your learning in this subject. In addition to assisting your understanding of application of concepts, practical classes develop hands-on crime scene skills and experience, including specialised techniques related to the forensic science. These also contribute to the development of essential graduate attributes desired by employers. Thus, you are strongly encouraged to attend all scheduled practical sessions.
If you cannot attend a scheduled practical session, please contact your Subject Coordinator as soon as possible to discuss your situation. Please make sure you are familiar with the guidelines for when an application for special consideration must be submitted with respect to missed, or to be missed, assessments:
https://www.uts.edu.au/current-students/managing-your-course/classes-and-assessment/special-circumstances/special-consideration.