65322 Major Scene Investigation
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Credit points: 6 cp
Result type: Grade and marks
Requisite(s): 65342 Crime Scene Investigation
Description
This subject expands on the techniques, methods and interpretation skills required within the forensic science discipline. Students draw on and further expand upon prior knowledge gained in previous subjects, in particular 65342 Crime Scene Investigation, 65312 Forensic Imaging and 65316 Criminalistics.
The subject allows students to develop an in-depth understanding of industry-relevant crime scene procedures and techniques while learning about the types of major scenes they may encounter in a work environment. Building on this concept, students are expected to identify and control hazards of major scenes and evaluate and exploit a variety of traces in realistic forensic scenarios.
After completion of this subject, students are proficient in industry-standard major crime scene and exhibit examination techniques, holding a skill set akin to that of a forensic investigator.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to:
| 1. | Draw on and apply the skills and knowledge already developed during Crime Scene Investigation, Forensic Imaging and Criminalistics and apply them to the investigation of a major crime scene |
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| 2. | Identify different types of major scenes and the types of traces that may be present. |
| 3. | Recognise and evaluate the different major scene types and identify the use of appropriate PPE and EHS controls |
| 4. | Devise and apply sequential examination techniques used in the detection and enhancement of latent and blood marks in the scene and laboratory |
| 5. | Evaluate and appropriately package exhibits from a major scene |
| 6. | Prepare and present concise case notes, detailed sketches and quality photographs in statement format, suitable for court purposes |
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)
- Apply forensic science professional skills with a high degree of personal autonomy and reflection to demonstrate initiative and innovative thinking in solving complex forensic problems. (4.1)
- 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
Graduate Attribute 1: Disciplinary knowledge
This graduate attribute will be developed by students furthering their knowledge in forensic crime scene and exhibit examination techniques, and applying these techniques in a realistic scenario. In the online modules, students will learn about the variety of major crime scenes that are commonly attended by Australian forensic investigators, developing a wide understanding of the forensic discipline. Their skills and knowledge will be put into practice during the semester in practical sessions that will allow them to hone their crime scene examination skills. Students’ disciplinary knowledge will be demonstrated through practical sessions, report writing and quizzes, where their culmination of skills and knowledge will be applied. This graduate attribute will be assessed by assessment tasks 1-3.
Graduate Attribute 2: Research, Inquiry and Critical Thinking
This graduate attribute will be developed in the online content, where students will examine images of major crime scenes and be asked to identify the different types of exhibits that may be present. This approach is also designed to get the students thinking about the types of analysis that could be applied to such exhibit. During the practical sessions and examinations, students will be presented with differing scenarios, for crime scenes, and a variety of exhibits. This will allow them to apply problem solving and critical thinking skills in order to process a difficult crime scene and construct a suitable sequence of examinations. This graduate attribute will be assessed by assessment tasks 1 and 3.
Graduate Attribute 3: Professional, Ethical and Social Responsbility
This graduate attribute will be developed during crime scene and laboratory practicals, in an environment that simulates real forensic casework. The methods and techniques applied in this mock casework are up-to-date industry standard practices that would see a student in this subject align their skills to that of a forensic investigator. During the practical sessions students will work collaboratively to investigate mock crime scenes and have the opportunity to develop their skills and receive feedback on their performance. Assessment tasks 1 and 2 will allow the individual student to be assessed by their professional and practical skills as a forensic examiner. Working individually promotes organsational skills and self-discipline whilst building confidence with the processes involved. This graduate attribute will be assessed by assessment tasks 1 and 3.
Graduate Attribute 4: Reflection, Innovation, Creativity
This graduate attribute will be developed by students using their creativity and innovation to capture and document the complex mock scene. They will use their skills to safely and appropriately package each exhibit and keep an accurate chain of custody record. Students will reflect on their learning materials and use these skills to develop and apply an examination strategy to the practical scenarios. They will also need to draw on their knowledge to assess and mitigate any hazards in the scene. This graduate attribute will be assessed by assessment tasks 1-3.
Graduate Attribute 5: Communication
This graduate attribute will be developed by students being introduced to a different style of forensic reporting in the form of a non-expert certificate statement. The quality and content of this statement is reflected by the concise nature of the students’ case notes, sketches and photographs. Case notes are built around the students' observations and communications during a forensic examination, whilst the sketches should accurately illustrate the layout of a scene or location of exhibits. Casework photographs give the student the ability to portray what they see to a lay audience, further communicating their forensic examination results. Students will have the oppurtunity to develop their written communication skills through the practicals and workshop. Students will need to communicate their forensic examinations to a non-scientific community, without entering into opinion evidence. The resulting report would then be suitable for presentation to a court. This graduate attribute will be assessed by assessment tasks 1-3.
Teaching and learning strategies
Asynchronous learning via Canvas: Announcements, assessment information, and mandatory subject materials and activities will be made available on Canvas. Students will learn asynchronously through use of videos, activities and readings provided on Canvas. These materials will enhance your understanding of crime scene investigation and exhibit examination, by building on the knowledge developed in 65324 Crime Scene Investigation and 65316 Criminalistics. This knowledge will be reviewed through class exercises and practical sessions. The materials will introduce more complex procedures and ideas that will be further developed and implemented in the practical classes. During the modules, different types of crime scenes and investigation techniques will be presented. Discussion Boards on Canvas also offer opportunities for questioning and clarification of the subject material. To develop a complete understanding of the content and make the most of the practical classes, it is strongly recommended that the online materials are completed prior to the practical classes. Quizzes will assess the understanding of the key principles.
Practicals: The practical sessions will provide you with an opportunity to implement the skills introduced in the modules to simulated crime scene scenarios. The practicals will involve both scene recording and lab examination of exhibits. You will be applying specific examination procedures for individual trace types in the early weeks and then applying these to more complex crime scenes. In the practical classes you will work collaboratively through the activities. These practical classes will allow you to discuss and clarify your understanding through feedback from the practical demonstrators in a smaller class setting.
Content (topics)
Types of major scenes, hazards and controls
Major crime scene examination sequences, considerations, photography, exhibit examination latent/blood mark reagents, sequencing
Latent/blood mark reagents, sequencing
Biological sub-sampling and testing
Statement writing for court (non-expert certificate)
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Simulated crime scene examinations
| 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 responsability 4. Reflection, innovation, creativity 5. Communication skills |
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| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): 1, 3, 4 and 5 This assessment task contributes to the development of course intended learning outcome(s): 1.1, 3.1, 4.1 and 5.1 |
| Type: | Laboratory/practical |
| Groupwork: | Group, group assessed |
| Weight: | 30% |
| Length: | Students will have 3 hours to complete each practical session. |
| Criteria: | In these practical sessions you will be assessed on your:
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Assessment task 2: Quizzes
| Intent: | This assessment task contributes to the development of the following graduate attributes: 1. Disciplinary knowledge 2. Research, inquiry and critical thinking 5.Communication skills |
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| 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, 2.1 and 5.1 |
| Type: | Quiz/test |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 30% |
| Criteria: | Quizzes will be marked based on: 1. evidence of understanding of key concepts |
Assessment task 3: Statement (non-expert certificate)
| 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 4. Reflection, innovation, creativity 5. Communication skills |
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| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): 1, 4 and 6 This assessment task contributes to the development of course intended learning outcome(s): 1.1, 2.1, 3.1 and 4.1 |
| Type: | Report |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 40% |
| Criteria: | You will be assessed on your ability to:
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Minimum requirements
In order to pass this subject you must obtain an overall mark of 50% or more.