LCR2FSL
INTRODUCTION TO FORENSIC SCIENCE AND THE LAW
LCR2FSL
2018
Credit points: 15
Subject outline
Building on the scientific methods explicated in Introduction to Forensic Psychology and the Law, this subject examines the legal/forensic dimensions of the application of the physical sciences to the criminal justice process. It introduces students to the general principles and practices of forensic science and its role in investigation, prosecution and defence. The topics covered include the development and history of forensic science, an overview of the major forensic disciplines, the law and practices surrounding the use of forensic in court proceedings (considered via a range of case studies) and current issues in relation to forensic science.
SchoolLa Trobe Law School
Credit points15
Subject Co-ordinatorAnne Wallace
Available to Study Abroad StudentsYes
Subject year levelYear Level 2 - UG
Exchange StudentsYes
Subject particulars
Subject rules
Prerequisites Admission into: LVLGE;LVLGEB Bachelor of Laws LVLUE;LVLUEB Bachelor of Laws LWLAS Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Asian Studies LWLAT;LWLATB Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Arts LWLBUSB Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Business LWLEE Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Electronic Engineering LWLINT Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of International Relations LWLMC Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Media and Communication LWLPY;LWLPYB Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Psychological Science LWLSC;LWLSCB Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Science LZCOML Bachelor of Commerce/Bachelor of Laws LZCRL;LZCRLB Bachelor of Criminology/Bachelor of Laws LWLFI Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of Finance LWLF Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Finance LWLM Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Media LWLA LWLAC Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Accounting LWLBUS Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Business LWLE LWLEC Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Economics LWLIR Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of International Relations LWLFI Laws/Finance LWLAC Laws/Accounting LWLBUS (BU) Laws/Business LZCRL#LZCRLB Bachelor of Criminology/Bachelor of Laws LBCR;LBCRB Bachelor of Criminology LZCPY;LZCPYB Bachelor of Criminology/Bachelor of Psychological Science OR have approval from the course coordinator for Criminology
Co-requisitesN/A
Incompatible subjectsN/A
Equivalent subjectsN/A
Special conditions Students enrolled in the Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Science Course may take this subject as a Law Elective.
Learning resources
Readings
| Resource Type | Title | Resource Requirement | Author and Year | Publisher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Readings | Introduction to Forensic Science and the Law | Prescribed | Various | Various |
Graduate capabilities & intended learning outcomes
01. An understanding of the history and development of the forensic application of the physical sciences.
- Activities:
- Lectures and tutorials.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Inquiry/Research)
- Discipline -Specific Knowledge and Skills(Discipline-Specific Knowledge and Skills)
02. An understanding of the role of the core sciences (chemistry, physics, biology, maths) in forensic science and of the methods used for the comparative examination of forensic science
- Activities:
- Selected applications of the core sciences will be examined and discussed in lectures, tutorials and case studies
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Inquiry/Research)
- Discipline -Specific Knowledge and Skills(Discipline-Specific Knowledge and Skills)
03. An appreciation of the role of forensic sciences in the criminal justice system, and of their diversity.
- Activities:
- Lectures, tutorials and case studies.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Inquiry/Research)
- Discipline -Specific Knowledge and Skills(Discipline-Specific Knowledge and Skills)
04. A capacity to understand and critically evaluate key concepts relating to forensic science and the law.
- Activities:
- Presentations and tutorials critically analysing legal principles relating to forensic science. Students are required to use new language in discussion and written settings.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Inquiry/Research)
- Personal and Professional Skills(Autonomy and independence,Study and Learning Skills)
- Discipline -Specific Knowledge and Skills(Discipline-Specific Knowledge and Skills)
05. Identify and discuss key issues relating to the use of forensic science in the criminal justice
- Activities:
- Lectures, tutorials and case studies.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Inquiry/Research)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Inquiry/Research)
- Discipline -Specific Knowledge and Skills(Discipline-Specific Knowledge and Skills)
Subject options
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Melbourne, 2018, Semester 2, Blended
Overview
Online enrolmentYes
Maximum enrolment sizeN/A
Enrolment information
Subject Instance Co-ordinatorAnne Wallace
Class requirements
LectureWeek: 31 - 43
One 2.0 hours lecture per week on weekdays during the day from week 31 to week 43 and delivered via blended.
TutorialWeek: 31 - 43
One 1.0 hours tutorial per week on weekdays during the day from week 31 to week 43 and delivered via blended.
Assessments
| Assessment element | Comments | % | ILO* |
|---|---|---|---|
| One essay (1500 words) | To be submitted and marked online. No hard copy submission required. | 30 | 02, 04, 05 |
| One take-home examination (3000 word equivalent) | To be submitted and marked online. No hard copy submission required. | 70 | 01, 02, 03, 04, 05 |