INTRODUCTION TO FORENSIC SCIENCE AND THE LAW

LCR2FSL

2020

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.

School: La Trobe Law School (Pre 2022)

Credit points: 15

Subject Co-ordinator: Pascale Chifflet

Available to Study Abroad/Exchange Students: Yes

Subject year level: Year Level 2 - UG

Available as Elective: No

Learning Activities: N/A

Capstone subject: No

Subject particulars

Subject rules

Prerequisites: LAW1LIM OR LCR1ALS

Co-requisites: N/A

Incompatible subjects: N/A

Equivalent subjects: N/A

Quota Management Strategy: N/A

Quota-conditions or rules: N/A

Special conditions: N/A

Minimum credit point requirement: N/A

Assumed knowledge: N/A

Learning resources

Introduction to Forensic Science and the Law

Resource Type: Book

Resource Requirement: Prescribed

Author: Various

Year: N/A

Edition/Volume: N/A

Publisher: Various

ISBN: N/A

Chapter/article title: N/A

Chapter/issue: N/A

URL: N/A

Other description: N/A

Source location: N/A

Career Ready

Career-focused: No

Work-based learning: No

Self sourced or Uni sourced: N/A

Entire subject or partial subject: N/A

Total hours/days required: N/A

Location of WBL activity (region): N/A

WBL addtional requirements: N/A

Graduate capabilities & intended learning outcomes

Graduate Capabilities

COMMUNICATION - Communicating and Influencing
DISCIPLINE KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS
INQUIRY AND ANALYSIS - Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
INQUIRY AND ANALYSIS - Research and Evidence-Based Inquiry
PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL - Adaptability and Self-Management

Intended Learning Outcomes

01. An understanding of the history and development of the forensic application of the physical sciences.
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
03. An appreciation of the role of forensic sciences in the criminal justice system, and of their diversity.
04. A capacity to understand and critically evaluate key concepts relating to forensic science and the law.
05. Identify and discuss key issues relating to the use of forensic science in the criminal justice

Bendigo, 2020, Semester 2, Blended

Overview

Online enrolment: Yes

Maximum enrolment size: N/A

Subject Instance Co-ordinator: Pascale Chifflet

Class requirements

LectureWeek: 31 - 43
One 2.00 hours lecture per week on weekdays during the day from week 31 to week 43 and delivered via blended.

TutorialWeek: 31 - 43
One 1.00 hour tutorial per week on weekdays during the day from week 31 to week 43 and delivered via blended.

Assessments

Assessment elementCommentsCategoryContributionHurdle%ILO*

One essay (1500 words)To be submitted and marked online. No hard copy submission required.

N/AN/AN/ANo30SILO2, SILO4, SILO5

One take-home examination (3000 word equivalent)To be submitted and marked online. No hard copy submission required.

N/AN/AN/ANo70SILO1, SILO2, SILO3, SILO4, SILO5

Melbourne (Bundoora), 2020, Semester 2, Blended

Overview

Online enrolment: Yes

Maximum enrolment size: N/A

Subject Instance Co-ordinator: Pascale Chifflet

Class requirements

LectureWeek: 31 - 43
One 2.00 hours lecture per week on weekdays during the day from week 31 to week 43 and delivered via blended.

TutorialWeek: 31 - 43
One 1.00 hour tutorial per week on weekdays during the day from week 31 to week 43 and delivered via blended.

Assessments

Assessment elementCommentsCategoryContributionHurdle%ILO*

One essay (1500 words)To be submitted and marked online. No hard copy submission required.

N/AN/AN/ANo30SILO2, SILO4, SILO5

One take-home examination (3000 word equivalent)To be submitted and marked online. No hard copy submission required.

N/AN/AN/ANo70SILO1, SILO2, SILO3, SILO4, SILO5