FOR2004 - Elements of the forensic sciences

Leader: Dr A Raymond

Offered

Clayton Full year 2008 (Off-campus)

Synopsis

Practitioners need to be familiar with the scope and limitations of the various branches of forensic science to know when and how they may assist in particular cases. Topics to be covered include the principles of forensic science, forensic biology, forensic botany, crime scene examination, specimen collections, toxicology, forensic anthropology, forensic odontology and forensic entomology.

Objectives

On completion of this unit the student is expected to:

1. show familiarity with the principles of forensic science generally and its scope;
2. comprehend the scope and limitations of forensic science generally and its subsections in particular;
3. understand the tests and analyses used in braches of forensic science to assist in the proper application of their results in particular cases;
4. know what specimens would be applicable for forensic science analysis in particular cases;
5. demonstrate competence in the collection storage and security of forensic specimens;
6. evaluate results of forensic scientific analysis meaningfully.

Assessment

Assignments
Case studies
Presentations
Case book