FOR5017 - Disaster victim identification (DVI): Principles and methods - 2019

6 points, SCA Band 2, 0.125 EFTSL

Postgraduate - Unit

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.

Faculty

Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences

Organisational Unit

Forensic Medicine

Chief examiner(s)

Associate Professor Richard Bassed

Coordinator(s)

Dr Jeremy Graham

Quota applies

This unit is quota restricted. Selection is on a first-in, first enrolled basis. For further information please contact the Postgraduate Course Administrator via email mnhs-forensicmedicine@monash.edu or phone 03 9684 4115.

Unit guides

Offered

Southbank

  • Second semester 2019 (Online)

Prerequisites

Students must be registered dental practitioners

Co-requisites

FOR4001, FOR4002, FOR4003, FOR4007

Synopsis

Forensic Odontology encompasses the intersection between dentistry and the law.

Practitioners in this field require a solid understanding of all aspects of dental practice as it relates to medico-legal investigation.

The aim of this unit is to provide students with a sound theoretical and practical knowledge of all Phases of the Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) process and the role the forensic odontologist plays in each Phase.

It will provide the student with the capability of operating in both national and international response teams.

Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this unit, students should be able to:

  1. Evaluate the core elements of Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) principles and methods in odontology investigations following natural and man-made mass fatality incidents;
  2. Analyse the role the forensic odontologist plays in each of the 5 phases of a DVI operation;
  3. Outline procedures and apply skills in the operation of the common computer based systems used during a DVI operation;
  4. Competently apply international protocols, standards, charting methods and the Interpol forms that are used during a DVI incident;
  5. Work within the various cultural, religious and legal frameworks in which international DVI incidents may occur;
  6. Employ advanced imaging modalities, such as CT technology to DVI scenarios;

Assessment

  • Case study (40%) (Hurdle)
  • Oral presentation (25%)
  • Short answer assignments (35%)

Hurdle Requirement

A pass in all elements of assessment is required. Students must obtain at least 50 % of the available marks for each element of assessment to pass the unit.

Workload requirements

It is expected that students will need to undertake approximately 12 hours of study per week over the semester. This will include contact time, private study, assessment tasks (case studies, assignments) and, where possible, involvement in casework. Students are required to attend all workshops offered at the Department of Forensic Medicine during the semester.

See also Unit timetable information

Off-campus attendance requirements

Compulsory 2 day workshop.

This unit applies to the following area(s) of study

Additional information on this unit is available from the faculty at: