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Forensic Science within Criminal Justice
Undergraduate
UNE-CRIM304 2025Course information for 2025 intake View information for 2024 course intake
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Enrol by
- 15 June 2025
- Entry requirements
- Part of a degree
- Duration
- 16 weeks
- Price from
- $2,351
- Upfront cost
- $0
- Loan available
- FEE-HELP available
Forensic Science within Criminal Justice
About this subject
Upon completion of this subject, students will be able to:
- demonstrate coherent knowledge of the key issues surrounding the use of forensic sciences in the criminal justice system;
- analyse and evaluate the social issues and political policies that have shaped the introduction and use of forensic identification techniques;
- use selected criminological theories to explain why forensic science is used; and
- model specialist analysis, research, and communication skills that contribute to life-long application in a professional career.
- Topics will be available to enrolled students in the subjects Learning Management System site approximately one week prior to the commencement of the teaching period.
This subject was previously known as Forensic Criminology.
Forensic science techniques are critical to criminal investigations as they can identify suspects in crimes and also make educated decisions about how and when a crime has occurred. In this unit you will examine how forensic evidence is applied to the criminal justice system. Using the theme of 'forensic identification' classes explore a variety of forensic methods and the difficulties associated with concepts such as methodology, accuracy, confidence, reliability and admissibility. You will study how forensic science functions within the justice system, new challenges to forensic science as it responds to technology, forensic criminology theories and concepts, crime scene processes and recent inquiries into the validity of forensic science itself. You will be exposed to practical forensic applications and case studies pertinent to understanding the strengths and weaknesses of forensic evidence.
Assessment 1: Online Quiz - 3 Quizzes 500 words each. Relates to Learning Outcomes 1-4;
Assessment 2: Essay - 2000 words. Relates to Learning Outcomes 1-4;
Assessment 3: Oral Presentation - 1000 words (equivalent). Relates to Learning Outcomes 1-4.- Online Quizzes - 3 online quizzes (30%)
- Oral Presentation (20%)
- Essay - 2000 words (50%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
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- 36
Entry requirements
Part of a degree
To enrol in this subject you must be accepted into one of the following degrees:
Elective
- UNE-CRM-DEG-2025 - Bachelor of Criminology
Prior study
You must either have successfully completed the following subject(s) before starting this subject, or currently be enrolled in the following subject(s) in a prior study period; or enrol in the following subject(s) to study prior to this subject:
UNE-CRIM190-Crime in Rural Communities (no longer available)
and one of
UNE-CRIM244-Criminological Perspectives (no longer available)
- UNE-CRIM201-Researching Crime
UNE-CRIM206-Equity and Justice? (no longer available)
and one of
- UNE-CRIM201-Researching Crime
UNE-CRIM244-Criminological Perspectives (no longer available)
UNE-CRIM206-Equity and Justice? (no longer available)
Please note that your enrolment in this subject is conditional on successful completion of these prerequisite subject(s). If you study the prerequisite subject(s) in the study period immediately prior to studying this subject, your result for the prerequisite subject(s) will not be finalised prior to the close of enrolment. In this situation, should you not complete your prerequisite subject(s) successfully you should not continue with your enrolment in this subject. If you are currently enrolled in the prerequisite subject(s) and believe you may not complete these all successfully, it is your responsibility to reschedule your study of this subject to give you time to re-attempt the prerequisite subject(s).
Others
Candidature in Bachelor of Criminology.
To enrol in this subject you will need to pass the Prerequisite/s. Please note as UNE results are released after the close of enrolment date, your enrolment into this subject will be withdrawn if you do not pass the prerequisite subject/s.
Additional requirements
- Equipment requirements - Headphones or speakers (required to listen to lectures and other media). Headset, including microphone (highly recommended). Webcam (may be required for participation in virtual classrooms and/or media presentations).
- Software requirements - It is essential for students to have reliable internet access in order to participate in and complete your units, regardless of whether they contain an on campus attendance or intensive school component. For additional information please visit UNE Hardware Requirements: https://www.une.edu.au/current-students/support/it-services/hardware
- Other requirements -
Textbook requirements:
Textbook information is not available until approximately 8 weeks prior to the commencement of the Teaching period.
Students are expected to purchase prescribed material.
Textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
Study load
- 0.125 EFTSL
- This is in the range of 10 to 12 hours of study each week.
Equivalent full time study load (EFTSL) is one way to calculate your study load. One (1.0) EFTSL is equivalent to a full-time study load for one year.
Find out more information on Commonwealth Loans to understand what this means to your eligibility for financial support.
Related degrees
Once you’ve completed this subject it can be credited towards one of the following courses
Undergraduate
UNE-CRM-DEG