Fundamentals in Forensic Science
UndergraduateUNE-FSC1022025
Course information for 2025 intake View information for 2024 course intake
Learn about collecting and preserving evidence from a crime scene. From analysing bloodstain patterns to using DNA profiles, you’ll explore the role of a forensic scientist. Value accuracy. Work reliably. Investigate crimes and assist in legal proceedings.
Enrol today with instant approval and no entry requirements
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- Subject may require attendance
- Enrol by
- 16 Feb 2025
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR needed, No prior study
- Duration
- 16 weeks
- Price from
- $2,351
- Upfront cost
- $0
- Loan available
- FEE-HELP available
Fundamentals in Forensic Science
About this subject
Upon completion of this subject, students will be able to:
- recognise the technical and theoretical knowledge required in the role of a forensic scientist;
- use a broad range of cognitive, technical and communications skills to explain procedures for the collection, preservation, and analysis of evidence from crime scenes, including health and safety considerations;
- apply knowledge and skills to demonstrate judgement and problem solving in the collection, analysis and interpretation of evidence; and
- transmit information using oral and written communication skills and demonstrate information literacy.
- Topics will be available to enrolled students in the subjects moodle site approximately one week prior to the commencement of the teaching period.
The popularity of True Crime podcasts, documentaries and TV series has increased dramatically in recent years and along with it an interest in forensic science. In practice, forensic science is a fascinating field that goes well beyond its depictions in pop culture. This subject explores the application of scientific investigations to the criminal justice system. With insights into the roles of the forensic scientist, you will learn about the principles of crime scene investigations and evidence analysis. Forensic scientists are required to integrate their knowledge of core physical and biological science concepts. You will be introduced to these concepts and explore contemporary methods for forensic investigations and the analysis of physical evidence. Using case studies to understand why and how examinations are performed you will cover topics crime-scene investigation, and its analysis Forensic scientists are required to integrate their knowledge of core physical and biological science concepts. You will be introduced to these concepts and explore contemporary methods for forensic investigations and the analysis of physical evidence. Using case studies to understand why and how examinations are performed you will cover topics such as crime-scene investigation, physical evidence and its analysis, arson and explosions, bloodstain pattern analysis, drugs, toxicology, and DNA analysis.
Assessment 1: Online quiz. 250 words. Relates to Learning Outcomes: 1-3;
Assessment 2: Online quiz. 250 words. Relates to Learning Outcomes: 1-3;
Assessment 3: Online quiz. 250 words. Relates to Learning Outcomes: 1-3;
Assessment 4: Practical report/case study. 2000 words. The practical report is completed during the optional intensive school within the spaces provided in the report template. A video presentation on one experiment will be completed after the intensive school. If a student does not attend the optional intensive school then they must complete the 2000 word case study and a video presentation on their case.. It is mandatory to pass this component in order to pass the unit. Relates to Learning Outcomes: 1-4;
Final Examination: 2 hrs 15 mins duration. Relates to Learning Outcomes: 1-4.
There is a supervised exam at the end of the teaching period in which you are enrolled. The exam will be offered online with supervision via webcam and screen sharing technology. Coordinated by UNE Exams Unit.
UNE manages supervised exams associated with your UNE subjects. Prior to census date, UNE releases exam timetables. They’ll email important exam information directly to your UNE email address.- Assessment 1 - Online Quiz (10%)
- Assessment 2 - Online Quiz (10%)
- Assessment 3 - Online Quiz (10%)
- Assessment 4 - Practical reports/case study. The practical reports are completed during the optional intensive school within the spaces provided in the report template. A video presentation on one experiment will be completed after the intensive school. I (40%)
- Final Invigilated Examination - 2 hrs 15 mins (30%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
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Entry requirements
No entry requirements
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. Please refer students to link for requirements: http://www.une.edu.au/current-students/support/it-services/hardware
- Travel requirements - Travel may be required if students choose to attend the non-mandatory Intensive school.
- Other 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.
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