Fundamentals in Forensic Science
UndergraduateUNE-FSC1022024
Course information for 2024 intake View information for 2025 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.
Enrolments for this course are closed, but you may have other options to start studying now. Book a consultation to learn more.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- Subject may require attendance
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR needed, No prior study
- Duration
- 16 weeks
- 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 of evidence collection and preservation from crime scenes;
- apply knowledge and skills to demonstrate judgement and defined responsibility in the area of health and safety procedures at a crime scene; and
- transmit information using oral and written communication skills and demonstrating 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.
In recent years there has been an explosion of interest in forensic science as new crime solving characters have emerged in fiction and tv. 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. 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.
There is a non-mandatory intensive school available for this subject held at UNE Sydney Campus. Dates for this intensive school to be advised.
Assessment 1: Online quiz. 250 words. Relates to Learning Outcomes: 1-4;
Assessment 2: Online quiz. 250 words. Relates to Learning Outcomes: 1-4;
Assessment 3: Online quiz. 250 words. Relates to Learning Outcomes: 1-4;
Assessment 4: Online quiz. 250 words. Relates to Learning Outcomes: 1-4;
Assessment 5: Practical report/case study. 2000 words. The practical report is completed during the optional intensive school within the spaces provided in the report template. If a student does not attend the optional intensive school then they must complete the 2000 word case study. ALL Block F students must compete the case study assessment task. 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. It is mandatory to pass the Final Examination to pass the unit. 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 - Online Quiz (10%)
- Assessment 5 - Case Study/Report. The practical report is completed during the optional intensive school. If a student does not attend the optional intensive school then they must complete the case study. All Block F students must complete the case study. (20%)
- Final Invigilated Examination - 2 hrs 15 mins (40%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
The University of New England is the only Australian public university to be awarded the maximum 5 stars for Overall Experience by the Good Universities Guide, 13 years in a row. UNE has delivered distance education since 1955—that’s longer than any other Australian university. Perhaps that’s why students continue to rate UNE so highly for student satisfaction and teaching quality. With over 170 degrees offered online, and more than 22,000 students, UNE is an expert in online education.
Learn more about UNE.
Explore UNE courses.
- QS Ranking 2024:
- 36
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.
Why study a single subject?
Bite sized study
Try studying a particular area to see if online study suits you, or upskill in just a few months with a single subject that you’re interested in.
Pursue a dream
With thousands of single subjects to choose from, you can find topics that get you on the path to your higher education goals fast.
Gain Uni credit
Most single subjects are part of a full degree. That means if you’re keen to keep learning, you can gain credit for the subjects you’ve successfully completed.
What to study next?
Once you’ve completed this subject it can be credited towards one of the following courses
UndergraduateUNE-CRM-DEG
UndergraduateUNE-LGS-DEG
UndergraduateUNE-DSC-DIP
Single subject FAQs
What’s a single subject?
Single subjects are the individual components that make up a degree. With Open Universities Australia, you’re able to study many of them as stand-alone subjects, including postgraduate single subjects, without having to commit to a degree.
Each of your subjects will be held over the course of a study term, and they’ll usually require 10 to 12 hours of study each week. Subjects are identified by a title and a code, for example, Developmental Psychology, PSY20007.
How can I use single subjects to get into a full degree?
First, find the degree that you would like to study on our website.
If that degree allows entry via undergraduate subjects, there will be information about this under the Entry Requirements section. You will find a list of 2-4 open enrolment subjects you need to successfully complete to qualify for admission into that qualification.
Once you pass those subjects, you will satisfy the academic requirements for the degree, and you can apply for entry.
Our student advisors are here to help you take that next step, so don’t hesitate to reach out when you’re ready! We’ve also made it easier to figure out the right way to get started on our pathways page.
Can anyone help me choose a subject?
Our student advisors are more than happy to help you plan your online study. Get in touch with an advisor by:
How do I pay for my subjects?
You can pay up front with your credit card, or you may be eligible for a HELP loan from the Australian government depending on your citizenship status and where you’ll live during your studies.
For more information about how to pay for your studies visit our fees page or contact a student advisor.
How do I enrol?
When you’ve made your choice, click ‘Enrol now’ on the relevant course page and follow the prompts to begin your enrolment. We’ll ask you to supply some supporting documentation, including proof of your identity, your tax file number, and a unique student identifier (USI) during this process.
Your university will get in touch with you via email to confirm whether or not your application has been successful.
If you get stuck at any time, reach out to us and we’ll talk you through it.
You can also take a look at our online self-service enrolling instructions.
When is the cut-off date for enrolling?
Close of enrolment times vary between universities and subjects. You can check the cut-off dates for upcoming study terms by visiting key dates.