Key facts
UNE unit code: CRIM504
*You are viewing the 2025 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 2 - On Campus
- Trimester 2 - Online
- Armidale Campus
- Yes
- No
- No
- 6
Unit information
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.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
Teaching period | Mode/location |
---|---|
Trimester 2 | On Campus, Armidale Campus |
Trimester 2 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
There are no intensive schools required for this unit.
Enrolment rules
Notes
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- demonstrate specialised knowledge of the key issues surrounding the use of forensic sciences in the criminal justice system;
- analyse and critically reflect on the social issues and political policies that have shaped the introduction and use of forensic identification techniques;
- independently apply criminological theories to explain why forensic science is used; and
- model expert analysis, research and communication skills that contribute to life-long application in a professional career.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
Assessment 1 | Yes | 20% | All offerings | No. of words: 1000 Two (2) online quizzes |
Assessment 2 | Yes | 50% | All offerings | No. of words: 3500 Essay |
Assessment 3 | Yes | 30% | All offerings | No. of words: 2500 Oral Presentation |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
Suspect Identities: A History of Fingerprinting and Criminal Identification
ISBN: 9780674010024
Cole, S., Hardvard University Press 1st ed. 2002
Text refers to: All offerings
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