305541 (v.2) Introduction to Forensic Science 101

Area:

Department of Applied Chemistry

Credits:

12.5

Contact Hours:

2.0

Lecture:

1 x 2 Hours Weekly

Syllabus:

The history and principles of forensic science. Types of forensic evidence, their use and validity - ballistics, DNA typing, fingerprinting, serology, toxicology and trace evidence illustrated by case studies, examination of the crime scene - from crime scene to court, forensic science in fiction.

Unit Outcomes:

Students will acquire a knowledge of various aspects of forensic science, from the collection of evidence at a crime scene to validation of the evidence and court presentation together with an insight into the application of modern scientific principles and techniques to the fight against crime.

Text and references listed above are for your information only and current as of September 30, 2003. Please check with the unit coordinator for up-to-date information.

Unit References:

Colin Evans, "The Casebook of Forensic Detection. How Science Solved 100 of the World's Most Baffling Crimes", John Wiley & Sons, 1996

Unit Texts:

Richard Saferstein, "Criminalistics. An Introduction to Forensic Sciences" 7th edition, Prentice Hall, 2000

Unit Assessment Breakdown:

Assignments 100%. This is by grade/mark assessment.

Year	Location	Period	Internal	Area External	Central External
2004	Bentley Campus	Semester 1	Y
2004	Bentley Campus	Semester 2	Y