CRIM3040
10 units
3000 level
Course handbook
Description
This course will illustrate how various evidence types can be utilised in a legal context, to provide students with a general understanding of the breadth and application of forensic evidence. This course will explore the journey of physical evidence (including electronic evidence) from its collection at a crime scene to its explanation in the courtroom. Various sub-fields will be discussed, including crime scene processing, forensic toxicology and chemistry, forensic biology, evidence recovered from cybercrime investigations, and the relevance of novel and evolving evidence types. The weekly lectures will address the various sub-fields of forensic science, with the tutorials using a mock homicide as a teaching tool to contextualize the lecture information and the readings. This course will provide students with a holistic view of the importance of forensic evidence to the criminal justice system.
Availability2024 Course Timetables
Newcastle City Precinct
- Semester 2 - 2024
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the course students will be able to:
1. Describe the utilisation of different types of forensic evidence.
2. Critically evaluate the weight and admissibility of different types of forensic evidence.
3. Effectively communicate the stages at which problems can occur with evidence collection, evaluation, and retention.
4. Critique the role of the expert witness.
5. Recognise the strengths and weaknesses of using novel forensic techniques in forensic investigations.
Content
Topics will include:
- Types of forensic evidence
- Gathering and processing of evidence
- Assessment of evidential value – weight, admissibility, and expert witness contributions
- Problems that can arise with evidence– contamination, tampering, loss, and misinterpretation
Assumed knowledge
40 units at 1000 level including 20 units of Criminology, and 20 units of Criminology at 2000 level
Assessment items
Written Assignment: Essay
Written Assignment: Report
Presentation: Presentation
Contact hours
Semester 2 - 2024 - Newcastle City Precinct
Lecture-1
- Face to Face On Campus 1 hour(s) per week(s) for 12 week(s) starting in week 1
Tutorial-1
- Face to Face On Campus 1 hour(s) per week(s) for 12 week(s) starting in week 2
Course outline
Course outline not yet available.
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.