lcr2fsl forensic science and the law
INTRODUCTION TO FORENSIC SCIENCE AND THE LAW
LCR2FSL
2017
Credit points: 15
Subject outline
Building on the scientific methods explicated in Introduction to Forensic Psychology and the Law, this subject examines the legal/forensic dimensions of psychopharmacology and drug effects on human behavior, chemistry and toxicology, genetics and DNA evidence, molecular spectroscopy and chromatography, firearms and tool marks, trace evidence (fingerprints, fibres and biological materials), pathology, forensic medicine and physics, and human factors engineering and ergonomics. The law and practices surrounding the development and use of these varieties of evidence in court proceeding will be considered via a range of case studies.
SchoolLa Trobe Law School
Credit points15
Subject Co-ordinatorAnne Wallace
Available to Study Abroad StudentsYes
Subject year levelYear Level 2 - UG
Exchange StudentsYes
Subject particulars
Subject rules
Prerequisites Enrolment in an undergraduate or graduate (but not postgraduate) degree offered by the School of Law or permission of the Course Co-ordinator or delegate.
Co-requisitesN/A
Incompatible subjectsN/A
Equivalent subjectsN/A
Special conditionsN/A
Learning resources
Readings
| Resource Type | Title | Resource Requirement | Author and Year | Publisher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Readings | Introduction to Forensic Science and the Law | Prescribed | Various | Various |
Graduate capabilities & intended learning outcomes
01. Demonstrate a capacity to understand and critically evaluate key concepts relating to forensic science and the law.
- Activities:
- Presentations and tutorials critically analyzing legal principles relating to forensic science. Students are required to use new language in discussion and written settings. Assessment requiring identification and analysis of key concepts requiring reading and analysis of primary and secondary legal materials.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Inquiry/Research)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Inquiry/Research)
- Personal and Professional Skills(Autonomy and independence,Study and Learning Skills)
- Discipline -Specific Knowledge and Skills(Discipline-Specific Knowledge and Skills)
02. Explain and critique case-based and statutory principles relating to forensic science and the law.
- Activities:
- Frameworks for doctrines explained and illustrated in lectures presentations, individual student reading of cases and texts provided in the Course Materials and in-class discussions to clarify and evaluate applications.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Inquiry/Research)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Inquiry/Research)
- Personal and Professional Skills(Autonomy and independence,Study and Learning Skills)
- Discipline -Specific Knowledge and Skills(Discipline-Specific Knowledge and Skills)
03. Demonstrate a developed capacity to integrate case-based and statutory principles to arrive at a solution to a problem raised in a given fact situation.
- Activities:
- Argument development and evaluation modelled through case-study examples in lectures and concept presentations. Individual student reading of cases and textbooks and in- class discussions to clarify and evaluate applications.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Inquiry/Research)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Inquiry/Research)
- Personal and Professional Skills(Autonomy and independence,Study and Learning Skills)
- Discipline -Specific Knowledge and Skills(Discipline-Specific Knowledge and Skills)
04. Compose a written legal opinion as it applies to a problem relating to forensic science and the law.
- Activities:
- Modelled through analysis of written cases, discussion in class and student responses in assessment.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Inquiry/Research)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Inquiry/Research)
- Personal and Professional Skills(Autonomy and independence,Study and Learning Skills)
- Discipline -Specific Knowledge and Skills(Discipline-Specific Knowledge and Skills)
05. Write effectively using the principles of plain legal English
- Activities:
- Tutorial discussion and concept presentations emphasising the necessity for clarity; modelling of written case studies, assessment tasks requiring written communication to a range of audiences.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Inquiry/Research)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Inquiry/Research)
- Personal and Professional Skills(Autonomy and independence,Study and Learning Skills)
- Discipline -Specific Knowledge and Skills(Discipline-Specific Knowledge and Skills)
Subject options
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Melbourne, 2017, Semester 2, Blended
Overview
Online enrolmentYes
Maximum enrolment sizeN/A
Enrolment information
Subject Instance Co-ordinatorAnne Wallace
Class requirements
Lecture/SeminarWeek: 31 - 43
One 3.0 hours lecture/seminar per week on weekdays during the day from week 31 to week 43 and delivered via blended.
Assessments
| Assessment element | Comments | % | ILO* |
|---|---|---|---|
| One 1,500 word essay. | To be submitted and marked online. No hard copy submission required. | 30 | 01, 05 |
| One take-home examination (3000 word equivalent) | 70 | 01, 02, 03, 04, 05 |