65314 Complex Cases
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Credit points: 6 cp
Result type: Grade and marks
Requisite(s): 65316 Criminalistics
Description
This subject is designed as an advanced practical subject where the students apply techniques and principles gained in previous forensic subjects to process a mock case from the investigation of the crime scene to the writing of an expert witness report. It aims to familiarise the students with the management of a complex forensic case involving more than one type of trace. It is a practice-oriented subject involving crime scene investigation, forensic analysis of various types of traces previously studied (i.e. glass, soil, paint, fibres, hairs, documents, fingermarks, biological traces, tool marks, shoe marks, bullets and cartridge cases), results interpretation, and preparation of expert witness reports, with a strong focus on trace prioritisation based on relevant case information. The practice in the laboratory is complemented by various workshops, group discussions and presentations, where the students discuss their hypotheses, share their progress on the case, present their results to the class and further refine their understanding of forensic science as a whole.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to:
| 1. | Apply knowledge of forensic traces to complex case scenarios and prioritise traces based on relevant case information |
|---|---|
| 2. | Process a forensic case involving multiple types of traces, from crime scene investigation to expert report writing |
| 3. | Evaluate the value of analysed traces and justify the analysis through verbal and written forms |
| 4. | Apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills in the interpretation of evidence and case data |
| 5. | Synthesise and communicate the findings through an expert witness report |
Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)
This subject also contributes specifically to the development of following course intended learning outcomes:
- Apply: Demonstrate a command of forensic science practice, including the detection, collection, and analysis of traces using current, appropriate, and emerging processes and technologies. (1.1)
- Synthesise: Integrate information from individual and collective forensic analyses into investigative, evaluative, or intelligence frameworks. (1.3)
- Synthesise: Formulate hypotheses and design experimental methods to test these hypotheses, and evaluate and communicate results in a scientific and impartial manner. (2.3)
- Analyse: Practise professional ethical conduct through work-integrated learning. (3.2)
- Synthesise: Explain experimental findings to communicate conclusions, expert opinion, and the justification of professional decisions effectively to expert, scientific, and non-expert audiences. (5.3)
Contribution to the development of graduate attributes
Contribution to the development of graduate attributes
Complex Cases builds on prior knowledge learnt in previous subjects and provides students with the opportunity to apply this knowledge to a practical mock case. It also allows students to further their problem solving, scientific and communication skills within a professional context. Upon completion of this subject, students should be able to: critically examine, analyse and evaluate various types of traces put forward to advance a particular set of proposals or propositions.
Graduate Attribute 1 - Disciplinary Knowledge
Students will further their understanding of forensic science as a discipline, and its application to a practical mock case. Students will be faced with a range of sub-disciplines of forensic science during laboratory sessions, and they will learn how to prioritise, exploit and interpret multiple types of traces that require a sound understanding of the fundamentals of forensic science.
This knowledge will be developed and reinforced throughout the semester with workshops, practical classes and seminars. Students will have the opportunity to demonstrate the application of their knowledge in all assessment items and feedback will be provided during the sessions to assist student development.
Graduate Attribute 2 – Research, Inquiry and Critical Thinking
Students will manage and investigate a mock case in the laboratory sessions, and engage in group activities reflecting the challenges and philosophies of contemporary forensic science using knowledge drawn from previous subjects. By forming and testing hypotheses on the source of - and the activity that led to the transfer of - traces, students will build their problem solving and critical thinking skills alongside their understanding of scientific method. The development of inquiry-based learning is embedded in all tasks or activities submitted throughout the semester. Feedback will be provided to students both formally (on assessable activities) and informally during laboratory sessions and workshops.
Graduate Attribute 3 - Professional, Ethical and Social Responsibility
Students will refine their professional, collaborative and independent learning skills through laboratory and workshop sessions. Students will have an opportunity to refine generic skills such as time management, problem-solving and personal organisation, and they will also work collaboratively in their laboratory groups. The development of specific professional skills, including forensic interpretation, documentation practices, ethics, laboratory practice and case management, will be monitored via feedback on assessable items and verbal feedback during classes.
Graduate Attribute 5 - Communication
Students will refine their communication skills both informally and via formal assessment. Their written communication skills will be developed through the preparation of a crime scene investigation report and an expert witness report (communicating complex scientific concepts to a non-scientific audience). Their oral communication skills will be developed through oral presentations during workshop and class activities. Students will be developing these skills and given feedback throughout the laboratory sessions. Students will be assessed on their oral and written communication skills through progress report presentations and expert witness report.
Teaching and learning strategies
Teaching and learning strategies
This subject will be delivered through practical classes and workshops, as well as independent learning activities. Feedback on student’s progress is available during workshops and practical activities. Most theoretical content to support practical activities is available as online course material and other learning support activities on UTSOnline. Students are required to study the online materials before laboratory and workshop sessions so that they arrive prepared. Please note that attendance to all practicals and workshops is strongly encouraged.
Practicals
Students are expected to exercise considerable diligence and independence, to strive for efficient utilisation of laboratory facilities to ensure maximum benefit from these resources by their learning group. This subject is practice-oriented since students will spend most of their time working on a mock case. The entire class will work collaboratively on the same case, and the students are organised in groups (3 students maximum) and engage with each other in teams to complete the laboratory activities. Each team will focus on different type of traces and each student will be part of two teams.
Workshops
Each step of the case will be complemented by various workshop activities. Topics such as case pre-assessment, trace prioritisation and expert witness report writing will be covered. Workshop sessions will also be used by the students to share their results, progress and issues with the other team, in order to further the understanding of the case and help students with trace prioritisation. Active participation in workshop discussions and group activities will be required. Feedback on progress will be given during the workshop activities.
Content (topics)
- Approach to investigating cases with multiple traces
- Case pre-assessment and trace prioritisation
- Analyses, evaluation and interpretation of a wide range of traces (glass, soil, paint, fibres, hairs, documents, fingermarks, tool mark, shoe marks, biological traces, bullets and cartridge cases)
- Expert witness report writing containing analyses and interpretation of multiple traces
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Oral testimony
| Intent: | This assessment task contributes to the development of the following graduate attributes: 1. Disciplinary Knowledge 2. Research, Inquiry and Critical Thinking 5. Communication |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): 1, 3 and 4 This assessment task contributes to the development of course intended learning outcome(s): 1.3, 2.3 and 5.3 |
| Type: | Presentation |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 30% |
| Length: | Approx. 10 minutes. |
| Criteria: |
This assessment task contributes to the development of the following graduate attributes
|
Assessment task 2: Expert witness report
| Intent: | This assessment task contributes to the development of the following graduate attributes: 1. Disciplinary Knowledge 2. Research, Inquiry and Critical Thinking 3. Professional, Ethical and Social Responsibility 5. Communication |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): 1, 2, 4 and 5 This assessment task contributes to the development of course intended learning outcome(s): 1.3, 2.3, 3.2 and 5.3 |
| Type: | Report |
| Groupwork: | Group, individually assessed |
| Weight: | 50% |
| Length: | Approx. 10 pages, word limit 4000-5000 |
| Criteria: |
A full rubric will be provided on UTSOnline with specific guidelines and information for each of the below criteria.
|
Assessment task 3: Professional practices
| Intent: | This assessment task contributes to the development of the following graduate attributes: 1. Disciplinary Knowledge 3. Professional, Ethical and Social Responsibility |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): 1 and 2 This assessment task contributes to the development of course intended learning outcome(s): 1.1 and 3.2 |
| Type: | Reflection |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 20% |
| Length: | 150 words for the self-assessment |
| Criteria: |
A full rubric will be provided on UTSOnline with specific guidelines and information for each of the below criteria.
|
Minimum requirements
You are strongly encouraged to attend all lectures and practical sessions (both the online and on campus components) during the session.
Practical classes in subjects offered by the Faculty of Science are an important and integral part of your learning in this subject. In addition to assisting your understanding of application of concepts, practical classes develop hands-on crime scene skills and experience, including specialised techniques related to the forensic science. These also contribute to the development of essential graduate attributes desired by employers. Thus, you are strongly encouraged to attend all scheduled practical sessions.
If you cannot attend a scheduled practical session, please contact your Subject Coordinator as soon as possible to discuss your situation. Please make sure you are familiar with the guidelines for when an application for special consideration, including COVID-related matters, must be submitted with respect to missed, or to be missed, assessments:
https://www.uts.edu.au/current-students/managing-your-course/classes-and-assessment/special-circumstances/special-consideration.
The late submission of an assessment task may attract a penalty of up to 10% per day.