Key facts
UNE unit code: FSC510
*You are viewing the 2026 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 2 - On Campus
- Trimester 2 - Online
- Armidale Campus
- Yes
- Yes
- Yes
- 6
Unit information
Extend your understanding of the fundamental scientific principles behind the examination and analysis of chemical evidence and develop skills that will help you solve complex chemistry problems.
Emphasising the array of technology and chemical techniques now available, this unit explores forensic drug analysis and pharmacology, combustion and arson, documents, fingerprint development techniques and the analysis of trace evidence.
You will focus on practical aspects of analytical chemistry, including how techniques are applied, their strengths and limitations, and quality control/data validation.
Lab exercises will hone your analytical chemistry skills, ensuring you are familiar with best practice for record keeping, data integrity and presentation of your findings.
Analytical chemistry has many practical applications, not only in crime scene investigation, but also in industry and the environmental sector.
Add value to your career and broaden your scope.
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
| Start | Finish | Duration | Attendance | Offerings | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TBA | TBA | 4 days | Mandatory Intensive School | Trimester 2, Online | The intensive school is mandatory for online students only. Students must attend the Mandatory Intensive School which is held in Armidale. |
Enrolment rules
Notes
Resources (unit outline, supplementary reading) will be web-based and available online.
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:
- discuss, using advanced theoretical and integrated technical knowledge, the chemistry and composition of a range of forensic evidence types;
- use expert cognitive, technical and communication skills to relate the scientific principles behind separation and identification sciences to the analysis of forensic samples;
- critically analyse and evaluate information to select and expertly describe appropriate methods for the analysis of a range of forensic evidence types;
- analyse, evaluate, collate, manipulate, interpret and transmit information and numerical data related to forensic chemistry; and
- apply expertly developed knowlegde and skills to demonstrate autonomy, well-developed judgement and responsibility towards problem solving processes, arguments, critical and creative thinking, while working individually or as part of a team.
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 | 10% | All offerings | Short and long answer responses and/or calculations.
|
| Assessment 2 | Yes | 7.5% | All offerings | Short and long answer responses and/or calculations.
|
| Assessment 3 - Presentation - Assurance Task | Yes | 5% | All offerings | Ethics in forensic science group presentation. To pass this unit, you must achieve at least 50% in this task and meet all other passing requirements in the unit. No. Words: 600 |
| Assessment 4 - Practical Exercise - Assurance Task | Yes | 7.5% | All offerings | Practical exercise. A written court report and an oral assessment of the written court report. To pass this unit, you must achieve a minimum cumulative total of 50% across Assessment 4 and Assessment 5 and meet all other passing requirements in the unit.
|
| Assessment 5 - Practicals - Assurance Task | Yes | 30% | All offerings | Practicals including prelab work, laboratory work and written reports. Students will be assessed on their laboratory skills and their demonstrated ability to connect theoretical concepts with laboratory practice. Students will need to demonstrate professional conduct in the laboratory, including the ability to work safely, collegially, and productively in a shared setting. Assessment may also include data analysis, laboratory proficiency, reporting of results, and teamwork. To pass this unit, you must achieve a minimum cumulative total of 50% across Assessment 4 and Assessment 5 and meet all other passing requirements in the unit.
|
| Final Examination - Assurance Task | Yes | 40% | All offerings | There is a supervised exam at the end of the teaching period in which you are enrolled. The exam will be offered online with supervision via webcam and screen sharing technology. Coordinated by the School of Science and Technology. |
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.
Forensic Chemistry
ISBN: 9781292020440
Bell, S., Pearson Prentice Hall 2nd ed. 2013
Text refers to: All offerings
Note: Referenced material may be held in the University Library — purchase is optional.
Forensic Science
ISBN: 9781292088181
Jackson, A.R.W. and Jackson, J.M., Pearson Prentice Hall 4th ed. 2016
Text refers to: All offerings
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