Key facts
UNE unit code: FSC102
*You are viewing the 2026 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 1 - On Campus
- Trimester 1 - Online
- Armidale Campus
- Yes
- Yes
- Yes
- 6
Unit information
The popularity of True Crime podcasts, documentaries and TV series has increased dramatically in recent years and along with it an interest in forensic science. In practice, forensic science is a fascinating field that goes well beyond its depictions in pop culture.
This unit explores the application of scientific investigations to the criminal justice system. With insights into the roles of the forensic scientist, you will learn about the principles of crime scene investigations and evidence analysis. Forensic scientists are required to integrate their knowledge of core physical and biological science concepts. You will be introduced to these concepts and explore contemporary methods for forensic investigations and the analysis of physical evidence. Using case studies to understand why and how examinations are performed you will cover topics such as crime-scene investigation, physical evidence and its analysis, arson and explosions, bloodstain pattern analysis, drugs, toxicology, and DNA analysis.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 1 | On Campus, Armidale Campus |
| Trimester 1 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
| Start | Finish | Duration | Attendance | Offerings | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TBA | TBA | 3 days | Non-Mandatory Intensive School | All offerings | While it is not mandatory to attend the intensive school, it is mandatory to either attend the intensive school, which is held in Armidale, or complete a case study. |
Enrolment rules
There are no requisites for this unit.
Notes
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:
- recognise the technical and theoretical knowledge required in the role of a forensic scientist;
- use a broad range of cognitive, technical and communications skills to explain procedures for the collection, preservation, and analysis of evidence from crime scenes, including health and safety considerations;
- apply knowledge and skills to demonstrate judgement and problem solving in the collection, analysis and interpretation of evidence; and
- transmit information using oral and written communication skills and demonstrate information literacy.
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 - Online Quizzes | Yes | 30% | All offerings | Three (3) online quizzes worth 10% each. Quizzes contain multiple choice questions on the unit content. |
| Assessment 2 | Yes | 20% | All offerings | All students must select one Option. Option 1: Intensive School (includes in-laboratory assessment) Option 2: Case Study (2000 words). |
| Assessment 3 - Presentation - Assurance Task | Yes | 20% | All offerings | A presentation based on the chosen option 1 or 2 of Assessment 4. To pass this unit, you must achieve at least 50% in this task, you must achieve a weighted average of 50% across this assessment and the Final Examination, and meet all other passing requirements in the unit. |
| Final Examination - Assurance Task | Yes | 30% | 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 UNE Exams Unit. To pass this unit, you must achieve a weighted average of 50% across the Final Examination and Assessment 3 and meet all other passing requirements in the unit. |
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.
Criminalistics (Global Edition): An Introduction to Forensic Science
ISBN: 9781292062020
Saferstein, R., Pearson Education 11th ed. 2014
Text refers to: Trimester 1 (On Campus, Armidale Campus), Trimester 1 (Online)
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