General Information
Forensic criminology involves the application of criminological knowledge to investigative and forensic issues. It is a science in that it uses the scientific method as well as logic, reasoning and critical thinking to address a variety of applied issues. Forensic Criminology introduces students to this applied field of criminology by introducing the concepts and principles involved. To meet this end, students will be exposed to the wide variety of professionals they may encounter in professional practice, many of whom could be considered forensic practitioners in their own right. This includes police and private investigators, forensic scientists, and lawyers and other legal counsel. Students will also learn about the nature and scope of forensic criminology matters including ethics and report writing.
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Details
Academic unit: Faculty of Society & Design Subject code: CRIM71-320 Subject title: Forensic Criminology Subject level: Postgraduate Semester/Year: September 2021 Credit points: 10.000 -
Delivery & attendance
Timetable: https://bond.edu.au/timetable Delivery mode: Standard Workload items: - Lecture: x12 (Total hours: 24) - Weekly lecture
- Tutorial: x12 (Total hours: 12) - Weekly tutorial
- Personal Study Hours: x12 (Total hours: 84) - Recommended study hours
Attendance and learning activities: Attendance at 80% of the lectures and tutorials is mandatory to earn attendance and participation marks. Students not meeting this level will be awarded a grade of 0% for the attendance and participation portion of their marks. Serious medical conditions resulting in absences due to illness that are certified by a medical examiner are exceptions. These conditions require a medical certificate covering the period of illness. Students missing class owing to illness are required to submit a two page summary of the lecture and/or tutorial material they missed within one week of the expiry of the medical certificate. -
Resources
Prescribed resources: No Prescribed resources.
After enrolment, students can check the Books and Tools area in iLearn for the full Resource List.iLearn@Bond & Email: iLearn@Bond is the online learning environment at Bond University and is used to provide access to subject materials, lecture recordings and detailed subject information regarding the subject curriculum, assessment and timing. Both iLearn and the Student Email facility are used to provide important subject notifications. Additionally, official correspondence from the University will be forwarded to students’ Bond email account and must be monitored by the student. To access these services, log on to the Student Portal from the Bond University website as www.bond.edu.au
| Academic unit: | Faculty of Society & Design |
|---|---|
| Subject code: | CRIM71-320 |
| Subject title: | Forensic Criminology |
| Subject level: | Postgraduate |
| Semester/Year: | September 2021 |
| Credit points: | 10.000 |
| Timetable: | https://bond.edu.au/timetable |
|---|---|
| Delivery mode: | Standard |
| Workload items: |
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| Attendance and learning activities: | Attendance at 80% of the lectures and tutorials is mandatory to earn attendance and participation marks. Students not meeting this level will be awarded a grade of 0% for the attendance and participation portion of their marks. Serious medical conditions resulting in absences due to illness that are certified by a medical examiner are exceptions. These conditions require a medical certificate covering the period of illness. Students missing class owing to illness are required to submit a two page summary of the lecture and/or tutorial material they missed within one week of the expiry of the medical certificate. |
| Prescribed resources: | No Prescribed resources. After enrolment, students can check the Books and Tools area in iLearn for the full Resource List. |
|---|---|
| iLearn@Bond & Email: | iLearn@Bond is the online learning environment at Bond University and is used to provide access to subject materials, lecture recordings and detailed subject information regarding the subject curriculum, assessment and timing. Both iLearn and the Student Email facility are used to provide important subject notifications. Additionally, official correspondence from the University will be forwarded to students’ Bond email account and must be monitored by the student. To access these services, log on to the Student Portal from the Bond University website as www.bond.edu.au |
Enrolment requirements
| Requisites: |
Nil |
|---|---|
| Assumed knowledge: |
Assumed knowledge is the minimum level of knowledge of a subject area that students are assumed to have acquired through previous study. It is the responsibility of students to ensure they meet the assumed knowledge expectations of the subject. Students who do not possess this prior knowledge are strongly recommended against enrolling and do so at their own risk. No concessions will be made for students’ lack of prior knowledge.
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| Restrictions: |
Nil |
Assurance of learning
Assurance of Learning means that universities take responsibility for creating, monitoring and updating curriculum, teaching and assessment so that students graduate with the knowledge, skills and attributes they need for employability and/or further study.
At Bond University, we carefully develop subject and program outcomes to ensure that student learning in each subject contributes to the whole student experience. Students are encouraged to carefully read and consider subject and program outcomes as combined elements.
Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs)
Program Learning Outcomes provide a broad and measurable set of standards that incorporate a range of knowledge and skills that will be achieved on completion of the program. If you are undertaking this subject as part of a degree program, you should refer to the relevant degree program outcomes and graduate attributes as they relate to this subject.
Subject Learning Outcomes (SLOs)
On successful completion of this subject the learner will be able to:
- Demonstrate increased knowledge of the principles of forensic criminology.
- Apply knowledge of the principles of forensic criminology to its application through the examination of case studies.
- Develop critical thinking skills in relation to the limits of forensic criminology and forensic evidence.
- Develop responsibility in relation to self and others.
Generative Artificial Intelligence in Assessment
The University acknowledges that Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen-AI) tools are an important facet of contemporary life. Their use in assessment is considered in line with students’ development of the skills and knowledge which demonstrate learning outcomes and underpin study and career success. Instructions on the use of Gen-AI are given for each assessment task; it is your responsibility to adhere to these instructions.
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Assessment details
Type Task % Timing* Outcomes assessed Case Analysis Ilana Case Study 50.00% Week 6 2,3,4 Essay Essay from topics chosen by the student 30.00% Week 10 1,2,3,4 *Class Participation Attendance and Participation 20.00% Progressive 1,4 - * Assessment timing is indicative of the week that the assessment is due or begins (where conducted over multiple weeks), and is based on the standard University academic calendar
- C = Students must reach a level of competency to successfully complete this assessment.
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Assessment criteria
Assessment criteria
High Distinction 85-100 Outstanding or exemplary performance in the following areas: interpretative ability; intellectual initiative in response to questions; mastery of the skills required by the subject, general levels of knowledge and analytic ability or clear thinking. Distinction 75-84 Usually awarded to students whose performance goes well beyond the minimum requirements set for tasks required in assessment, and who perform well in most of the above areas. Credit 65-74 Usually awarded to students whose performance is considered to go beyond the minimum requirements for work set for assessment. Assessable work is typically characterised by a strong performance in some of the capacities listed above. Pass 50-64 Usually awarded to students whose performance meets the requirements set for work provided for assessment. Fail 0-49 Usually awarded to students whose performance is not considered to meet the minimum requirements set for particular tasks. The fail grade may be a result of insufficient preparation, of inattention to assignment guidelines or lack of academic ability. A frequent cause of failure is lack of attention to subject or assignment guidelines. Quality assurance
For the purposes of quality assurance, Bond University conducts an evaluation process to measure and document student assessment as evidence of the extent to which program and subject learning outcomes are achieved. Some examples of student work will be retained for potential research and quality auditing purposes only. Any student work used will be treated confidentially and no student grades will be affected.
| Type | Task | % | Timing* | Outcomes assessed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Case Analysis | Ilana Case Study | 50.00% | Week 6 | 2,3,4 |
| Essay | Essay from topics chosen by the student | 30.00% | Week 10 | 1,2,3,4 |
| *Class Participation | Attendance and Participation | 20.00% | Progressive | 1,4 |
- * Assessment timing is indicative of the week that the assessment is due or begins (where conducted over multiple weeks), and is based on the standard University academic calendar
- C = Students must reach a level of competency to successfully complete this assessment.
Assessment criteria
| High Distinction | 85-100 | Outstanding or exemplary performance in the following areas: interpretative ability; intellectual initiative in response to questions; mastery of the skills required by the subject, general levels of knowledge and analytic ability or clear thinking. |
|---|---|---|
| Distinction | 75-84 | Usually awarded to students whose performance goes well beyond the minimum requirements set for tasks required in assessment, and who perform well in most of the above areas. |
| Credit | 65-74 | Usually awarded to students whose performance is considered to go beyond the minimum requirements for work set for assessment. Assessable work is typically characterised by a strong performance in some of the capacities listed above. |
| Pass | 50-64 | Usually awarded to students whose performance meets the requirements set for work provided for assessment. |
| Fail | 0-49 | Usually awarded to students whose performance is not considered to meet the minimum requirements set for particular tasks. The fail grade may be a result of insufficient preparation, of inattention to assignment guidelines or lack of academic ability. A frequent cause of failure is lack of attention to subject or assignment guidelines. |
Quality assurance
For the purposes of quality assurance, Bond University conducts an evaluation process to measure and document student assessment as evidence of the extent to which program and subject learning outcomes are achieved. Some examples of student work will be retained for potential research and quality auditing purposes only. Any student work used will be treated confidentially and no student grades will be affected.
Study Information
Submission procedures
Students must check the iLearn@Bond subject site for detailed assessment information and submission procedures.
Policy on late submission and extensions
A student who has not established a basis for an extension in compliance with University and Faculty policy either by 1) not applying before the assessment due date or 2) by having an application rejected due to failure to show a justifiable cause for an extension, will receive a penalty on assessment submitted after its due date. The penalty will be 10% of marks awarded to that assessment for every day late, with the first day counted after the required submission time has passed. No assessment will be accepted for consideration seven calendar days after the due date. Where a student has been granted an extension, the late penalty starts from the new due date and time set out in the extension.
Academic Integrity
University’s Academic Integrity Policy defines plagiarism as the act of misrepresenting as one’s own original work: another’s ideas, interpretations, words, or creative works; and/or one’s own previous ideas, interpretations, words, or creative work without acknowledging that it was used previously (i.e., self-plagiarism). The University considers the act of plagiarising to be a breach of the Student Conduct Code and, therefore, subject to the Discipline Regulations which provide for a range of penalties including the reduction of marks or grades, fines and suspension from the University.
Bond University utilises Originality Reporting software to inform academic integrity.Feedback on assessment
Feedback on assessment will be provided to students within two weeks of the assessment submission due date, as per the Assessment Policy.
Accessibility and Inclusion Support
If you have a disability, illness, injury or health condition that impacts your capacity to complete studies, exams or assessment tasks, it is important you let us know your special requirements, early in the semester. Students will need to make an application for support and submit it with recent, comprehensive documentation at an appointment with a Disability Officer. Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Office at the earliest possible time, to meet staff and learn about the services available to meet your specific needs. Please note that late notification or failure to disclose your disability can be to your disadvantage as the University cannot guarantee support under such circumstances.
Additional subject information
Subject curriculum
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Introduction and Overview
This topic provides an overview to the course and requirements of the students.
SLOs included
- Demonstrate increased knowledge of the principles of forensic criminology.
- Apply knowledge of the principles of forensic criminology to its application through the examination of case studies.
- Develop critical thinking skills in relation to the limits of forensic criminology and forensic evidence.
- Develop responsibility in relation to self and others.
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Cognitive Ethos of the Forensic Criminologist
The theoretical backdrop to forensic criminology in practice, including a variety of criminological assessments and examinations.
SLOs included
- Demonstrate increased knowledge of the principles of forensic criminology.
- Apply knowledge of the principles of forensic criminology to its application through the examination of case studies.
- Develop critical thinking skills in relation to the limits of forensic criminology and forensic evidence.
- Develop responsibility in relation to self and others.
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Forensic Criminology in the Courtroom
The issues of expert evidence and the role of the forensic examiner as an expert witness.
SLOs included
- Demonstrate increased knowledge of the principles of forensic criminology.
- Apply knowledge of the principles of forensic criminology to its application through the examination of case studies.
- Develop critical thinking skills in relation to the limits of forensic criminology and forensic evidence.
- Develop responsibility in relation to self and others.
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Criminal and Other Investigations
The role of criminal investigators and how they interface with the forensic criminologist.
SLOs included
- Demonstrate increased knowledge of the principles of forensic criminology.
- Apply knowledge of the principles of forensic criminology to its application through the examination of case studies.
- Develop critical thinking skills in relation to the limits of forensic criminology and forensic evidence.
- Develop responsibility in relation to self and others.
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Forensic Scientists
The role of forensic scientists and how they interface with the forensic criminologist.
SLOs included
- Demonstrate increased knowledge of the principles of forensic criminology.
- Apply knowledge of the principles of forensic criminology to its application through the examination of case studies.
- Develop critical thinking skills in relation to the limits of forensic criminology and forensic evidence.
- Develop responsibility in relation to self and others.
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Forensic Mental Health
The role of forensic mental health experts and how they interface with the forensic criminologist.
SLOs included
- Demonstrate increased knowledge of the principles of forensic criminology.
- Apply knowledge of the principles of forensic criminology to its application through the examination of case studies.
- Develop critical thinking skills in relation to the limits of forensic criminology and forensic evidence.
- Develop responsibility in relation to self and others.
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Crime Analysis and Criminal Profiling
The role of crime analysts and criminal profilers, and how they interface with the forensic criminologist.
SLOs included
- Demonstrate increased knowledge of the principles of forensic criminology.
- Apply knowledge of the principles of forensic criminology to its application through the examination of case studies.
- Develop critical thinking skills in relation to the limits of forensic criminology and forensic evidence.
- Develop responsibility in relation to self and others.
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Forensic Victimology
The role of forensic victimologists and how they interface with the forensic criminologist.
SLOs included
- Demonstrate increased knowledge of the principles of forensic criminology.
- Apply knowledge of the principles of forensic criminology to its application through the examination of case studies.
- Develop critical thinking skills in relation to the limits of forensic criminology and forensic evidence.
- Develop responsibility in relation to self and others.
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Ethics
Ethics for the forensic criminologist and how this impacts upon practice.
SLOs included
- Demonstrate increased knowledge of the principles of forensic criminology.
- Apply knowledge of the principles of forensic criminology to its application through the examination of case studies.
- Develop critical thinking skills in relation to the limits of forensic criminology and forensic evidence.
- Develop responsibility in relation to self and others.
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Forensic Criminology in Civil Settings
Forensic criminology in civil settings such as civil trials, as well as their role in litigation, mitigation, and premises liability.
SLOs included
- Demonstrate increased knowledge of the principles of forensic criminology.
- Apply knowledge of the principles of forensic criminology to its application through the examination of case studies.
- Develop critical thinking skills in relation to the limits of forensic criminology and forensic evidence.
- Develop responsibility in relation to self and others.
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Forensic Report Writing
An introduction to forensic report writing.
SLOs included
- Demonstrate increased knowledge of the principles of forensic criminology.
- Apply knowledge of the principles of forensic criminology to its application through the examination of case studies.
- Develop critical thinking skills in relation to the limits of forensic criminology and forensic evidence.
- Develop responsibility in relation to self and others.