ODONT 6018OL - Integrated Forensic Science

Online - Semester 2 - 2024

Highlights the interdisciplinary nature of forensic science. This subject aims to introduce the students to the range of forensic disciplines used by police and legal services. The student will develop an understanding of the overall management of a crime investigation, and an awareness of the place of forensic odontology in an investigation. The importance of teamwork will be emphasized.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code ODONT 6018OL
    Course Integrated Forensic Science
    Coordinating Unit Dental
    Term Semester 2
    Level Postgraduate Coursework
    Location/s Online
    Units 3
    Contact Online
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange N
    Course Description Highlights the interdisciplinary nature of forensic science. This subject aims to introduce the students to the range of forensic disciplines used by police and legal services. The student will develop an understanding of the overall management of a crime investigation, and an awareness of the place of forensic odontology in an investigation. The importance of teamwork will be emphasized.
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Associate Professor Denice Higgins

    Director and Senior Specialist Odontologist
    Forensic Odontology Unit/ Adelaide Dental School
    Helen Mayo South, North Terrace Campus

    Phone:  8313 6292
    Course Timetable

    The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

    Full details will be made available in MyUni.
  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    On successful completion of this course students will be able to:
    1 Gain knowledge and understanding of the relationship between the forensic sciences and the law
    2 Understand the methods and principals of forensic investigations and how forensic science can be applied in criminal investigations.
    3 Explain at an introductory level the organisational structures and procedures within forensic sciences
    4 Use and understand the basic terminology for forensic science correctly and contextually
    5 Gain a basic understanding of the history of forensic sciences and how forensic sciences in the real world differs from the forensic sciences in fictional depictions.
    University Graduate Attributes

    This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

    University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s)

    Attribute 1: Deep discipline knowledge and intellectual breadth

    Graduates have comprehensive knowledge and understanding of their subject area, the ability to engage with different traditions of thought, and the ability to apply their knowledge in practice including in multi-disciplinary or multi-professional contexts.

    3,5,6,7

    Attribute 2: Creative and critical thinking, and problem solving

    Graduates are effective problems-solvers, able to apply critical, creative and evidence-based thinking to conceive innovative responses to future challenges.

    1,3,5,7,8

    Attribute 3: Teamwork and communication skills

    Graduates convey ideas and information effectively to a range of audiences for a variety of purposes and contribute in a positive and collaborative manner to achieving common goals.

    2,3,6,7

    Attribute 4: Professionalism and leadership readiness

    Graduates engage in professional behaviour and have the potential to be entrepreneurial and take leadership roles in their chosen occupations or careers and communities.

    1,3,4,7

    Attribute 5: Intercultural and ethical competency

    Graduates are responsible and effective global citizens whose personal values and practices are consistent with their roles as responsible members of society.

    2,3,6,8

    Attribute 6: Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural competency

    Graduates have an understanding of, and respect for, Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander values, culture and knowledge.

    .

    Attribute 7: Digital capabilities

    Graduates are well prepared for living, learning and working in a digital society.

    .

    Attribute 8: Self-awareness and emotional intelligence

    Graduates are self-aware and reflective; they are flexible and resilient and have the capacity to accept and give constructive feedback; they act with integrity and take responsibility for their actions.

    1,3,6,8
  • Learning Resources
    Required Resources
    Details will be made available in MyUni.
    Recommended Resources

    Details will be made available in MyUni.

    Online Learning

    Online lectures will be made available in My Uni. This course will include use of Discussion Boards and lecture recordings.

  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes

    Lectures will be provided in an online format to allow part-time and external students to participate this will also allow full time students to utilise these features out of hours allowing them to continue to work in Dentistry which is complimentary to this course.

    Weekly group seminars will be undertaken which can be joined by Domestic external students.

    Participation in tutorials will be mandatory and use of blackboard discussions will be advocated.

    Workload

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

    Workload - Structured Learning
    Lectures: 12 x 2.5 hours
    Tutorials/Seminars: 12 x 2 hours
    Practicals: 12 x 2 hours

    Non Contact Preparation
    Weekly Reading/Other Study: 42 hours
    Preparation for Tutorials: 24 hours
    Preparation for Practicals: 24 hours


    Learning Activities Summary

    Attend and participate in weekly seminar program.

    Attend Topics in Forensic Science and Anthropology Lectures.

    Attend and document 2 Court visits.

    Attend and document 2 medical autopsies.

    Specific Course Requirements

    Only available to students enrolled in Graduate Diploma in Forensic Odontology.

  • Assessment

    The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

    1. Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
    2. Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
    3. Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
    4. Assessment must maintain academic standards.

    Assessment Summary

    ASSESSMENT TASK

    TASK TYPE

    WEIGHTING

    COURSE LEARNING OUTCOME(S)

      Participation in seminars

      Formative and
      summative

      10%

      1-5

      Essay

      Summative

      30%

      1, 2, 3, 4

      Task reports

      Formative and
      summative

      60%

      1-4

    Assessment Detail

    Documentation of court visits and autopsies graded out of 10 (Total of 40).

    Essay graded out of 30.

    Task sheet graded out of 30

    Submission

    Hard copies of all assessment items are to be submitted.

    Course Grading

    Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

    M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
    Grade Mark Description
    FNS   Fail No Submission
    F 1-49 Fail
    P 50-64 Pass
    C 65-74 Credit
    D 75-84 Distinction
    HD 85-100 High Distinction
    CN   Continuing
    NFE   No Formal Examination
    RP   Result Pending

    Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

    Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

    Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

  • Student Feedback

    The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

    SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.

  • Student Support
  • Policies & Guidelines
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