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.
-
Details
Academic unit: Faculty of Society & Design Subject code: CRIM71-320 Subject title: Forensic Criminology Subject level: Postgraduate Semester/Year: September 2023 Credit points: 10.000 -
Delivery & attendance
Timetable: https://bond.edu.au/timetable Delivery mode: Standard Workload items: - Personal Study Hours: x12 (Total hours: 84) - Recommended study hours
- Forum: x12 (Total hours: 24) - Weekly Forum
- Tutorial: x12 (Total hours: 18) - Weekly Tutorial
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: Books
- Williams, A (2015). Forensic Criminology. (1st Ed.), Taylor & Francis
iLearn@Bond & Email: iLearn@Bond is the Learning Management System at Bond University and is used to provide access to subject materials, class 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 2023 |
| Credit points: | 10.000 |
| Timetable: | https://bond.edu.au/timetable |
|---|---|
| Delivery mode: | Standard |
| Workload items: |
|
| 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: | Books
|
|---|---|
| iLearn@Bond & Email: | iLearn@Bond is the Learning Management System at Bond University and is used to provide access to subject materials, class 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.
|
| 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 specialised knowledge and skills relating to the theories and principles of forensic criminology.
- Demonstrate an expert ability to analyse and synthesise research and literature across various areas of professional practice.
- Critically analyse and communicate the limits of evidence and professional practice in forensic criminology.
- Apply knowledge and skills to demonstrate autonomy, judgement, adaptability, and responsibility as a learner and practitioner.
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.
-
Assessment details
Type Task % Timing* Outcomes assessed Case Analysis Case Analysis assessment with Part One (20%) due in Week 5 and Part Two (40%) due in Week 11. 60.00% Week 11 1,2,3,4 Presentation Presentation of 20 minutes on a topic of your choice aligning with the class content. 40.00% In Consultation 1,2,3,4 - * 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
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 | Case Analysis assessment with Part One (20%) due in Week 5 and Part Two (40%) due in Week 11. | 60.00% | Week 11 | 1,2,3,4 |
| Presentation | Presentation of 20 minutes on a topic of your choice aligning with the class content. | 40.00% | In Consultation | 1,2,3,4 |
- * 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
Bond University‘s Student Code of Conduct Policy , Student Charter, Academic Integrity Policy and our Graduate Attributes guide expectations regarding student behaviour, their rights and responsibilities. Information on these topics can be found on our Academic Integrity webpage recognising that academic integrity involves demonstrating the principles of integrity (honesty, fairness, trust, professionalism, courage, responsibility, and respect) in words and actions across all aspects of academic endeavour.
Staff are required to report suspected misconduct. This includes all types of plagiarism, cheating, collusion, fabrication or falsification of data/content or other misconduct relating to assessment such as the falsification of medical certificates for assessment extensions. The longer term personal, social and financial consequences of misconduct can be severe, so please ask for help if you are unsure.
If your work is subject to an inquiry, you will be given an opportunity to respond and appropriate support will be provided. Academic work under inquiry will not be marked until the process has concluded. Penalties for misconduct include a warning, reduced grade, a requirement to repeat the assessment, suspension or expulsion from the University.
Feedback on assessment
Feedback on assessment will be provided to students according to the requirements of the Assessment Procedure Schedule A - Assessment Communication Procedure.
Whilst in most cases feedback should be provided within two weeks of the assessment submission due date, the Procedure should be checked if the assessment is linked to others or if the subject is a non-standard (e.g., intensive) subject.
Accessibility and Inclusion Support
Support is available to students where a physical, mental or neurological condition exists that would impact the student’s capacity to complete studies, exams or assessment tasks. For effective support, special requirement needs should be arranged with the University in advance of or at the start of each semester, or, for acute conditions, as soon as practicable after the condition arises. Reasonable adjustments are not guaranteed where applications are submitted late in the semester (for example, when lodged just prior to critical assessment and examination dates).
As outlined in the Accessibility and Inclusion Policy, to qualify for support, students must meet certain criteria. Students are also required to meet with the Accessibility and Inclusion Advisor who will ensure that reasonable adjustments are afforded to qualifying students.
For more information and to apply online, visit BondAbility.
Additional subject information
This subject contains content that some students may find distressing, disturbing or culturally challenging. Students with concerns about the content of any subject are encouraged to discuss this with their teacher and consider how best to prepare themselves to study challenging material in a way that is appropriate for them.
Subject curriculum
-
Introduction and Overview
This topic provides an overview to the course and requirements of the students.
SLOs included
- Demonstrate specialised knowledge and skills relating to the theories and principles of forensic criminology.
- Demonstrate an expert ability to analyse and synthesise research and literature across various areas of professional practice.
- Critically analyse and communicate the limits of evidence and professional practice in forensic criminology.
- Apply knowledge and skills to demonstrate autonomy, judgement, adaptability, and responsibility as a learner and practitioner.
-
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 specialised knowledge and skills relating to the theories and principles of forensic criminology.
- Demonstrate an expert ability to analyse and synthesise research and literature across various areas of professional practice.
- Critically analyse and communicate the limits of evidence and professional practice in forensic criminology.
- Apply knowledge and skills to demonstrate autonomy, judgement, adaptability, and responsibility as a learner and practitioner.
-
Forensic Criminology in the Courtroom
The issues of expert evidence and the role of the forensic examiner as an expert witness.
SLOs included
- Demonstrate specialised knowledge and skills relating to the theories and principles of forensic criminology.
- Demonstrate an expert ability to analyse and synthesise research and literature across various areas of professional practice.
- Critically analyse and communicate the limits of evidence and professional practice in forensic criminology.
- Apply knowledge and skills to demonstrate autonomy, judgement, adaptability, and responsibility as a learner and practitioner.
-
Criminal and Other Investigations
The role of criminal investigators and how they interface with the forensic criminologist.
SLOs included
- Demonstrate specialised knowledge and skills relating to the theories and principles of forensic criminology.
- Demonstrate an expert ability to analyse and synthesise research and literature across various areas of professional practice.
- Critically analyse and communicate the limits of evidence and professional practice in forensic criminology.
- Apply knowledge and skills to demonstrate autonomy, judgement, adaptability, and responsibility as a learner and practitioner.
-
Forensic Scientists
The role of forensic scientists and how they interface with the forensic criminologist.
SLOs included
- Demonstrate specialised knowledge and skills relating to the theories and principles of forensic criminology.
- Demonstrate an expert ability to analyse and synthesise research and literature across various areas of professional practice.
- Critically analyse and communicate the limits of evidence and professional practice in forensic criminology.
- Apply knowledge and skills to demonstrate autonomy, judgement, adaptability, and responsibility as a learner and practitioner.
-
Forensic Mental Health
The role of forensic mental health experts and how they interface with the forensic criminologist.
SLOs included
- Demonstrate specialised knowledge and skills relating to the theories and principles of forensic criminology.
- Demonstrate an expert ability to analyse and synthesise research and literature across various areas of professional practice.
- Critically analyse and communicate the limits of evidence and professional practice in forensic criminology.
- Apply knowledge and skills to demonstrate autonomy, judgement, adaptability, and responsibility as a learner and practitioner.
-
Forensic Victimology
The role of forensic victimologists and how they interface with the forensic criminologist.
SLOs included
- Demonstrate specialised knowledge and skills relating to the theories and principles of forensic criminology.
- Demonstrate an expert ability to analyse and synthesise research and literature across various areas of professional practice.
- Critically analyse and communicate the limits of evidence and professional practice in forensic criminology.
- Apply knowledge and skills to demonstrate autonomy, judgement, adaptability, and responsibility as a learner and practitioner.
-
Ethics
Ethics for the forensic criminologist and how this impacts upon practice.
SLOs included
- Demonstrate specialised knowledge and skills relating to the theories and principles of forensic criminology.
- Demonstrate an expert ability to analyse and synthesise research and literature across various areas of professional practice.
- Critically analyse and communicate the limits of evidence and professional practice in forensic criminology.
- Apply knowledge and skills to demonstrate autonomy, judgement, adaptability, and responsibility as a learner and practitioner.
-
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 specialised knowledge and skills relating to the theories and principles of forensic criminology.
- Demonstrate an expert ability to analyse and synthesise research and literature across various areas of professional practice.
- Critically analyse and communicate the limits of evidence and professional practice in forensic criminology.
- Apply knowledge and skills to demonstrate autonomy, judgement, adaptability, and responsibility as a learner and practitioner.
-
Forensic Report Writing
An introduction to forensic report writing.
SLOs included
- Demonstrate specialised knowledge and skills relating to the theories and principles of forensic criminology.
- Demonstrate an expert ability to analyse and synthesise research and literature across various areas of professional practice.
- Critically analyse and communicate the limits of evidence and professional practice in forensic criminology.
- Apply knowledge and skills to demonstrate autonomy, judgement, adaptability, and responsibility as a learner and practitioner.