Course overview
The aim of this course is to provide students with an overview of a variety of topics within the area of forensic sciences including pathology, toxicology, anthropology and odontology. It is not intended to provide students with a detailed knowledge of any of these areas, but rather provide insight into how they may be used to investigate crime. Topics to be covered include the changes in the body with death and decomposition; the pathology of wounds; burns; disaster victim identification; sudden death in children and adults; medical misadventure and drug related deaths. A background knowledge of basic anatomy and physiology is expected.
Course learning outcomes
- Describe the basis of forensic science and pathology and how these areas interact with the law
- Describe the terminology used in forensic practice
- Describe basic court structure, certain legal issues and evidence delivery.
- Describe and discuss, on a basic level, how crime scene investigations together with forensic toxicology, forensic anthropology, forensic odontology, forensic DNA analysis and illicit drug analysis can support the investigation of serious crime.
- Outline types and features of natural and unnatural deaths, including those due to: Medical conditions Homicides Suicides Accidental deaths Sudden infant death syndrome
- Explain how pathological processes can be integrated into the investigation of suspicious and non-suspicious deaths
- Describe the process of disaster victim identification as it was applied after the Bali bombings and the Thailand tsunami
- Recognise features of injuries and to develop a knowledge of injury patterns and types including those due to: Burns Drowning Electrocution Asphyxia Firearms
- Source and reference relevant information from the literature
- Analyse specific problems and explain the relevant issues