Handbook : Unit informationEdith Cowan University

School: Medical and Health Sciences

This unit information may be updated and amended immediately prior to semester. To ensure you have the correct outline, please check it again at the beginning of semester.

• Unit Title

  Forensic Skills

• Unit Code

  SCH2143

• Year

  2016

• Enrolment Period

  1

• Version

  1

• Credit Points

  15

• Full Year Unit

  N

• Mode of Delivery

  On Campus
  

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Description

This unit introduces techniques considered essential for working in a forensic laboratory. The techniques are introduced under four broad categories: crime scene techniques, basic forensic laboratory techniques, microbiological and microscope techniques.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

1. Accurately use basic laboratory instruments including balances, pH meters, light microscopes and (micro)pipettes.
2. Demonstrate an ability to work in accordance with laboratory safety policies including safe weapons handling at scene: this will also include identification, isolation, scene recording (including photography) and proper sample collection and storage.
3. Demonstrate knowledge of dilution methods and apply them.
4. Demonstrate the scientific basis of fingerprinting.
5. Describe common methods for avoidance of cross-contamination in collection, transit, testing and storage of samples.
6. Differentiate eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells on the basis of morphology and staining characteristics.
7. Inoculate microbial cultures aseptically into liquid and on to solid media.
8. Understand basic blood typing and identification techniques.
9. Understand the components and mechanisms of firearms and ammunition.
10. Understand the principles and importance of appropriate crime scene photography.

Unit Content

1. Basic Forensic Laboratory Techniques: Laboratory safety. Sterilisation and disinfection. Basic formulae and calculations (including the use of scientific notation). Micro-manipulations - analytical balances, micropipettes. Solutions - percentage, multiple and molar. Dilutions serial, solutions and particles. Microscopy - the techniques involved in the visualisation of structures through various microscopes (compound light and dissecting). Specimen preparation techniques for the various microscopy techniques used in forensic examination. Basic structures of cells (including blood).
2. Basic fingerprint analysis. Blood typing. Identification and evaluation of blood samples.
3. Case studies.
4. Contamination avoidance: Sample collection and storage techniques.
5. Crime Scene processing: Safety principles at a crime scene. Identification, isolation, recording of scene and sample collection.
6. Digital photography theory and techniques.
7. Firearms, ammunition and weapons handling.
8. Idividualisation and identification of evidence.
9. Microbiological Techniques: Aseptic technique. Media preparation and selection of appropriate media. Inoculation of liquid and solid media. Culture growth under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. Microbiological growth and survival rates. Microbial growth observed on solid media under a microscope and basic stains used to differentiate microbes.

Additional Learning Experience Information

Seminars, lectures, tutorials and practical laboratory classes.

Assessment

GS1 GRADING SCHEMA 1 Used for standard coursework units

Students please note: The marks and grades received by students on assessments may be subject to further moderation. All marks and grades are to be considered provisional until endorsed by the relevant Board of Examiners.

Text References

• ^ Saferstein, R. (2009). Forensic science: From crime scene to the crime lab. Pearson Education.
• ^ Langford, A., Dean, J., Reed, R., Holmes, D., Weyers, J., & Jones, A. (2005). Practical skills in forensic science. New Jersey. Prentice Hall.
• Meredith, C., Roberts, P., & Stewart, A. (2003). Biomedical laboratory techniques. Edith Cowan University Publications.
• Tortora, G.J., Funke, B.R., & Case C.L. (2007). Basic microbiology (9th ed.). Benjamin/Cummings, Menlo Park, California, U.S.A.

Journal References

• Journal of Forensic Identification
• Australian Journal of Forensic Science
• Journal of the Forensic Science Society
• Forensic Science International

^ Mandatory reference

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