Forensic investigation unit (HGA313)

Hobart, Online

Introduction

Forensic science is an integral component of the criminal justice system with applications in investigations, intelligence, courts, and disaster victim identification. However, it has been the subject of international critiques and a factor in high-profile cases of wrongful conviction. This unit examines forensic science as the object of study from a critical social sciences perspective. It highlights some pervasive issues such as the development of forensic science and limited foundational research, the challenges of communication to non-scientists, and the potential human rights issues associated with ongoing scientific advancements. The unit examines innovative research and practice that can contribute to addressing these complex and nuanced issues. It considers the potential for, and next steps in, the development of a critical social science approach to the role of forensic science in and beyond the criminal justice system.

Summary

Unit name	Forensic investigation
Unit code	HGA313
Credit points	12.5
College/School	Arts and Society Humanities and Social Sciences
Discipline	Sociology and Criminology
Coordinator	Doctor Loene Howes
Available as an elective?	Yes
Delivered By	University of Tasmania
Level	Advanced

Availability

Specific information on 2027 unit availability will be available in August

Key Dates

Study Period	Start date	Census date	WW date	End date
Semester 2	4/7/2027	26/7/2027	29/8/2027	23/10/2027

* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).

Unit census dates currently displaying for 2027 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2027 will be available from the 1st October 2026. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

Learning Outcomes

• Explain the strengths and limitations of various forensic roles and techniques as applied in the criminal justice process.
• Analyse the social processes that can impact the effective collection, analysis, and use of forensic science in the process from crime scene to court.
• Evaluate the use of forensic science in the criminal justice system.
• Communicate your ideas clearly in written and verbal form.

Fee Information

2027 fee information will be available in August.

Requisites

Prerequisites

25 points at introductory level in any discipline in any faculty

Teaching

Teaching Pattern	On Campus: Weekly (recorded) lectures or equivalent (1.5 hours) and weekly face-to-face tutorial (2 hours). Online: Weekly (recorded) lectures or equivalent (1.5 hours) and weekly online tutorial (2 hours) or online activities and discussions (2 hours).
Assessment	Assessment Task 4: Tutorial participation (10%)|Assessment Task 1: Short answer (20%)|Assessment Task 3: Written preparation and oral discussion (30%)|Assessment Task 2: Essay (40%)
Timetable	View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required	Julian, R., Howes, L., & White, R. (2022). Critical forensic studies. Routledge. The UTAS Library provides this resource as an ebook. Where possible, it can be very helpful to have your own copy on hand, as we will use it each week. Each week, we will read one chapter of the book and at least two optional readings per week are linked to the unit via the Reading List.
Recommended	Fraser, J. (2020). Forensic science: A very short introduction. Oxford. The above short book provides a helpful overview of various forensic science disciplines. The UTAS Library provides access to the 2010 version as an ebook.  Several additional recommended books are also available via the unit Reading List to help with assignments.

The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.