Investigative Practice unit (LAW478)

Online

Introduction

This unit develops skills, knowledge and understandings that will enable students to work within an investigative unit, and to take the lead in criminal investigations. Students will: explore contemporary techniques and technologies; discuss and analyse communication needs within and across investigations, units, and organisations; analyse ethical and legislative expectations and requirements for investigators and approaches to gathering intelligence and evidence; and assess risks to personnel, the organisation, the community, and the investigation itself.

Summary

Unit name	Investigative Practice
Unit code	LAW478
Credit points	12.5
College/School	Health School of Paramedicine and Public Safety
Discipline	Policing and Emergency Management
Coordinator	Doctor James Dwyer
Delivered By	University of Tasmania
Level	Honours

Availability

Location	Study period	Attendance options		Available to
Online	Semester 2

Note

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Key Dates

Study Period	Start date	Census date	WW date	End date
Semester 2	5/7/2026	27/7/2026	30/8/2026	24/10/2026

* 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 2026 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2026 will be available from the 1st October 2025. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

Learning Outcomes

• Lead investigations which will withstand scrutiny and are ethical and lawful
• Describe and apply approaches to maintaining situational awareness beyond individual investigations
• Prepare written and oral investigative reports, records, and briefings to appraise appropriate people of investigation details
• Reflect on your role as an investigator within the criminal justice system
• Maintain and promote a safe working environment for you, your team, related personnel, and the public during criminal investigations

Fee Information

Field of Education	Commencing Student Contribution 1,3	Grandfathered Student Contribution 1,3	Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution 2,3	Domestic Full Fee 4
091105	$2,174.00	$1,020.00	not applicable	$2,249.00

• FEE-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility⁴

¹ Please refer to more information on student contribution amounts.
² Please refer to more information on eligibility and Approved Pathway courses.
³ Please refer to more information on eligibility for HECS-HELP.
⁴ Please refer to more information on eligibility for FEE-HELP.

If you have any questions in relation to the fees, please contact UniConnect or more information is available on StudyAssist.

Please note: international students should refer to What is an indicative Fee? to get an indicative course cost.

Teaching

Teaching Pattern	This unit is delivered fully online and is based in the workplace (Tasmania Police). Includes three weeks of face to face activities in the classroom at the Tasmania Police Academy and a two-week secondment within an investigative area.
Assessment	Scenarios and Legislation (15%)|Reflection & Critical Analysis (25%)|Infield Investigation (60%)
Timetable	View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required	There is no prescribed textbook for this unit. There are several articles and other texts for you to read and engage with, and there are links or copies of these provided through MyLO.
Recommended	Recommended Readings will be provided by your Unit Coordinator via the Reading List link in MyLO, or the unit Reading List on the University Library website.

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