FORB201 Forensic Biology

Overview

An introduction to forensic biology. Trace and contact evidence, DNA, body fluids, traumatology, forensic entomology, toxicology and fibre analysis.

Key insights from the various fields within forensic biology to provide vital evidence in investigations of violent crime and disaster victim identification.

The paper is designed as an introduction for the student who is interested in analysing the biological aspects of forensic science at the crime scene and in a laboratory. Students will have the unequalled opportunity to interact with a range of national and international forensic experts, providing a sense of reality and authority that is unique.

The interactive practical sessions examine the entire process of conducting a forensic investigation, from the evidence at the mock ‘crime scene’, through the examination and evaluation of that evidence, to the story the media portray of violent crimes.

Warning: The content and discussion in this paper will necessarily include many aspects of criminal death investigation. Some lectures and the reflective essay assessment may be emotionally challenging to engage with. The course coordinators will foster a teaching environment of respect and sensitivity, whilst thoughtfully and critically engaging with potentially disturbing content. Graphic and intense content will be highlighted during summer school lectures.

About this paper

Prerequisite

54 points

Schedule C

Science

Eligibility

This paper is available for interest only enrolments.

Contact

forensic.biology@otago.ac.nz

Teaching staff

Course Co-ordinators: Dr Angela Clark and Professor Warwick Duncan

Forensic Expert Guest Lecturers

Tutors

Paper Structure

National and international forensic experts are invited as guest lecturers to broadly discuss the following topics:

• Trace and Contact Biological Evidence, including DNA and Body Fluids
• Forensic Odontology and Forensic Anthropology
• Forensic Pathology and Trauma
• Disaster Victim Identification
• Forensic Entomology
• Forensic Bias and Expert Testimonies
• Bloodstain Pattern Analysis

Students must submit both assignments before sitting the final exam, which include:

1. Short Answer In-Class Test (20%)
2. Reflective Essay Assignment on a student-led topic involving human identification and methods of disaster victim identification (30%).

Teaching Arrangements

Four 50-minute lectures per week, plus five tutorials over the Summer School teaching period

Textbooks

Jackson and Jackson (2017) Forensic Science. Fourth edition. Harlow : Pearson Education Limited

Graduate Attributes Emphasised

Global perspective, Interdisciplinary perspective, Lifelong learning, Scholarship, Communication, Critical thinking, Cultural understanding, Ethics, Environmental literacy, Information literacy, Research, Self-motivation, Teamwork
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this paper, students should:

• Have acquired an overview of the multidisciplinary nature of forensic science
• Understood and explain some of the contemporary issues in forensic biology
• Develop key critical and self-reflective skills required of a forensic-thinker
• Be able to apply basic critical analysis to forensic questions
• Have developed an understanding of the processes that govern the collection and examination of evidence at a crime scene
• Have a firm grasp of the standard Interpol process for Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) and able to synthesise and produce an original piece of reflective work based on a mass disaster

Timetable

Overview

An introduction to forensic biology. Trace and contact evidence, DNA, body fluids, traumatology, forensic entomology, toxicology and fibre analysis.

This fundamental paper in forensic science revolves around three core topics: crime scene investigation, biological evidence, and human identification, and is accessible to students from diverse backgrounds and disciplines. By delving into the theory and practice of forensic investigations, you'll cultivate a critical mindset that will positively impact your future studies, career, and personal growth.

An interactive mock crime scene scenario enables the development of transferable skills while offering a first-hand understanding of the operational environment in Aotearoa New Zealand, through our partnerships with the New Zealand Police and the Forensic Scientists at ESR. Engage with distinguished guest lecturers, renowned experts in their respective fields, as they provide engaging presentations that offer an unparalleled sense of reality and authority.

Join the ranks of those who have discovered the enduring popularity of FORB201 as a summer school paper and embrace the art of forensic science with confidence and competence. This paper offers you an opportunity to embark on an extraordinary journey, unlocking the secrets of forensic biology, expanding your horizons, and shaping your analytical thinking skills.

Content Warning: FORB201 explores the multifaceted realm of criminal death investigation. Please be aware that certain lectures and assessments may contain emotionally challenging content. Our course coordinators prioritise a respectful and sensitive teaching environment, fostering thoughtful engagement with potentially disturbing topics. During lectures, graphic and intense content will be clearly highlighted for your awareness.

About this paper

Prerequisite

54 points

Schedule C

Science

Eligibility

This paper is available for interest only enrolments.

Contact

forensic.biology@otago.ac.nz

Teaching staff

Course Co-ordinators: Dr Angela Clark and Professor Warwick Duncan

Forensic Expert Guest Lecturers

Tutors

Paper Structure

National and international forensic experts are invited as guest lecturers to broadly discuss the following topics:

• Trace and Contact Biological Evidence, including DNA and Body Fluids
• Forensic Odontology
• Forensic Anthropology
• Forensic Pathology and Trauma
• Disaster Victim Identification
• Forensic Entomology
• Forensic Bias and Expert Testimonies
• Bloodstain Pattern Analysis

Students must submit both assignments before sitting the final exam, which include:

1. Short Answer In-Class Test (20%)
2. Reflective Essay Assignment on a student-led topic involving human identification and methods of disaster victim identification (30%).

Teaching Arrangements

Four 50-minute lectures per week, plus five tutorials over the Summer School teaching period

Textbooks

Jackson and Jackson (2017) Forensic Science. Fourth edition. Harlow : Pearson Education Limited

Graduate Attributes Emphasised

Global perspective, Interdisciplinary perspective, Lifelong learning, Scholarship, Communication, Critical thinking, Cultural understanding, Ethics, Environmental literacy, Information literacy, Research, Self-motivation, Teamwork
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this paper, students should:

• Have acquired an overview of the multidisciplinary nature of forensic science
• Understood and explain some of the contemporary issues in forensic biology
• Develop key critical and self-reflective skills required of a forensic-thinker
• Be able to apply basic critical analysis to forensic questions
• Have developed an understanding of the processes that govern the collection and examination of evidence at a crime scene
• Have a firm grasp of the standard Interpol process for Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) and able to synthesise and produce an original piece of reflective work based on a mass disaster

Timetable