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.
| Paper title | Forensic Biology |
|---|---|
| Paper code | FORB201 |
| Subject | Forensic Biology |
| EFTS | 0.15 |
| Points | 18 points |
| Teaching period | Summer School (9 January 2023 - 24 February 2023) (On campus) |
| Domestic Tuition Fees (NZD) | $1,141.35 |
| International Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website. |
- 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:
- Short Answer In-Class Test (20%)
- 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
