CVB215 Criminalistics and Physical Evidence
To view more information for this unit, select Unit Outline from the list below. Please note the teaching period for which the Unit Outline is relevant.
| Unit code: | CVB215 |
|---|---|
| Equivalent(s): | SCB384 |
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Timetable | Details in HiQ, if available |
| Availabilities |
|
| CSP student contribution | $1,164 |
| Domestic tuition unit fee | $4,968 |
| International unit fee | $6,216 |
Unit Outline: Semester 1 2025, Gardens Point, Internal
| Unit code: | CVB215 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Equivalent: | SCB384 |
| Coordinator: | Emad Kiriakous | e.kiriakous@qut.edu.au |
Overview
This unit introduces the current technologies used by crime scene investigators to investigate crime scene and identify evidence. This unit will introduce the students to the realm of forensics and its role in criminal investigations. The student will be introduced to the fundamentals of chemical and physical sciences used for evidence collection, preservation and analysis. The unit will bring to the students hands-on experience in crime scene investigations, questioned documents and fingerprinting.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Identify what constitutes physical evidence.
- Explain the procedures which must be undertaken in order to properly process a crime scene including documentation of the scene, evidence collection and handling of exhibits.
- Identify forensic procedures commonly applied to physical evidence samples and be able to draw logical conclusions from analytical results.
- Be able to apply physical evidence examination techniques to forensic case work.
- Describe and explain the concepts of chemical science used in forensic case work.
Content
2. A theoretical and practical knowledge of the types of fingerprinting techniques available and their limitations.
3. An introduction to chemical science with emphasises to its application in forensic case work
4. A theoretical and practical overview of the techniques and skills required for questioned documents examinations including handwriting and signatures examination methods as well as instrumental examination methods.
Learning Approaches
Lectures: 2 hours weekly (concept focus)
Interactive lectures using appropriate real world examples to demonstrate theory and concepts combined with collaborative problem solving in groups with feedback and discussion with the larger class.
Laboratory practicals: Four 3hr laboratory practicals throughout semester on question document examination and fingerprinting techniques.
Workshops: Twenty four 1hr workshops throughout the semester.
The workshops will focus on crime scene examination using virtual models and computer simulations, facial recognition by processing digital and video evidence forensics as well as the chemical concepts behind the analysis of forensic evidence.
Workshops to take place at collaborative learning spaces.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
There will be extensive opportunity to assess your progress in the unit. Formative feedback on progress towards the goals of the chemical project will be provided throughout the semester focussed around discussions of the results recorded in your laboratory workbook and regular consultations with your supervisor and other research staff involved. Additional consultation is available on request from the Unit Coordinator and teaching staff. Summative written feedback will be provided on the literature review, project report and presentation at the project conclusion.
Assessment
Overview
Assessment in this unit will take the form of scientific reports, on case scenarios given by your supervisor. You will be also required to take a written examination on the theory studied within this unit. In the event that campus access is restricted at the time of the central examination period, an alternative which may be a Timed Online Assessment will be offered.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Portfolio
Workshop/Practical exercises, problem solving task
You will be required to undertake seven 3-hour sessions of supervised practical work and participate in twelve 1-hour workshops (coordinated by the lecture) where you discuss given problems and apply investigative protocols for crime scene and physical evidence processing. You will prepare written reports on your approach to process examinations of physical evidence/crime scenes.
This is an assignment for the purposes of an extension.
Assessment: Examination (written)
The end of semester theory exam will cover content from all theory components of the unit. It will comprise multiple-choice questions and questions for which a written examination will be required. In the event that campus access is restricted at the time of the central examination period, an alternative which may be a Timed Online Assessment will be offered.
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.
The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.
You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.
Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Resources
Risk Assessment Statement
You will undertake compulsory formal pre-laboratory assessment in Health and Safety matters relevant to the laboratory and QUT buildings in general. Health and Safety information and precautions relevant to the particular experiments are clearly explained in the Practical Manual. Having been provided with this advice, it is your responsibility to comply with all instructions, for the safety of yourself, your fellow students and staff.