JSB225 Forensic Criminology

Unit Outline: Semester 1 2023, Kelvin Grove, Internal

Overview

Criminology becomes forensic criminology when research and theories are used to answer specific questions for investigations, court, or corrections. Forensic criminology uses the  scientific method to apply traditional criminological knowledge to issues arising in specific cases. In this unit, students will be introduced to the application of criminology to case work, including the overarching principles, ethics and ethos of forensic best-practice. Students will learn about how forensic criminology is used in: investigating criminal behaviour and deaths; complementing the forensic sciences; understanding victims and miscarriages of justice; predicting risk; and preventing revictimization and recidivism.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:

1. Understand the principles, ethos and ethics of the forensic work in Australia (Discipline Knowledge, and Professional Ethics - Course Learning Outcomes 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3)
2. Identify important principles and limitations related to the forensic sciences (Communication and Collaboration, Critical Thinking - CLOs 3.1, 3.2, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3)
3. Explore the various applications of criminology to investigations, court processes, corrections, and working with victims (Professional Ethics, and Critical Thinking - CLOs 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 4.1, 4.2, 4.1)
4. Demonstrate an ability to think and write critically, applying the scientific method to answer questions in a system fashion (Professional Ethics, and Communication and Collaboration- CLOs 2.1, 2.2, 2.4, 3.1, 3.2)

Content

Learning Approaches

This unit is offered internally and online. Delivery is organised around virtual or face to face Workshops and Lectures for 2 hours per semester week. Students can choose to attend workshops live or engage with recorded versions. You are advised to make extensive use of the Canvas website, which is available through the QUT homepage, to access your materials.

Feedback on Learning and Assessment

Students will receive feedback in various forms throughout the semester, which may include:

• informal: worked examples, such as verbal feedback in class, personal consultation
• formal: in writing, e.g. criteria sheets, written commentary
• direct: to individual students, either in written form or in consultation
• indirect: to the whole class.

Assessment

Overview

Assessment is in this unit is both formative and summative. It is identical for internal and online students.

Unit Grading Scheme

7- point scale

Assessment Tasks

Assessment: Provisional Forensic Opinion

The specific assessment guidelines for this piece are available on the Canvas site for the unit. Students will be asked to choose one of the case studies and corresponding research questions provided on Canvas. Students will collect research evidence relevant to the case study questions and systematically summarise their main arguments using the scientific method. Students will cite and provide a minimum of 10 references to support their conclusions. Using the template provided, students will provide a professional quotation, estimating the time required to compile their full Forensic Case Report (Assessment 2), and a copy of their professional CV. The argument and literature collected and outlined in Assessment 1 will provide the basis for the student's conclusions in the full Forensic Case Report, Assessment 2.

This is an assignment for the purposes of an extension.

Assessment: Forensic Case Report

The specific assessment guidelines for this piece are available on the Canvas site for the unit. This assessment will be informed by feedback gained from the Provisional Forensic Opinion, Assessment 1. Students will be asked to write a full forensic case report making a comprehensive argument in response to the research questions posed to them in the case studies, chosen from Canvas. Students will use the research literature they’ve collected to make a systematic argument, presented as a case report with a reference list (minimum 15 references). In an appendix, students will also compile a list of 5 key strengths and 5 key weaknesses of their argument. These should be compiled by reflecting on any difficulties apparent with applying the research literature to the specifics of the case. Using the template provided, students will submit a completed invoice for their work.

This is an assignment for the purposes of an extension.

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

Students are advised that some content in justice units may be confronting. If you are concerned that the content of a unit may impact your completion of the course, please see the unit coordinator. You can also access free student counselling through QUT Counselling via the QUT Student Homepage.