School: Medical and Health Sciences

This unit information may be updated and amended immediately prior to semester. To ensure you have the correct outline, please check it again at the beginning of semester.

  • Unit Title

    Forensic Genetics
  • Unit Code

    SCH2142
  • Year

    2021
  • Enrolment Period

    1
  • Version

    5
  • Credit Points

    15
  • Full Year Unit

    N
  • Mode of Delivery

    On Campus
  • Unit Coordinator

    Dr Jemma Ann BERRY

Description

This unit considers the application of genetics and genetic markers in a forensic context. It covers the development of forensic genetics, from historical beginnings to the most recent technology, the theory behind each of the techniques and their practical application. Using case studies, laboratory experiments and forensic challenges we explore how forensic genetics plays a role across a broad spectrum of society, including crime investigation, victim identification, ancestry studies and paternity testing.

Prerequisite Rule

Must have passed SCH1133

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

  1. Describe DNA structures and characteristics frequently examined in forensic casework.
  2. Apply the principles of genetic analysis to the examination of forensic DNA evidence from a variety of sources.
  3. Identify and describe the most common forensic DNA complications and their influence on forensic analyses.
  4. Apply laboratory skills in accordance with safe work practices.

Unit Content

  1. DNA Structure and architecture.
  2. Genetic markers used in forensic analysis.
  3. Forensic DNA complications.
  4. Forensic DNA applications.
  5. Forensic DNA case studies.

Learning Experience

Students will attend on campus classes as well as engage in learning activities through ECUs LMS

JoondalupMount LawleySouth West (Bunbury)
Semester 213 x 2 hour labNot OfferedNot Offered
Semester 213 x 2 hour lectureNot OfferedNot Offered

For more information see the Semester Timetable

Additional Learning Experience Information

Students will work in pairs to develop a broad range of laboratory skills in the genetics field. You will examine your own DNA and use a variety of equipment and software to analyse your results. This unit also utilises case studies to help develop your analytical and experimental techniques. This unit has been developed in collaboration with industry and includes guest lectures. Students are required to meet mandatory laboratory participation requirements.

Assessment

GS1 GRADING SCHEMA 1 Used for standard coursework units

Students please note: The marks and grades received by students on assessments may be subject to further moderation. All marks and grades are to be considered provisional until endorsed by the relevant School Progression Panel.

Due to the professional competency skill development associated with this Unit, student attendance/participation within listed in-class activities and/or online activities including discussion boards is compulsory. Students failing to meet participation standards as outlined in the unit plan may be awarded an I Grade (Fail - incomplete). Students who are unable to meet this requirement for medical or other reasons must seek the approval of the unit coordinator.

ON CAMPUS
TypeDescriptionValue
TestMid semester test30%
Laboratory WorkChallenge laboratory and safety test30%
TestTheory test40%

Core Reading(s)

  • Butler, J. M. (2010). Fundamentals of forensic DNA typing. Burlington, MA: Academic Press/Elsevier. Retrieved from https://ecu.on.worldcat.org/oclc/314598163?databaseList=638

Disability Standards for Education (Commonwealth 2005)

For the purposes of considering a request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Commonwealth 2005), inherent requirements for this subject are articulated in the Unit Description, Learning Outcomes and Assessment Requirements of this entry. The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the support for students with disabilities or medical conditions can be found at the Access and Inclusion website.

Academic Misconduct

Edith Cowan University has firm rules governing academic misconduct and there are substantial penalties that can be applied to students who are found in breach of these rules. Academic misconduct includes, but is not limited to:

  • plagiarism;
  • unauthorised collaboration;
  • cheating in examinations;
  • theft of other students' work;

Additionally, any material submitted for assessment purposes must be work that has not been submitted previously, by any person, for any other unit at ECU or elsewhere.

The ECU rules and policies governing all academic activities, including misconduct, can be accessed through the ECU website.

SCH2142|5|1

School: Medical and Health Sciences

This unit information may be updated and amended immediately prior to semester. To ensure you have the correct outline, please check it again at the beginning of semester.

  • Unit Title

    Forensic Genetics
  • Unit Code

    SCH2142
  • Year

    2021
  • Enrolment Period

    2
  • Version

    5
  • Credit Points

    15
  • Full Year Unit

    N
  • Mode of Delivery

    On Campus
  • Unit Coordinator

    Dr Jemma Ann BERRY

Description

This unit considers the application of genetics and genetic markers in a forensic context. It covers the development of forensic genetics, from historical beginnings to the most recent technology, the theory behind each of the techniques and their practical application. Using case studies, laboratory experiments and forensic challenges we explore how forensic genetics plays a role across a broad spectrum of society, including crime investigation, victim identification, ancestry studies and paternity testing.

Prerequisite Rule

Must have passed SCH1133

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

  1. Describe DNA structures and characteristics frequently examined in forensic casework.
  2. Apply the principles of genetic analysis to the examination of forensic DNA evidence from a variety of sources.
  3. Identify and describe the most common forensic DNA complications and their influence on forensic analyses.
  4. Apply laboratory skills in accordance with safe work practices.

Unit Content

  1. DNA Structure and architecture.
  2. Genetic markers used in forensic analysis.
  3. Forensic DNA complications.
  4. Forensic DNA applications.
  5. Forensic DNA case studies.

Learning Experience

Students will attend on campus classes as well as engage in learning activities through ECUs LMS

JoondalupMount LawleySouth West (Bunbury)
Semester 213 x 2 hour labNot OfferedNot Offered
Semester 213 x 2 hour lectureNot OfferedNot Offered

For more information see the Semester Timetable

Additional Learning Experience Information

Students will work in pairs to develop a broad range of laboratory skills in the genetics field. You will examine your own DNA and use a variety of equipment and software to analyse your results. This unit also utilises case studies to help develop your analytical and experimental techniques. This unit has been developed in collaboration with industry and includes guest lectures. Students are required to meet mandatory laboratory participation requirements.

Assessment

GS1 GRADING SCHEMA 1 Used for standard coursework units

Students please note: The marks and grades received by students on assessments may be subject to further moderation. All marks and grades are to be considered provisional until endorsed by the relevant School Progression Panel.

Due to the professional competency skill development associated with this Unit, student attendance/participation within listed in-class activities and/or online activities including discussion boards is compulsory. Students failing to meet participation standards as outlined in the unit plan may be awarded an I Grade (Fail - incomplete). Students who are unable to meet this requirement for medical or other reasons must seek the approval of the unit coordinator.

ON CAMPUS
TypeDescriptionValue
TestMid semester test30%
Laboratory WorkChallenge laboratory and safety test30%
ExaminationExamination40%

Core Reading(s)

  • Butler, J. M. (2010). Fundamentals of forensic DNA typing. Burlington, MA: Academic Press/Elsevier. Retrieved from https://ecu.on.worldcat.org/oclc/314598163?databaseList=638

Disability Standards for Education (Commonwealth 2005)

For the purposes of considering a request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Commonwealth 2005), inherent requirements for this subject are articulated in the Unit Description, Learning Outcomes and Assessment Requirements of this entry. The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the support for students with disabilities or medical conditions can be found at the Access and Inclusion website.

Academic Misconduct

Edith Cowan University has firm rules governing academic misconduct and there are substantial penalties that can be applied to students who are found in breach of these rules. Academic misconduct includes, but is not limited to:

  • plagiarism;
  • unauthorised collaboration;
  • cheating in examinations;
  • theft of other students' work;

Additionally, any material submitted for assessment purposes must be work that has not been submitted previously, by any person, for any other unit at ECU or elsewhere.

The ECU rules and policies governing all academic activities, including misconduct, can be accessed through the ECU website.

SCH2142|5|2