Credit Points 10

Legacy Code 301133

Coordinator Ricky Spencer Opens in new window

Description This subject covers the basic elements of forensic medicine and focuses on the role of the forensic pathologist in the investigation of crime and death. Although much of forensic medicine, based as it is on observations made at a post-mortem examination, relies on the principles of morbid anatomy as discovered in earlier centuries, more recent techniques are also presented. This subject is taught by the University of Florida as part of a collaborative venture between the University of Florida and Western Sydney University. Note: Further information on this subject is available from the University of Florida.

School Science

Discipline Forensic Science

Student Contribution Band HECS Band 2 10cp

Check your fees via the Fees page.

Level Postgraduate Coursework Level 7 subject

Restrictions

Students must be enrolled in 3741 Master of Forensic Science, 3742 Graduate Diploma in Forensic Science or 3743 Graduate Certificate in Forensic Science.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:

1. Understand the basic scientific, medical, ethical and legal principles that are relevant to the practice of forensic medicine.
2. Understand the essential techniques and methods used by forensic doctors and be able to discuss their validity, effectiveness and applicability within a professional setting.
3. Develop a sensitive awareness of how forensic medicine relates to bereaved relatives and other immediate contacts of a deceased person or victim of crime.
4. Develop and maintain the highest standards of professional integrity in all matters relating to the practice of forensic medicine and in the pursuit of justice.
5. Work towards improving the quality of forensic provision within his or her local medicolegal and criminal justice system.
6. Seek to initiate collaborative relationships with academics and other practitioners in order to contribute to research in the discipline.
7. Communicate sensitive information to other professional colleagues and, where necessary, be able to present evidence within a legal setting effectively and with accuracy and precision.

Subject Content

Module 1 Death
Module 2 Medicolegal Investigation of Death
Module 3 Sudden Natural Death in Adults
Module 4 The Autopsy
Module 5 Post-Mortem Interval
Module 6 Identification of the Dead
Module 7 Wounds of Medicolegal Importance I
Module 8 Wounds of Medicolegal Importance II
Module 9 Thermal Injury and Fire Deaths
Module 10 Suicide
Module 11 Head and Neck Injury
Module 12 Drowning by Immersion
Module 13 Asphyxia Related Deaths
Module 14 Case Study