SLE356 - Advanced Topics in Forensic Biology
Unit details
| Year | 2026 unit information |
|---|---|
| Enrolment modes | Trimester 3: Waurn Ponds (Geelong) |
| Credit point(s) | 1 |
| EFTSL value | 0.125 |
| Unit chair | Trimester 3: Tori Berezowski |
| Prerequisite | SLE208 and SLE228 |
| Educator-facilitated (scheduled) learning activities - on-campus unit enrolment | Intensive 6 week period: 1 x 1 hour lecture per week, 1 x 2 hour seminar per week, 6 x 3 hour practical experience (laboratory) per trimester, 1 x 2 hour practical experience (workshop) per trimester (week 6). |
| Typical study commitment | Students will on average spend 150 hours over the teaching period undertaking the teaching, learning and assessment activities for this unit. |
NoteThis unit has an enrolment deadline. | |
Content
This unit covers current concepts, controversies and latest methodological advances in forensic biology, to develop graduates as professionals. Selection of advanced topics in forensic biology will be used to illustrate current challenges and developments. Students will develop critical awareness of forensic science subject areas and be able to exercise independent and scientifically justified views. Important characteristics of this unit will be the ability to express ideas both verbally and in written form and justify opinions.
Learning outcomes
Each unit in your course is a building block towards Deakin's Graduate Learning Outcomes - not all units develop and assess every Graduate Learning Outcome (GLO).
| ULO | These are the Unit Learning Outcomes (ULOs) for this unit. At the completion of this unit, successful students can: | Alignment to Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes (GLOs) |
|---|---|---|
| ULO1 | Demonstrate their knowledge of forensic biology and demonstrate a deep understanding of the science involved. | GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities |
| ULO2 | Demonstrate oral and written competence in the use of scientific terminology and present factual forensic based information as appropriate for a range of professionals within the forensic science community. | GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities |
| ULO3 | Draw on their forensic knowledge and use of appropriate techniques to critically evaluate forensic literature. | GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities GLO2: Communication GLO4: Critical thinking GLO8: Global citizenship |
| ULO4 | Utilise standard forensic practices to collect samples and then apply practical skills, analytical techniques and scientific methodology within the laboratory environment to analyse those samples. | GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities GLO3: Digital literacy GLO4: Critical thinking GLO6: Self-management |
| ULO5 | Present results, associated analysis and interpretation of a forensic scenario within a professional report. | GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities GLO2: Communication GLO3: Digital literacy GLO4: Critical thinking GLO6: Self-management GLO8: Global citizenship |
Assessment
| Assessment Description | Student output | Grading and weighting (% total mark for unit) | Indicative due week |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment 1 Literature review poster presentation | Abstract and poster presentation with peer and lecturer assessment | 20% (5%, 15%) (Abstract, poster) | Week 5-6 |
| Assessment 2 Technical skills demonstration | In-class technical skills demonstrations aligned with practical classes | 30% (6 x 5%) | Weeks 1-6 |
| Assessment 3 Report - Decomposition | 2,000 word written report | 25% | Week 8 |
| Assessment 4 Report – Biological evidence | 2,000 word written case file | 25% | Week 11 |
The assessment due weeks provided may change. The Unit Chair will clarify the exact assessment requirements, including the due date, at the start of the teaching period.
Hurdle requirements
To be eligible to obtain a pass in this unit, students must achieve at least 50% in AT2 Technical skills demonstration.
Learning resource
The texts and reading list for SLE356 can be found via the University Library.
Note: Select the relevant trimester reading list. Please note that a future teaching period's reading list may not be available until a month prior to the start of that teaching period so you may wish to use the relevant trimester's prior year reading list as a guide only.
Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)
To fully engage with Deakin's learning experiences, students must be able to access and use internet-connected devices as outlined in computing requirements at Deakin.
To support student success at Deakin, we have a bring-your-own-device (BYOD) learning environment that acknowledges that students and educators bring with them the digital tools they regularly use to complete academic tasks. These tools stay with you beyond the classroom, helping you to keep learning, explore ideas more deeply, and connect with knowledge in ways that matter to you.
Students requiring a loan device should visit our Loan Laptop webpage or students requiring longer-term assistance should visit our Student Financial Assistance webpage.
Unit fee information
Fees and charges vary depending on the type of fee place you hold, your course, your commencement year, the units you choose to study and their study discipline, and your study load.
Tuition fees increase at the beginning of each calendar year and all fees quoted are in Australian dollars ($AUD). Tuition fees do not include textbooks, computer equipment or software, other equipment or costs such as mandatory checks, travel and stationery.
For further information regarding tuition fees, other fees and charges, invoice due dates, withdrawal dates, payment methods visit our Current Students website.