Units / FOR4004
FOR4004 · Elements of the forensic sciences
2026 Handbook6 credit pointsLevel 4Forensic Medicine
Last checked: 23 Aug 2026 UTCOverview
Practitioners need to be familiar with the scope and limitations of the various branches of forensic science to know when and how they may assist in particular cases. Topics to be covered include: • Essentials of Forensic Sciences(including quality management and sample collection; • Biological Examination including DNA; • Firearms Examination;ballistics and gunshot residue (GSR) • Fire; • Fingerprint Examination; • Forensic Entomology.
Offerings
| Campus | Teaching period | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Southbank | First semester | Some activities have a choice of on-campus or online teaching activities in a block period (FLX-BLK) |
| University of the Philippines | First semester | Some activities have a choice of on-campus or online teaching activities in a block period (FLX-BLK) |
Assessment
The Handbook does not list a final examination among the assessment items. That is not a guarantee there is none.
| # | Assessment | Type | Weight | Hurdle |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Case report 1 (2000 words) | Written | 25% | Competency |
| 2 | Case report 2 (2000 words) | Written | 25% | Competency |
| 3 | Case study (2000 words) | Written | 25% | Competency |
| 4 | Essay (2,000 words) | Written | 25% | Competency |
Assessment in this unit includes hurdle assessment tasks. Failure of any hurdle assessment task may result in failure of the unit
Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.
Requisites
The Handbook lists no prerequisite, corequisite or prohibition for this unit.
Learning outcomes
- Critically analyse the principles of forensic science generally and its scope.
- Critically assess the scope and limitations of forensic science generally and its subsections in particular.
- Evaluate the application of tests and analyses used in branches of forensic science to assist in the proper application of their results in particular cases.
- Apply skills and knowledge in deciding what specimens would be applicable for forensic science analysis in particular cases.
- Develop advanced competencies in the collection storage and security of forensic specimens.
- Critically evaluate results of forensic scientific analysis meaningfully.
Workload
It is expected that you will need to undertake approximately 12 hours of study per week over the semester. This will include contact time, private study, assessment tasks (case studies, assignments) and, where possible, involvement in casework. You will be required to attend all workshops offered at the Department of Forensic Medicine during the semester.
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