FOR5100 · Forensic pathology practice 1

Overview

In Forensic Pathology Practice 1 you will be introduced to the theoretical and practical aspects of autopsy performance in the mortuary. This includes the terminology of forensic pathology, relevant law and culture impacting the performance of an autopsy, and operating a mortuary including safety. You will also be introduced to the important forensic pathology reality of artefact via post mortem changes to the body, and revise the anatomy of the heart and brain. From a practical point of view, you will be supervised in autopsy dissection, and will be required to maintain a detailed logbook of all cases and dissections undertaken.

Offerings

Assessment

The Handbook lists an examination for this unit.

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

1. Apply the terminology of forensic pathology and autopsy practice to effectively communicate observations (using anatomical landmarks) and draw conclusions.
2. Explain the law relating to autopsy in the Philippines and cultural and religious factors impacting on its practice.
3. Apply the anatomy of the brain and heart to forensic contexts.
4. Examine a dead body, including making the initial incisions for undertaking the autopsy, and removing and examining the chest and abdominal organs.
5. Indicate the important artefacts in forensic pathology associated with post mortem changes to the body.
6. Prepare documentation in accordance with international forensic pathology standards and the law.

Workload

6 hours off campus, self-directed learning per week, 4 hours teacher directed learning per week, plus 20 contact hours over 3 block days.

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.