Forensic Statistics (7904.3)

Please note these are the 2016 details for this unit
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Forensic Statistics
Available teaching periods Delivery mode Location
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EFTSL Credit points Faculty
0.125 3 Faculty Of Education, Science, Technology & Maths
Discipline Study level HECS Bands
Academic Program Area - Maths & Technology Level 2 - Undergraduate Intermediate Unit Band 1 2021 (Commenced After 1 Jan 2021)
Band 1 2021 (Commenced Before 1 Jan 2021)
This unit introduces students to statistical techniques in a forensics context. The focus of the unit is the description and analysis of data with an emphasis on statistical methods used in forensic applications. Students are introduced to the statistical capabilities of Excel. Topics include graphs; measures of location and dispersion; probability; hypothesis testing; linear correlation and regression modelling; principal components analysis; Bayes Theorem and the prosecutors and defenders fallacies.

Learning outcomes

1. understand the nature and consequences of natural variability in forensic data; express a problem in statistical terms.
2. summarise data graphically and numerically, either manually or using Excel.
3. test hypotheses in simple situations.
4. model data by fitting straight lines; and understand the use of statistics in assessing evidence.


Graduate attributes

1. UC graduates are professional - communicate effectively
1. UC graduates are professional - display initiative and drive, and use their organisation skills to plan and manage their workload
1. UC graduates are professional - employ up-to-date and relevant knowledge and skills
1. UC graduates are professional - use creativity, critical thinking, analysis and research skills to solve theoretical and real-world problems


Prerequisites

Data Analysis in Science OR Business Statistics OR Introduction to Statistics.

Assumed knowledge

Mathematics to ACT College level.
Year Location Teaching period Teaching start date Delivery mode Unit convener
Not available

Required texts

Lists of required texts/readings

References:

  1. Curran, James Michael. Introduction to data analysis with R for forensic scientists. CRC Press, 2010.
  2. Adam, Craig. Essential mathematics and statistics for forensic science. John Wiley & Sons, 2010.
  3. Buckleton, John S., Christopher M. Triggs, and Simon J. Walsh, eds. Forensic DNA evidence interpretation. CRC press, 2005.
  4. Lucy, David. Introduction to statistics for forensic scientists. John Wiley & Sons, 2006.
  5. Evett, Ian W., and Bruce S. Weir. Interpreting DNA evidence: statistical genetics for forensic scientists. Sunderland: Sinauer Associates, 1998.
  6. Fung, Wing Kam, and Yue-Qing Hu. Statistical DNA forensics: theory, methods and computation. John Wiley & Sons, 2008.

 

Submission of assessment items

Special assessment requirements

In order to pass the unit you must obtain 50% or more on your overall score with the weightings as shown above in 5a.

 

 

Students must apply academic integrity in their learning and research activities at UC. This includes submitting authentic and original work for assessments and properly acknowledging any sources used.

Academic integrity involves the ethical, honest and responsible use, creation and sharing of information. It is critical to the quality of higher education. Our academic integrity values are honesty, trust, fairness, respect, responsibility and courage.

UC students have to complete the Academic Integrity Module annually to learn about academic integrity and to understand the consequences of academic integrity breaches (or academic misconduct).

UC uses various strategies and systems, including detection software, to identify potential breaches of academic integrity. Suspected breaches may be investigated, and action can be taken when misconduct is found to have occurred.

Information is provided in the Academic Integrity Policy, Academic Integrity Procedure, and University of Canberra (Student Conduct) Rules 2023. For further advice, visit Study Skills.

Learner engagement

You should spend roughly 9 hours per week working through the lecture, tutorial and computer lab and activity. In most weeks these four items will relate to the same topic. Each week you should spend an hour preapring your response to the discussion forum. That leaves 15 hours for each assignment. This makes a total of 150 hours. However, spending more time on the weekly work will shorten the amount of time needed for the assignment.

Participation requirements

Your participation in the online activities will enhance your understanding of the unit content and therefore the quality of your assessment responses. Lack of participation may result in your inability to satisfactorily pass assessment items.

 

Required IT skills

It is assumed that you have familiarity with the use of a computer.

Work placement, internships or practicums

This is not applicable.

Additional information

In all cases of absence, sickness or personal problems it is the student's responsibility to ensure that the unit convenor is informed. The minimum participation requirement must be met in order to pass the unit (regardless of supporting documentation).