UnitLevel 5Postgraduate

FOR5021 Mortuary technical science

Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences

FOR5021 Mortuary technical science is a level 5, 6-credit-point, postgraduate unit from the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, offered in 2027 in Semester 2 at Southbank and University of the Philippines. It has no prerequisites.

Credit points
6
Offered in 2027
Semester 2
Southbank, University of the Philippines
Assessment
No exam
3 tasks

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Requisites

Before FOR5021

No prerequisites or corequisites besides the enrolment rules below.

After FOR5021

No unit lists FOR5021 as a prerequisite in the 2027 handbook.

Enrolment rules

Pre-requisite: FOR4001, FOR4003, FOR4004
Corequisite: Must be enrolled in code: M6009 and Unit code: FOR4003

Overview

Mortuary Technical Science is the field of study concerned with forensic mortuary techniques, procedures and protocols. The aim of the unit is to introduce you to the theory and practice of forensic mortuary techniques, and provide you with a thorough understanding of the various contributions this discipline makes to medico-legal investigations. Although the unit is designed for scientists who wish to pursue a career as a forensic mortuary scientist, it is likely to be of interest to post-graduate students from a Science and/or medical background who wish to gain a greater understanding of the roles and techniques conducted within a forensic mortuary. The unit will cover:

  • Theory and practice of basic forensic mortuary techniques; Preparing and assisting in an adult, and infant forensic autopsy
  • Specialised forensic mortuary techniques including radiology, neuropathology, toxicology sampling and background principals ;
  • Preparing and assisting in an infectious/suspicious death autopsy
  • Forensic evidence handling
  • Occupational Health and Safety, Quality management, and ethics specific to a forensic mortuary
  • Management of a forensic mortuary in a disaster
  • Coronial and Human Tissue Legislation underpinning accredited forensic mortuary facilities

Offerings in 2027

Teaching periodCampusMode
Second semesterSouthbankFlx blk
Second semesterUniversity of the PhilippinesFlx blk

Assessment

  • Essay (3,200 words)WrittenCompetency hurdle
    40%
  • 2x Case Studies (1,600 words each)WrittenCompetency hurdle
    40%
  • Oral Presentation (20 mins)PresentationCompetency hurdle
    20%

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Learning outcomes

When you finish this unit, you should be able to:

  1. 1

    Identify and evaluate the role of a mortuary technician as part of a multidisciplinary team in the setting of medico-legal death investigation;

  2. 2

    Analyse skills in compliance with mortuary OH&S and PPE, and consider and formulate the variations in requirements depending on different case types and situations;

  3. 3

    Perform the necessary skills in and describe the theory behind the evisceration and reconstruction of a forensic autopsy, including specialist autopsy techniques;

  4. 4

    Analyse and evaluate the legal framework within which a mortuary technician works, especially the Coronial system applicable in Australia;

  5. 5

    Assess the roles and elements of successfully managing a mortuary in a disaster situation;

  6. 6

    Appraise the ethical principles which underpin good forensic mortuary practices.

Workload and teaching

  • Teaching approachActive learning

It is expected that you will need to undertake approximately 12 hours of study per week over the Semester.

This will include private study (text and readings), assessment tasks (case studies, assignments), and may include involvement in case work.

You are required to attend a two day workshop near the end of the semester.

For full details of the teaching approach to this unit, please refer to Moodle.

Learning resources

Required resources

See Moodle for details about required resources.

Contacts

Chief Examiners
Associate Professor Lyndal Bugeja
Unit Coordinators
Dr Jodie Leditschke

Common questions

What are the prerequisites for FOR5021?

FOR5021 has no prerequisites, but enrolment rules apply.

When is FOR5021 offered?

In 2027, FOR5021 runs in Semester 2 at Southbank and University of the Philippines.

Does FOR5021 have an exam?

No. FOR5021 has 3 assessment tasks and no exam.

More details

Credit points
6
Level
5
Study level
Postgraduate
Faculty
Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences
Organisational unit
Forensic Medicine
Type
Coursework
EFTSL
0.125
Student contribution
SCA Band 3
Study abroad
Available