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 2026 in Semester 2 at Southbank and University of the Philippines. It has no prerequisites.
- Credit points
- 6
- Offered in 2026
- Semester 2
- Southbank, University of the Philippines
- Assessment
- No exam
- 3 tasks
This is the 2026 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.
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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 2026 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 2026
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Second semester | Southbank | Flx blk |
| Second semester | University of the Philippines | Flx blk |
Assessment
- Essay (3,200 words)WrittenCompetency hurdle40%
- 2x Case Studies (1,600 words each)WrittenCompetency hurdle40%
- Oral Presentation (20 mins)PresentationCompetency hurdle20%
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
Identify and evaluate the role of a mortuary technician as part of a multidisciplinary team in the setting of medico-legal death investigation;
- 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
Perform the necessary skills in and describe the theory behind the evisceration and reconstruction of a forensic autopsy, including specialist autopsy techniques;
- 4
Analyse and evaluate the legal framework within which a mortuary technician works, especially the Coronial system applicable in Australia;
- 5
Assess the roles and elements of successfully managing a mortuary in a disaster situation;
- 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 2026, 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.