Units
Death Investigation
Unit code: JSB386
Credit points: 12
Information about fees and unit costs
The investigation of death in modern society is a well regulated system orchestrated through the coronial system with identification of suspicious deaths undertaken by the criminal justice system. This death investigation model involves legal, medical and criminal justice personnel in order to establish both the medical cause and legal circumstance of death. The information gathered in this way is also used to inform government policy on issues such as suicide and motor vehicle accident. However, in the wake of Harold Shipman in the United Kingdom, and Dr Patel in Australia, the issue of concealed homicide has become topical, with questions asked about how the coronial system in particular, can better investigate death so as to remove such concerns. This unit will examine in detail the history, ethics, processes, procedures and outcomes of death investigation in Queensland.
Availability
| Semester | Available |
|---|---|
| 2013 Semester 2 | Yes |
Offered in these courses
- JS31, JS32, IX41, IX45, IX61, IX76, LW42, LW43
Sample subject outline - Semester 2 2013
Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.
Rationale
The investigation of death in modern society is a well regulated system orchestrated through the coronial system with identification of suspicious deaths undertaken by the criminal justice system. This death investigation model involves legal, medical and criminal justice personnel in order to establish both the medical cause and legal circumstance of death. The information gathered in this way is also used to inform government policy on issues such as suicide and motor vehicle accident. However, in the wake of Harold Shipman in the United Kingdom, and Dr Patel in Australia, the issue of concealed homicide has become topical, with questions asked about how the coronial system in particular, can better investigate death so as to remove such concerns. Detailed knowledge of death investigation in Australia is crucial for legal and medical professionals as well as criminal justice agency personnel. This unit will examine in detail the history, ethics, processes, procedures and outcomes of death investigation in Queensland.
Aims
The aim of this unit is three fold. First, to provide an historical, theoretical and legislative overview of the system of death investigation in Australia, specifically focusing on its purpose and parameters. Second, to discuss in detail the information gathered in the process of death investigation and to explore the purposes of that information. Third, to detail the ethical issues surrounding death investigation, particularly those of religion and culture.
Objectives
On completion of this unit, you will be able to:
- Understand the history, legislation and purpose of the death investigation system in Australia and demonstrate the graduate attribute of content knowledge
- identify the complex ways in which information is gathered in the coronial system and the ways in which is utilised and demonstrate the graduate attribute of critical thinking
- explore the differing personnel in the coronial system and the various ways in which death is understood and investigated and demonstrate the graduate attribute of reflective practice and multidisciplinary knowledge
- appreciate the different ways in which death is understood and the reasons for religious and cultural objections to death investigation and demonstrate the graduate attribute of appreciation of diversity and social justice orientation.
Content
Week 1 : The Coronial System: an Introduction
Week 2 : The Sociology of Death and Dying
Week 3: Discussion Forum
Week 4: The medicalisation of death
Week 5: Over-representation and Difference
Week 6: Discussion Forum
Week 7 : Assessing the evidence: Policing the investigation.
Week 8: The Inquest: Legal decision making.
Week 9: Discussion Forum
Week 10: Determining the cause of death: The key role of autopsy.
Week 11: Managing the trauma of death: Counselling families.
Week 12: Discussion Forum
Week 13: Conclusions
Approaches to Teaching and Learning
This unit is offered both internally and online
Internal and online delivery is organised around two hours of lectures and discussion via Elluminate. Students can choose to attend lectures of participate online. Specific requirements for accessing Elluminate will be available on the Black board site for this unit. Students will also have the opportunity to engage in online chats and student led discussion forums in small groups to supplement their learning in this unit. You are advised to make extensive use of the blackboard website, which is available through the QUT home page to access your materials.
Assessment
Assessment is in this unit is both formative and summative. It is identical for internal and online studentsStudents will receive feedback in various forms throughout the semester which may include:
Assessment name:
Discussion Forum
Description:
The specific assessment guidelines for this piece are available on the Blackboard site for this unit. This assessment will be informed by feedback gained from the reference list.
Word Length: 100 words for each post: minimum 300 words per forum
Relates to objectives:
1-4
Weight:
20%
Internal or external:
Both
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
Every 3 weeks
Assessment name:
Annotated Bibliography
Description:
The specific assessment guidelines for this piece are available on the Blackboard site for this unit. This assessment will be the basis for the annotated bibliography and final essay.
Word Length: 1000 words for annotated bibliography
Weighting Split: (10% for reference list; 30% for annotated bibliography)
Relates to objectives:
1-4
Weight:
40%
Internal or external:
Both
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
Week 6 and 10
Assessment name:
Essay
Description:
The specific assessment guidelines for this piece are available on the Blackboard site for this unit. This assessment will be informed by feedback gained from the annotated bibliography. Word Length: 2000 words.
Relates to objectives:
1-4
Weight:
40%
Internal or external:
Both
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
Week 14
Academic Honesty
QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.
A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.
Resource materials
To be found on the CMD (Course Materials Database) on the Blackboard site and the Unit Information.
Risk assessment statement
There are no out of the ordinary risks associated with this unit.
Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.
Last modified: 07-Aug-2012
