Course Title: Forensics: Textile Use and Damage
Part A: Course Overview
Course Title: Forensics: Textile Use and Damage
Credit Points: 12.00
Course Coordinator: Jenny Underwood
Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 9247
Course Coordinator Email: jenny.underwood@rmit.edu.au
Course Coordinator Location: 513.02.13
Course Coordinator Availability: Via appointment
Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities
None
Course Description
This course is designed to identify different textile structures and how their behaviour in a crime scene can be assessed. The textile materials and fabric structures you will be studying include: yarns; knitted, woven and non-woven fabrics; and carpets. You will critically examine fabric properties, with a focus on textile damage and degradation, and the effects of wear and laundering on the behaviour of textiles at new and different stages of use.
Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development
Program Learning Outcomes
In this course you will develop the following program learning outcomes:
PLO1: Demonstrate, integrate and apply specialised technical knowledge and skills in fibre material examinations for a range of forensic contexts.
PLO3: Demonstrate and apply critical thinking when identifying and solving problems in diverse contexts within the field of forensic textile science.
PLO4: Interpret, communicate and present complex work and ideas to specialist and non-specialist stakeholders using professional conventions.
PLO5: Work with others to undertake forensic textile investigations, demonstrating cultural, environmental and social awareness, and ethical and reflective practice.
Course Learning outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to:
CLO 1: Demonstrate and apply knowledge of textile materials structures and determine the possible cause of damage.
CLO 2: Apply selected scientific examination techniques of textile materials appropriate for a crime investigation.
CLO 3: Analyse the effects of wear and use (particularly laundering) on textile materials and damage.
CLO 4: Critically analyse and effectively communicate physical characteristics and types of damage observed in the textile materials.
Overview of Learning Activities
This course is taught in a combination of practical/laboratory classes and lectures and tutorials.
Lectures will introduce key concepts and theories. Tutorials are used to gain practical experience applying key principles.
As part of the course you will be engaged in workshops, interactive class activities, group discussions and class presentations.
Your learning may also be derived from your own industry research which will include contact with external organisations.
Overview of Learning Resources
RMIT will provide you with resources and tools for learning in this course through our online systems.
A list of recommended learning resources will be provided by your lecturer including text books, journal articles and web resources. You will also be expected to seek further resources relevant to the focus of your own learning such as laboratory manuals. You will have access to web-based textile technology information, library resources, computer laboratories, colour printers, and photocopiers. You will have the opportunity to access textile laboratories and relevant instruments for practical learning.
RMIT Library provides extensive resources for fashion and textiles students.
Search the library and consult the Fashion and Textiles Subject Guides for more information.
The library also provides guides on academic referencing and assistance is available via phone, chat and email.
Overview of Assessment
You will be assessed on how well you meet the course learning outcomes and on your development against the program learning outcomes.
Assessment tasks are directly aligned with each Course Learning Outcome. They are as follows:
Assessment Task 1: Practical analysis, 20%
CLOs: 1, 2
Assessment Task 2: Lab report on experimental findings, 40% CLOs: 3, 4, 5
Assessment Task 3: Oral presentation, 40%
CLOs: 1, 2, 3, 4
Feedback will be given on all assessment tasks.
If you have a long-term medical condition and/or disability it may be possible to negotiate to vary aspects of the learning or assessment methods. You can contact the program coordinator or Equitable Learning Services if you would like to find out more.
Your course assessment conforms to RMIT assessment principles, regulations, policies, procedures and instructions.