In this new short course you will develop basic science process skills and other key skills for life and learning such as working collaboratively, planning sequentially and thinking logically.
The skills gained through a focus on basic science are ones that can be used by the student in many areas of his/her future life.
The course is separated into 4 strands:
The Work of a Forensic Scientist: This introduces students to the world of forensic science. They learn the terminology associated with and the processes of forensic science. They also learn how to work accurately and safely with science equipment.
Scene of the Crime - Evidence Collection: This strand deepens students' understanding of the importance of process in gathering and recording scientific evidence.
Scientific Laboratory Testing - Solving the Crime: This strand sees students carry out investigations and further tests, and develop theories about the mock crime they are investigating.
Concluding the Inquiry: This strand provides the opportunity for team work, as students make connections between findings from earlier strands. It also allows them to develop conclusions and draw their investigations to a close. In addition, students undertake a reflective process, identifying the knowledge, skills and attitudes they have developed through undertaking the course.
| Number of hours over 3 years | Final Exam | Classroom-Based Assessments (CBAs) | Assessments Task |
| 100 hrs approximately | There is no terminal examination in this short course |
One CBA to be taken towards the end of the short course CBA - Solving a Mock Crime
|
There are no assessment tasks for short courses |
These subjects demonstrate how to explore nature using carefully planned methods, and teach the basic methods and findings of scientific investigation.
This subject builds skills and knowledge that are particularly useful for careers in the following Career Sectors: