CQUniversity Unit Profile
AINV11003 Introduction to Investigative Methods
Introduction to Investigative Methods
All details in this unit profile for AINV11003 have been officially approved by CQUniversity and represent a learning partnership between the University and you (our student).
The information will not be changed unless absolutely necessary and any change will be clearly indicated by an approved correction included in the profile.
General Information

Overview

This unit will provide students with a grounding in basic tenets of key investigation related issues including safety of investigators onsite, planning and preparing for the conduct of investigations, broad understanding of the nature of accident and related scenes of failure, effective photography methods and witness interviewing techniques. There will also be a focus on the law as it applies to the conduct of investigation and related issues such as continuity of evidence.

Details

Career Level: Undergraduate
Unit Level: Level 1
Credit Points: 6
Student Contribution Band: 8
Fraction of Full-Time Student Load: 0.125

Pre-requisites or Co-requisites

There are no requisites for this unit.

Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).

Offerings For Term 2 - 2017

Adelaide
Brisbane
Bundaberg
Distance
Gladstone
Melbourne
Rockhampton
Sydney

Attendance Requirements

All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes – in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).

Class and Assessment Overview

Recommended Student Time Commitment

Each 6-credit Undergraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.

Class Timetable

Bundaberg, Cairns, Emerald, Gladstone, Mackay, Rockhampton, Townsville
Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney

Assessment Overview

1. Group Discussion
Weighting: 30%
2. Written Assessment
Weighting: 40%
3. Written Assessment
Weighting: 30%

Assessment Grading

This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of ‘pass’ in order to pass the unit. If any ‘pass/fail’ tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully (‘pass’ grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the ‘assessment task’ section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University’s Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.

Previous Student Feedback

Feedback, Recommendations and Responses

Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.

Feedback from Have Your Say Survey

Feedback

Students appreciate the team environment that is created by the lecturers and students.

Recommendation

Continue to develop the group discussions weekly on the Moodle site.

Feedback from Have Your Say Survey

Feedback

Weekly assessment focus prompts on the Moodle pages helped students keep on track

Recommendation

Continue to use the weekly assessment focus prompts on the Moodle pages.

Feedback from Have Your Say Survey

Feedback

Ensure that students have sufficient time to engage with feedback between assessments.

Recommendation

Review assessment deadlines and order to ensure that students have sufficient time to engage with feedback between assessments

Feedback from Have Your Say Survey and Moodle Discussion

Feedback

Identify alternative recent case studies for use in the Case Study Assessment

Recommendation

Review the choice of Case Studies to identify recent Australian alternatives.

Unit Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
  1. Explain the application of OHS principles while carrying out onsite investigations.
  2. Compare and contrast methods of analysing scenes of accidents and other failures.
  3. Demonstrate forensic photography techniques.
  4. Explore contemporary witness interview methods
  5. Interpret the law in relation to the conduct of investigations and describe the rules of evidence
  6. Employ effective communications strategies appropriate to investigative activities
  7. Demonstrate reflective skills appropriate to the development of the beginning practitioner
Alignment of Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Graduate Attributes
N/A Level
Introductory Level
Intermediate Level
Graduate Level
Professional Level
Advanced Level

Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes

Assessment Tasks Learning Outcomes
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
1 - Group Discussion - 30%
2 - Written Assessment - 40%
3 - Written Assessment - 30%

Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes

Graduate Attributes Learning Outcomes
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
1 - Communication
2 - Problem Solving
3 - Critical Thinking
4 - Information Literacy
5 - Team Work
6 - Information Technology Competence
7 - Cross Cultural Competence
8 - Ethical practice
9 - Social Innovation
10 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures

Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Graduate Attributes

Assessment Tasks Graduate Attributes
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
1 - Group Discussion - 30%
2 - Written Assessment - 40%
3 - Written Assessment - 30%
Textbooks and Resources

Textbooks

There are no required textbooks.

IT Resources

You will need access to the following IT resources:
  • CQUniversity Student Email
  • Internet
  • Unit Website (Moodle)
Referencing Style

All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: Harvard (author-date)

For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.

Teaching Contacts
Joseph Thompson Unit Coordinator
j.thompson@cqu.edu.au
Schedule
Week 1 Begin Date: 10 Jul 2017

Module/Topic

Module 1 : Introduction - Getting to Know You, Moodle, this Unit and its Assessments.









Chapter









Events and Submissions/Topic









Week 2 Begin Date: 17 Jul 2017

Module/Topic

Module 2 : OHS at the Accident Scene.








Chapter









Events and Submissions/Topic









Week 3 Begin Date: 24 Jul 2017

Module/Topic

Module 3 : Preparing for Investigation : Logistics and Planning





Chapter









Events and Submissions/Topic

Moodle Activity 1 : Introduction and Case Study Selection

Due : Monday (24 Jul 17) 09:00AM AEST







Week 4 Begin Date: 31 Jul 2017

Module/Topic

Module 4 : Introduction to Evidence Week 1








Chapter









Events and Submissions/Topic














Week 5 Begin Date: 07 Aug 2017

Module/Topic

Module 4 : Introduction to Evidence Week 2







Chapter









Events and Submissions/Topic

Moodle Activity 2 : OHS Issues

Due : Monday (7 Aug 17) 09:00 AM AEST














Vacation Week Begin Date: 14 Aug 2017

Module/Topic









Chapter









Events and Submissions/Topic









Week 6 Begin Date: 21 Aug 2017

Module/Topic

Module 5 : Witnesses and Interviews Week 1



Chapter









Events and Submissions/Topic

Moodle Activity 3 : Evidence Quiz

Due : Monday (21 Aug 17) 09:00 AM AEST














Week 7 Begin Date: 28 Aug 2017

Module/Topic

Module 5 : Witnesses and Interviews Week 2




Chapter









Events and Submissions/Topic









Week 8 Begin Date: 04 Sep 2017

Module/Topic

Module 6 : Laws pertaining to the Investigation





Chapter









Events and Submissions/Topic

Moodle Activity 4 : Planning and Logistics - Preparing for the Investigation

Due Monday (4 Sep 17) 09:00 AM AEST







Week 9 Begin Date: 11 Sep 2017

Module/Topic

Module 7 : Accident Scene Week 1







Chapter









Events and Submissions/Topic














Week 10 Begin Date: 18 Sep 2017

Module/Topic

Module 7 : Accident Scene Week 2







Chapter









Events and Submissions/Topic

Workbook Activity 1A : Witness Interview Critique

Due : Monday (18 Sep 17) 09:00 AM AEST

Workbook Activity 1B : Witness Interview Statement

Due : Monday (18 Sep 17) 09:00 AM AEST

Week 11 Begin Date: 25 Sep 2017

Module/Topic

Module 7 : Accident Scene Week 3








Chapter









Events and Submissions/Topic

Case Study Analysis

Due Monday (25 Sep 16) 09:00 AM AEST


Case Study Analysis Due: Week 11 Monday (25 Sept 2017) 9:00 am AEST
Week 12 Begin Date: 02 Oct 2017

Module/Topic

Module 8 : Completing the Workbook 2 Assessment : Hints and Tips








Chapter









Events and Submissions/Topic










Review/Exam Week Begin Date: 09 Oct 2017

Module/Topic






Chapter









Events and Submissions/Topic

Workbook Activity 2 : Accident Scene, Photography, Sketch and Map

Due Monday (9 Oct 17) 09:00 AM AEST









Exam Week Begin Date: 16 Oct 2017

Module/Topic









Chapter









Events and Submissions/Topic









Assessment Tasks

1 Group Discussion

Assessment Title
Moodle Activities

Task Description

You will be directed to complete a variety of Moodle-based activities throughout the term. These will include activities about:

  1. Introducing yourself and choosing your case study (Due 09:00 Mon 24 July).
  2. Discussing OHS Issues (Due 09:00 Mon 7 August).
  3. Evidence Quiz (Due 09:00 Mon 21 August).
  4. Discussing Planning and Logistics when Preparing for the Investigation (Due 09:00 Mon 4 September).

Further information will be provided in your Lectures and in Moodle.


Assessment Due Date

As per study schedule


Return Date to Students

Maximum of three weeks after submission deadline


Weighting
30%

Assessment Criteria

As a general rule assessment criteria for all assessment items include

1. (90%) Content - includes the accuracy, relevance and application of key concepts, analysis, argument, language and grammar used in answering a question or report (see marking criteria for individual requirements).

2. (10%) References - includes the provision of a reference list and the application of the Harvard style for referencing information, data, tables or images sourced for the assignment or report. Where relevant, any additional specific assessment criteria for each assessment piece will be provided through Moodle.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
Submit online through the Moodle portal.

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Explain the application of OHS principles while carrying out onsite investigations.
  • Employ effective communications strategies appropriate to investigative activities
  • Demonstrate reflective skills appropriate to the development of the beginning practitioner


Graduate Attributes
  • Communication
  • Critical Thinking
  • Information Literacy
  • Team Work
  • Ethical practice

2 Written Assessment

Assessment Title
Workbook Exercises

Task Description

This task requires submission of a series of workbook activities that provide an opportunity to practise the skills developed in the unit, including:

  • Witness Interview Critique (Due Mon 18 September).
  • Witness Interview Statement (Due Mon 18 September).
  • Accident Scene Photography, Sketching and Mapping (Due Mon 9 October).

Further information will be provided in your Lectures and in Moodle.


Assessment Due Date

As per study schedule


Return Date to Students

Maximum of three weeks after submission deadline


Weighting
40%

Minimum mark or grade
Students must pass each of Workbooks 1A, 1B and 2 to pass this assessment.

Assessment Criteria

As a general rule assessment criteria for all assessment items include

1. (90%) Content - includes the accuracy, relevance and application of key concepts, analysis, argument, language and grammar used in answering a question or report (see marking criteria for individual requirements).

2. (10%) References - includes the provision of a reference list and the application of the Harvard style for referencing information, data, tables or images sourced for the assignment or report. Where relevant, any additional specific assessment criteria for each assessment piece will be provided through Moodle


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
Submit online through the Moodle portal.

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Compare and contrast methods of analysing scenes of accidents and other failures.
  • Demonstrate forensic photography techniques.
  • Explore contemporary witness interview methods
  • Employ effective communications strategies appropriate to investigative activities
  • Demonstrate reflective skills appropriate to the development of the beginning practitioner


Graduate Attributes
  • Communication
  • Problem Solving
  • Critical Thinking
  • Information Literacy
  • Team Work

3 Written Assessment

Assessment Title
Case Study Analysis

Task Description

This activity enables you to use your learning from the unit to thoroughly explore and analyse your chosen case study. The analysis will include:

  • Introduction
  • Investigation Legal Context
  • Using Evidence in Investigation
  • Effectiveness of the Investigation
  • Conclusion

While there is no specific word count, 2500 - 3000 words is a general guide. Submit the analysis as a Word or PDF file.

Further information will be provided in Lectures and in Moodle.

Due Monday (25 Sep 16) 09:00 AM AEST


Assessment Due Date

Week 11 Monday (25 Sept 2017) 9:00 am AEST


Return Date to Students

Maximum of three weeks after submission deadline


Weighting
30%

Minimum mark or grade
Students must receive a passing grade in this assessment to pass the unit

Assessment Criteria

As a general rule assessment criteria for all assessment items include

1. (90%) Content - includes the accuracy, relevance and application of key concepts, analysis, argument, language and grammar used in answering a question or report (see marking criteria for individual requirements).

2. (10%) References - includes the provision of a reference list and the application of the Harvard style for referencing information, data, tables or images sourced for the assignment or report. Where relevant, any additional specific assessment criteria for each assessment piece will be provided through Moodle.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
Submit online through the Moodle portal.

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Interpret the law in relation to the conduct of investigations and describe the rules of evidence
  • Employ effective communications strategies appropriate to investigative activities


Graduate Attributes
  • Communication
  • Critical Thinking
  • Information Literacy
  • Team Work

Academic Integrity Statement

As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.

Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.

When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.

Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.

As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.

What is a breach of academic integrity?

A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.

Why is academic integrity important?

A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.

Where can I get assistance?

For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.

What can you do to act with integrity?