Introduction to Forensic Psychology

The overarching aim of this unit is to provide students with an introduction to the theories, models, and research related to the field of forensic psychology. Students will gain skills, knowledge and the ability to analyse human behaviour as it occurs within the forensic context. Specifically, this unit aims to introduce students to fundamental principles involved in research and practice within Forensic Psychology. Students are introduced to the structure of the criminal justice system in Australia and in other countries.


Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:
1. Describe the structure of the criminal justice system in Australia and internationally
2. Understand the principles of interviewing suspects and witnesses used by the police, by psychologists and in the courtroom and other forms of eyewitness testimony
3. Outline the strategies used in deception and detecting lies
4. Describe the process of risk assessment for violence and re-offending
5. Explain how crime is defined and measured and describe the different perspectives in criminology
6. Understand the developmental risk factors related to criminal behaviour