Graduate Certificate in Forensic Behavioural Science

Program Overview

The Graduate Certificate in Forensic Behavioural Science equips professionals with the knowledge and skills to work effectively in forensic settings. It covers core principles and practices, including legal frameworks, violence risk assessment, and ethical considerations. The program is delivered online with flexible study options and features a range of teaching methods and assessment formats. Graduates are prepared for careers in various forensic roles, such as behaviour support officer, case worker, and forensic clinical specialist.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Graduate Certificate in Forensic Behavioural Science aims to equip professionals with the essential knowledge and skills to work effectively in forensic settings. It offers a solid foundation in core principles and practices within forensic fields, covering legal frameworks and procedures, violence risk assessment and management, and other fundamental aspects of forensic behavioural science.

Outline:

Core Units:

• Core Skills in Forensic Practice: Explores essential skills required for forensic practice, including report writing, interviewing techniques, and ethical considerations.
• Fundamentals of Criminal Law Process: Provides an overview of the Australian criminal justice system, criminal law principles, and procedural rules.
• Principles of Violence Risk Assessment and Management: Equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to assess and manage violence risk in forensic settings.

Elective Units:

• Mental Disorder and Offending: Examines the relationship between mental disorder and offending behavior, providing an understanding of mental health issues in forensic populations.
• Working with Difficult Personalities in the Forensic Context: Explores strategies for working with challenging individuals within forensic settings, including those with personality disorders and intellectual disabilities.
• Substance Misuse and Offending: Investigates the prevalence and impact of substance misuse in forensic populations, covering assessment, treatment, and risk management.
• Trauma and Offending: Focuses on the impact of trauma on offending behavior, exploring trauma-informed approaches to intervention and recovery.
• Development, Developmental Disability and Offending: Examines the role of developmental factors and intellectual disability in offending behavior, considering assessment, risk management, and intervention strategies.
• Problem Behaviours 1: Explores the assessment and management of problem behaviors in forensic populations, such as aggression, non-compliance, and self-harm.
• Problem Behaviours 2: Provides further knowledge and skills in the assessment and management of problem behaviors in forensic settings.
• Working in Corrections and Youth Justice: Focuses on the role of professionals in the corrections and youth justice systems, covering offender management, rehabilitation, and reintegration strategies.

Assessment:

Assessment methods vary across units and may include:

• Assignments (e.g., essays, reports, case studies)
• Examinations (e.g., written exams, oral presentations)
• Quizzes
• Participation in class discussions and activities

Teaching:

The program is delivered in a flexible online format, allowing students to study at their own pace and schedule. The teaching staff consists of experienced professionals and researchers specializing in forensic behavioural science. The program incorporates a range of teaching methods, including:

• Lectures
• Tutorials
• Case studies
• Interactive online discussions
• Guest speakers

Careers:

The Graduate Certificate in Forensic Behavioural Science prepares graduates for various career paths in forensic settings, including:

• Behaviour support officer
• Employment consultant
• Case worker
• Forensic clinical specialist