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Data in Criminology Policy and Practice (CRIM90036)
Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5Not available in 2022
From 2023 most subjects will be taught on campus only with flexible options limited to a select number of postgraduate programs and individual subjects.
To learn more, visit COVID-19 course and subject delivery.
Overview
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This innovative applied/work-oriented subject will equip students to understand, analyse and interpret administrative, research and survey data sets used by criminological agencies to inform decisions about policy and practice. This form of training is highly valued by industry bodies and can distinguish Criminology graduates in the employment market. The subject has a strong work integrated learning component and will be taught in an intensive format in the SPSS Research Methods Lab. The teaching method will combine sessions examining data sets and products (reports, topical “snapshots”, mapping and online data products) from three different criminological sources, followed by computer lab sessions where students carry out data manipulation and analysis on data representative of that topic using the SPSS statistical package. Experts in data collection, management and analysis from criminological and other justice-based agencies will provide support in the development and delivery of the subject.
Intended learning outcomes
On completion of this subject, students should:
- Understand the methods for collecting and compiling administrative and survey data on a range of criminological topics;
- Be able to demonstrate an understanding of the use of data sets by criminological agencies including the protocols and processes involved in the preparation of published reports;
- Be capable of using Excel and the SPSS statistical analysis package to prepare, quality assure and carry out analyses of administrative and survey data sets on criminological topics. The analysis procedures involved will include tabulating, cross-tabulating, graphing and multivariate analyses;
- Be capable of producing short analytical reports (comprising tables, graphs and brief written commentary) on a range of criminological topics.
Generic skills
On completion of this subject students should:
- Have highly developed cognitive, analytical and problem-solving skills and the capacity to apply them to quantitative data;
- Have an advanced understanding of the use of data and information in criminological practice;
- Have an ability to plan work and to use time effectively.
Last updated: 12 November 2022
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
None
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
Recommended background knowledge
This subject is designed for students who do not have prior experience with the analysis and interpretation of quantitative data
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 12 November 2022
Assessment
Description | Timing | Percentage |
---|---|---|
Brief Project Report 1
| Week 2 | 5% |
Brief Project Report 2
| Week 3 | 5% |
Brief Project Report 3
| Week 6 | 10% |
Major Project Report
| At the end of the assessment period | 80% |
Hurdle requirement: Students are required to attend a minimum of 80% of classes in order to pass this subject and regular class participation is expected. | Throughout the semester | N/A |
Last updated: 12 November 2022
Dates & times
Not available in 2022
Time commitment details
In addition students will be expected to conduct additional practical tasks outside class time in the preparation of the major project report.
Additional delivery details
Additional delivery details
Students will be provided with detailed data exercise guides to produce reports, topical “snapshots”, mapping and other data products from three different criminological sources. These will be supplemented by computer lab sessions focusing on data analysis problem solving together with presentations by data analysis and management experts from criminological and other justice-based agencies.
Last updated: 12 November 2022
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
Recommended texts and other resources
A detailed study guide will be provided to students.
Last updated: 12 November 2022