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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Interpret forensic science information 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
242715  Interpret forensic science information 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Forensic Science 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 08 - Law, Military Science and Security Safety in Society 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  3 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-06-30   2029-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This unit standard does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
This unit standard is intended for learners who interpret forensic science information and who are required on a daily basis to use information storage systems. The storage of information plays a vital role within the chain of custody of evidential material for presentation in court, and is critical to the outcome of investigations and the gathering of information pertaining to intelligence. The scientific nature of the interpretation based on facts to support findings demands a different skill contrasted to ordinary interpretation skills. This unit standard will enable a learner to use interpretation skills within a forensic scientific context.


A learner credited with this unit standard will be able to:
  • Analyse the use of information storage formats.
  • Interpret gathered information in terms of its relevance in intelligence. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Computer literacy, at NQF level 3. 

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    When the term intelligence is used in this unit standard, it refers to the scientific use of forensic information within investigation. 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Analyse the use of information storage formats. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Storage format must include, but are not limited to: information management systems (IMS), such as integrated ballistics identification system (IBIS), and laboratory information management systems (LIMS) such as automated fingerprint identification system (AFIS), DNA criminal intelligence database (DCID), combined DNA index system (CODIS). 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Gathered information is analysed in order to select storage format. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Information storage formats are compared in terms of their advantages and disadvantages. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Information storage format requirements are explained with examples. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Interpret gathered information in terms of its relevance in intelligence. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Role of information storage formats is explained in the context of intelligence. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    When explaining the context of intelligence, its supportive function must also be addressed.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The purpose of information storage formats is assessed in terms of its role within the intelligence environment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The concept of intelligence within the forensic environment is explained with examples. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    A route map for the flow of information is constructed based on a given case study. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The route map must include, but is not limited to: reference to organisational channels.
     


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Any individual who wishes to be assessed against this unit standard (including assessment of RPL) may apply to an assessment agency, assessor or provider institution accredited by the relevant ETQA, or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Anyone assessing a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA, or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA. Assessors must be competent in the outcome of the Unit Standard.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this unit standard or assessing this unit standard must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Moderation of assessment will be conducted by the relevant ETQA according to the moderation guidelines in the relevant qualification and the relevant ETQA procedures. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
  • Automated fingerprint identification system (AFIS).
  • Integrated ballistics information system (IBIS).
  • DNA criminal intelligence database (DCID).
  • Combined DNA index system (CODIS).
  • Route maps.
  • Intelligence principles.
  • Organisational structures and channels.
  • Electronic databases.
  • Forensic science environment. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems in which responses display that responsible decisions, using critical thinking, have been made. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation or community. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively using visual, mathematical, and/or language skills in the modes of written and/or oral presentation. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically, show responsibility towards the environment and the health of others. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO CONTRIBUTING 
    Contribute to the full personal development of each learner and the social and economic development of the society at large, by making it the underlying intention of any programme of learning to make an individual aware of the importance of:
  • Reflecting on and exploring a variety of strategies to learn more effectively.
  • Participating as responsible citizens in the life of local, national and global communities.
  • Being culturally and aesthetically sensitive across a range of social contexts. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    Glossary of terminology

    Automated fingerprint identification system (AFIS):
  • A fingerprint and criminal history system, providing automated fingerprint search capabilities, latent searching capability, electronic image storage, and electronic exchange of fingerprints.

    Intelligence:
  • Scientific use of forensic information within crime investigation.

    Combined DNA index system (CODIS):
  • Database that contains DNA information from multiple forensic science sources.

    DNA:
  • Chemical structure in the nucleus of a cell that contains the genetic information of an organism.

    DNA criminal intelligence database (DCID):
  • Database where DNA information is stored for the purpose of criminal intelligence.

    Information management systems (IMS):
  • Management of information to enable integration of data, resulting in greater efficiency and effectiveness in the handling of information to be used by many sources who share the information.

    Integrated ballistics identification system (IBIS):
  • A computerised system used to capture and compare digital photographs and images of fired bullets and cartridge cases.

    Laboratory information management systems (LIMS):
  • Software that helps biological and chemical laboratories manage samples and analytical data.

    Nuclear DNA:
  • DNA located in the nucleus of a cell.

    List of abbreviations
  • AFIS: Automated Fingerprint Identification System
  • CODIS: Combined DNA Index System
  • DCID: DNA Criminal Intelligence Database
  • DNA: Deoxyribonucleic Acid
  • IBIS: Integrated Ballistics Identification System
  • IMS: Information Management Systems
  • LIMS: Laboratory Information Management Systems
  • SGB: Standard Generating Body
  • SNP: Short Nucleotide Polymorphism
  • StaCS: Sample tracking and Control System
  • STR: Short Tandem Repeat 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Fundamental  57651   National Certificate: Forensic Science  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  SAS SETA 
    Elective  61729   National Diploma: Policing  Level 6  NQF Level 06  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  SAS SETA 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    NONE 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.