During the week 8 study break the Master of Forensic Science students undertook their annual field trip to the Murdoch Whitby Falls farm as part of BIO685 Crime Scene Investigation II.

During the exercise the students gathered evidence from a mock murder scene whereby a body (pig carcass) had been buried in a makeshift grave. The exercise took two days with an overnight stay under the stars on the farm site. A representative from WA Police Forensic Major Crime Scene Unit attended the exercise and commented on the professionalism and expertise of the students during their examination.

 

In the evening, students were captivated with Farm Manager Bob Fawcett’s fireside tales of the site history and accompanying ghost stories. Some were even fortunate enough to witness the birth of a new calf, aptly named “Chappie” after Forensic Lecturer Brendan Chapman was called upon to assist unexpectedly in the delivery. Both Chappie and mother are doing well, although a few students may take time to recover from the spectacle.

 

Along with the students, Murdoch farm and academic staff gained invaluable insight across the subsequent subject areas and the exercise was a valuable tool in bringing together the various clusters operating under the School of Veterinary and Life Science.