This module provides students with theory and knowledge of methods used to analyse human remains, particularly those employed by forensic anthropologists. It will also explore the issues and challenges faced within Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) and forensic humanitarianism. The module will specialise in:
- The identification of skeletal remains, including the construction of a biological profile, identification of skeletal pathology and trauma, and taphonomy.
- Disaster Victim Identification protocols and the growing field of forensic humanitarianism.

Students will be expected to think analytically and be aware of new research presented in journals. The module will also allow students to develop their understanding of forensic techniques, while simultaneously considering the ethical and moral dilemmas faced by researchers and practitioners working in human identification (including forensic anthropology) and forensic humanitarianism. Expertise from external lecturers will be employed to demonstrate the application of methods in real world cases, and the issues and challenges faced in their work.

1. Practical Osteology Tests (15% each): 2 x 45 minutes tests. These tests will be employed to show skeletal identification and analysis skills. Practical test 1 will be a mid-term exam (Semester 1, Week 7) and practical test 2 will take place towards the end of Semester 1 (Week 12). Outcomes 1 and 2.

2. Osteology report (35%): 1000 word report. The semester 1 report will involve writing an osteology report based on the analysis of a human skeleton, which will be examined in the laboratory. The practical sessions will be case based and require the application of theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios. Outcomes 2, 3 and 4.

3. Critique (35%): 1000 word report. The semester 2 written assessment will involve writing a 1000 word critique exploring the issues and challenges faced within either a) DVI or b) forensic humanitarianism. Outcome 4.

Additional Assessment Details:
Each practical session will involve formative assessment and feedback opportunities. Students will also be able to access formative assignments through Blackboard activities and during specific interactive lectures and workshops.

Interactive lectures, seminars, and tutorials will run over the course of two semesters to convey theoretical material. Practical workshops in the laboratory, will allow students to apply their knowledge and understanding to scenario-based cases. Independent study hours will be spent reading background material, and completing formative and summative assignments.

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the key roles of professionals involved in the managing of crime scenes involving human remains.

Knowledge and Understanding

2. Evaluate the basic aspects of human identification, including identification of trauma on hard and soft tissue.

Analysis; Application; Communication

3. Develop an ability to critically appraise the methods employed when analysing human remains.
Analysis; Application; Enquiry; Learning

4. Demonstrate an ability to apply the knowledge of forensic techniques to case-based scenarios.
Application

5. Critically appraise methods and procedures used in DVI and forensic humanitarianism.

Knowledge and Understanding; Enquiry; Reflection

Blackboard VLE
Module Handbook
Lecture room equipped with PowerPoint, OHP and whiteboard

Christensen, A. M., Passalacqua, N. V. and Bartelink, E. J. (2014) Forensic Anthropology: Current Methods and Practice. Oxford: Academic Press.

ICRC. 2020. Covid-19: General Guidance for the Management of the Dead: ICRC Forensic Unit. Geneva: ICRC.

Interpol. 2020. Interpol [online]. Available at: https://www.interpol.int/en

Parra, R. C., Zapico, S. and Ubelaker, D. H. (eds.) 2020. Forensic Science and Humanitarian Action: Interacting with the Dead and the Living. London: Wiley.

Schotsmans, E., Márquez-Grant, N. and Forbes, S. (eds.) (2017) Taphonomy of human remains: forensic analysis of the dead and the depositional environment. Chichester: Wiley-Blackwell.

Squires, K.E., Errickson, D. and Márquez-Grant, N. (eds.) (2019). Ethical Approaches to Human Remains: A Global Challenge in Bioarchaeology and Forensic Anthropology. Cham: Springer.

This module will focus on how the analysis of human remains can assist in the identification process. It will also focus upon Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) and the growing field of forensic humanitarianism. In Semester 1, you will learn about the techniques utilised in body identification and identification of pathology, trauma, and taphonomy. You will use a variety of osteological techniques to analyse human skeletal remains, construct a biological profile, and identify and interpret pathology, trauma, and taphonomy. In Semester 2, you will learn about DVI protocols and the value of forensic humanitarianism not only within forensic science, more society more broadly. You will learn about contemporary issues within these fields and how forensics can be used to overcome these challenges.