1. Demonstrate knowledge of a wide range of mass death scenarios, including cases of genocide, mass violence, conflict and mass disaster.

Knowledge and understanding, enquiry and analysis

2. Understand and critically evaluate the methods that may be employed by forensic archaeologists and anthropologists as part of search and recovery efforts following mass death scenarios

Knowledge and understanding, analysis and reflection

3. Apply your knowledge of these crime scenes and techniques to desk-based and practical exercises connected to mass grave and mass disaster investigation

Application, Analysis, communication

This module will be assessed by

A case-based essay that presents and critically evaluates search and recovery strategies employed in a mass death scenario. Students will select from a list of topics provided by the tutor [LO 1,2,3]

A practical portfolio in which students will report on exercises undertaken in both the mass grave and mass disaster investigation practicals [LO 2 and 3]

This module will introduce you to the variety of ways in which forensic archaeologists and anthropologists carry out searches and recover the remains of victims in mass death scenarios. You will learn about a range of crime scenes connected to incidents across the world - including those relating to genocide, mass violence, conflict, natural disasters, terrorist incidents, migration and the Covid-19 pandemic – and the techniques used to investigate them.



Indicative topics include:



Legal frameworks and the history of investigations related to genocide, mass violence and mass fatalities

Forensic archaeological approaches to mass grave investigation (search and recovery)

The challenges and considerations involved in investigating socio-historic conflicts and genocide

Search and recovery in mass disaster scenarios (including natural disasters, terrorist incidents, mass shootings and fire investigation)

Family liaison and antemortem data collection

Forensic identification methods and Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) protocols

Migrant deaths

Missing and unidentified persons during the Covid-19 pandemic

A mass grave investigation practical

A mass disaster practical

How do forensic archaeologists and anthropologists respond when a mass death incident occurs? On this module you will learn about the variety of search and recovery methods used in the during and after cases of genocide, mass violence, conflict, natural disasters, terrorist incidents, migration and the Covid-19 pandemic. Through a range of case studies from incidents that have occurred in the 20th and 21st century, you will be introduced to the specific challenges posed by these events at a range of crime scenes. You will be taught by forensic practitioners who will share first-hand experiences of working in mass death environments.

In this module you will learn via a combination of lectures, seminars, and practical exercises, allowing you to gain in-depth theoretical and practical knowledge of a range of mass death scenarios and the means to investigate them. Technology Enhanced Learning will support delivery. In summary, you will undertake:

20 hours made up of tutor-led lecture and seminars. These sessions will introduce students to the theoretical aspects of mass death investigations and relevant case studies.

7 hours of practicals relating to mass grave and mass disaster investigation

Tutors will provide supporting materials and formative and summative assessments to help you. Discussion and debate will be encouraged, and a number of different media types will be used throughout the course to allow you to engage with the subject matter. Self-directed study also makes up an important part of the module that will enable you to become a more independent learner and help prepare you for postgraduate study or employment.

Anstett, E. and Dreyfus, J. 2017. Destruction and human remains: Disposal and concealment in genocide and mass violence. Manchester: Manchester University Press.

Anstett, E. and Dreyfus, J. 2015. Human remains and identification: mass violence, genocide, and the 'forensic turn'. Manchester: Manchester University Press.

Barone, Pier Matteo,¿Groen, W. J. Mike (eds.) 2018. Multidisciplinary Approaches to Forensic Archaeology. New York: Springer.

Morewitz, S. and Sturdy Colls, C. 2016. Handbook on Missing Persons. New York: Springer.

Supplied course packs of readings; ebooks and e-journals, relevant websites.

Blackboard VLE

Computer with internet access; students’ own textbooks

Enrolment on BSc (Hons) Forensic Investigation