1. Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the main techniques used for human identification and disaster victim identification.

1, 2, 3, 6

2. Manipulate information from techniques that can be used to recover potential sources of evidence collected at the crime scene, mass disaster environment, and from the laboratory.

4, 7

3. Critically evaluate methods used to identify human remains.

3, 4, 8

4. Demonstrate knowledge of the challenges and issues faced by practitioners and researchers in the field of Forensic Humanitarianism.

1, 2, 6, 8

Assessment 1: A 2000 word essay based on a critique of techniques used in human identification and disaster victim identification (2000 words). This assignment must draw on current research (as presented in books and journals) and practical work undertaken as part of the module. (Learning Outcomes 1-3).

Assessment 2: A 15 minute oral presentation. Students will deliver individual presentations focusing upon the issues and challenges on one of the following topics: forensic humanitarianism (from a family or a practitioner perspective), migrant deaths, disaster victim identification (DVI), and missing and unidentified persons during the Covid-19 pandemic. This assignment must draw on current research (as presented in books and journals) and practical work undertaken as part of the module. (Learning Outcome 4).

Additional Assessment Details:
Formative assessments will be set in the form of practical tasks, in-class exercises, and intersessional activities. Students will be provided with formative feedback in these sessions.

This module provides students with advanced theory and knowledge of techniques that are involved in human identification. It will also explore the issues and challenges faced within forensic humanitarianism, and how identification techniques are employed within this specialism. The module will specialise in:
- Victim identification, the methods used to identify the dead, and the problems encountered in human identification;
- Human identification protocols in mass disaster environments;

- The issues and challenges within forensic humanitarianism from a family, researcher, and practitioner perspective.


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 and forensic humanitarianism.

As well as acquiring knowledge of specialised techniques, students will made aware of current research and potential future developments in forensic science 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.

This module will provide you with advanced theory and knowledge of techniques that are involved in human identification. It will also explore the issues and challenges faced within forensic humanitarianism, and how identification techniques are employed within this specialism. The module will specialise in:
- Victim identification, the methods used to identify the dead, and the problems encountered in human identification;
- Human identification protocols in mass disaster environments;

- The issues and challenges within forensic humanitarianism from a family, researcher, and practitioner perspective.
The module will allow you to develop your understanding of advanced forensic techniques, while simultaneously considering the ethical and moral dilemmas faced by researchers and practitioners. As well as acquiring knowledge of specialised techniques, you will made aware of current research and potential future developments in forensic science and forensic humanitarianism.

nteractive lectures and tutorials will run over the course of two semesters to convey theoretical material. Practical workshops in the laboratory and Sports Hall, 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. Christensen, A. M., Passalacqua, N. V. and Bartelink, E. J. 2014. Forensic Anthropology: Current Methods and Practice. Oxford: Academic Press.

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

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

4. 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.

5. Thompson, T. and Black, S. 2006. Forensic Human Identification. Boca Raton: CRC Press.

6. Thompson, T. and Gowland. R. 2013. Human Identity and Identification. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Adequately equipped lecture room and resources library
Blackboard VLE
Laboratories for practical sessions