1. Demonstrate knowledge of skeletal identification and methods employed by Forensic Anthropologists to produce biological profiles.
Analysis
Application
Knowledge and Understanding
Learning

2. Apply methods used to record and analyse skeletal remains in a case-based scenario.
Analysis
Application
Knowledge and Understanding
Learning
Problem Solving

3. Critically engage with ethical dilemmas faced by Forensic Anthropologists alongside methods used in the recovery and analysis stages of a case.
Communication
Enquiry
Knowledge and Understanding
Reflection

4. Communicate and analyse technical information, ideas, problems, and solutions to both specialist and non-specialist.
Analysis
Communication

5. The ability to work as a team, as well as independently, on practical tasks in Forensic Anthropology. Communication
Learning
Reflection

1. A 3500 word portfolio comprised of a 500 word critique of anthropological methods, a 1000 word report on recording and collection methods of human remains from a scene (including pro-formas and photographs from the Crime Scene House practical session), and a 2000 word osteology report (based on the remains recovered from the Crime Scene House practical session). 70% 3500 words

2. 11 in-class tests. 30% 15 minutes per test

Assessment 1: Learning outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8

Assessment 2: Learning outcomes 1 and 2


Students will be provided with formative assessment and feedback via:

Comments made on their work during practical sessions.

Exercises will be set through the online facility on Blackboard in order to facilitate regular formative contact with the students.

Content taught through mixture of Blackboard VLE activities, lectures, seminars and practical classes in the laboratory and crime scene house. This module will develop an in-depth understanding of methods employed by Forensic Anthropologists on the crime scene and in the laboratory. You will develop your skeletal identification skills alongside techniques employed to record and analyse human remains. Furthermore, you will develop your critical analysis skills throughout the course of the module through formative and summative assessments.

Topics taught will include: ethical considerations when working with human remains, standards and guidelines, recording human remains at a scene, skeletal and dental identification, methods used by Forensic Anthropologists to assess age, sex, ancestry, stature, non-metric traits, musculo-skeletal markers, pathology and trauma. Additionally, taphonomy, the construction of biological profiles, the value of studying skeletal remains in individual and mass disaster scenarios, the development of traditional and technical methods used by Forensic Anthropologists will also be addressed in this module. The content of this module will follow each of the Forensic Anthropology Competency Standards, outlined by the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences.

74 hours made up of tutor led lecture/tutorial/problem solving and practical classes will be used to deliver the core material.
226 hours of independent study will be used to research background information, complete practical tutorials related to the delivery of the core material, prepare pre-requisite work for practical’s, work on assignments, and engage in informal teamwork.

Abrahams, P. H., Spratt, J. D., Loukas, M. and van Schoor, A. N. (2013) Clinical Atlas of Human Anatomy. 7th ed. Mosby (MO): Mosby Elsevier.

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

Christensen, A. and Passalacqua, N. V. (2018) A Laboratory Manual for Forensic Anthropology. Amsterdam: Elsevier.

Cox, M. and Mays, S. (eds.) (2000) Human Osteology in Archaeology and Forensic Science. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Schotsmans, E. M. J, Márquez-Grant, N. and Forbes, S. L. (2017) Taphonomy of Human Remains: Forensic Analysis of the Dead and the Depositional Environment. Chichester: Wiley.

White, T. D., Black, M. T. and Folkens, P. A. (2012) Human Osteology. 3rd ed. London: Elsevier Academic Press.

Journals: International Journal of Osteoarchaeology and American Journal of Physical Anthropology

Module handbook, standard lecture room facilities, appropriate laboratory facilities, crime scene house facility, cameras, access to library and to computers with:-

Blackboard VLE
SPSS
Adobe Photoshop