Forensic Anthropology
| Module title | Forensic Anthropology |
|---|---|
| Module code | ARC2514 |
| Academic year | 2019/0 |
| Credits | 15 |
| Module staff | Dr Laura Evis (Convenor) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 11 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 40 |
|---|
Module description
This module establishes the framework of the parent field, biological anthropology (with emphases on human anatomy and human biology) in order to explore the parameters by which to establish the personal identity (bio-profiling) of the deceased, a procedure that lies at the base of both forensic anthropology and bioarchaeology.
Module aims - intentions of the module
This module provides an introductory survey of the basic principles of the study of human remains to establish personal identity with emphases on the metric and non-metric characterisation of skeletal shape and size, and application of demographic reference standards for age and sex determination and population affinity. It also introduces pathological and anatomical variation applied to establishing human identity and the place of such studies within the discipline of biological anthropology.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. Understand key concepts of forensic anthropology
- 2. Use terms and conventions commonly employed in forensic anthropology
- 3. Demonstrate competence in the identification of the bones of the human skeleton
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 4. Show initiative in interpreting a variety of information forms
- 5. Demonstrate familiarity with the literature base germane to forensic anthropology
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 6. Demonstrate competence in summarising published research
- 7. Demonstrate competent knowledge base under examination conditions
Syllabus plan
Whilst the content may vary from year to year, it is envisioned that it will cover some or all of the following topics:
- Skeletal anatomy
- Determination of age-at-death from skeletal remains
- Determination of ancestral heritage from skeletal remains
- Determination of stature from human remains
- Determination of biological sex from human remains
- Definition and identification of pathological conditions
- Categorisation and identification of trauma
- Categorisation and identification of non-metric anatomical variants
- Role of the forensic anthropologist from crime scene to court
- Role of the forensic anthropologist in international criminal investigations
- Role of the forensic anthropologist in mass disaster investigations
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 33 | 117 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching | 33 | Lectures and practical workshops (11 x 3hrs) |
| Guided Independent Study | 117 | Private study |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 40 | 60 | 0 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| In class test | 40 | 45 minutes | 2-4,7 | Mark and written comments |
| Examination | 60 | 2 hours | 1-7 | Mark and written comments |
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| In class test | Supervised practical test | 2-4,7 | Referral/deferral period |
| Examination | Examination 2 hours | 1-7 | Referral/deferral period |
Re-assessment notes
Deferral – if you miss an assessment for certificated reasons judged acceptable by the Mitigation Committee, you will normally be either deferred in the assessment or an extension may be granted. The mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of deferral will not be capped and will be treated as it would be if it were your first attempt at the assessment.
Referral – if you have failed the module overall (i.e. a final overall module mark of less than 40%) you will be required to submit a further assessment as necessary. If you are successful on referral, your overall module mark will be capped at 40%.
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
- Bass, W.M., 2005. Human Osteology: A laboratory and field manual. Columbia: Missouri Archaeological Society.
- Blau, S. and Ubelaker, D.H., 2009. Handbook of forensic anthropology and archaeology. Walnut Creek: Left Coast Press
- Brickley, M. and Ferllini, R., 2007. Forensic Anthropology Case Studies from Europe. Springfield, Illinois: Charles C Thomas. *Forum library – available in the normal collection 614.17094BRI.
- Byers, S,N., 2011. Introduction to forensic anthropology. Harlow: Pearson Education.
- Klepinger, L., 2006. Fundamentals of Forensic Anthropology. Chichester: Wiley-Liss.
- White, T.D. and Folkens, P.A., 2005. The Human Bone Manual. Amsterdam: Academic Press
Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources
| Credit value | 15 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 7.5 |
| Module pre-requisites | None |
| Module co-requisites | None |
| NQF level (module) | 5 |
| Available as distance learning? | No |
| Origin date | 2010 |
| Last revision date | 13/03/2019 |
