Module ANTH3511: Forensic Anthropology

Department: Anthropology

ANTH3511: Forensic Anthropology

Prerequisites

• ANTH2061 Evolution, Variation and Adaptation OR ANTH2011 Ecology, Genomics and Health OR ANTH2071 Our Place in Nature

Corequisites

• None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None.

Aims

• To examine the contribution of biological anthropological research to the study of forensic science
• To provide students with a detailed understanding of the methods and theory of forensic anthropology
• To develop a critical awareness of current practice in forensic anthropology

Content

• Human biological variation and its application to forensic anthropology
• Detailed human osteology and odontology
• Assessment of age at death, sex, ancestry, stature, trauma analysis, crime scene and identification processes
• An in depth discussion of the role of the forensic anthropologist
• An in depth discussion of the ethical issues surrounding research with human remains
• Forensic genetics

Learning Outcomes

• Students should be able to demonstrate knowledge of the main methods used to assess identification of a human skeleton
• Students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of the main taphonomic processes that a body undergoes after death
• Students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of the varied role of the forensic anthropologist and recognition of when skills in human identification could assist the investigations and when other specialists have to be called in

• Students will have a detailed knowledge of the human skeleton and be able to identify individual bones (both complete and partial)
• Students will be able to distinguish human skeletal remains from animal skeletal remains
• Students should be able to demonstrate knowledge of the limitations when profiling human remains
• Students should be able to critically evaluate the presentation of forensic anthropology to the general public

• Ability to identify individual components of the human skeleton
• Ability to quantify human skeletal remains
• Ability to critically evaluate subject specific methods and debates
• Ability to communicate findings effectively

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• The formal components of the module employ a range of teaching methods to provide an integrated framework to contribute to the intended learning outcomes outlined above
• The module benefits from a balance between lectures, seminars and practical classes, geared to the specific needs of the subject material
• Lectures will cover topics relevant for providing students with an understanding of the key methods, ideas and debates in forensic anthropology
• Lectures are a traditional method of communicating both factual information and a clear understanding of the relationship between issues
• Practical lab classes will provide students with the opportunity to apply the knowledge gained in lectures
• Seminars provide an opportunity to critically explore a range of topics in greater depth, to make oral presentations and to debate key issues raised in the lectures and practical classes
• Difficult and unresolved issues can all be approached successfully through discussion in seminars
• Oral presentations allow students to develop critical perspectives on the methods and ideas
• The in-class and written exams will test applied knowledge relevant to the subject material
• The written exam will test a deeper understanding of the issues relevant to the subject material
• Formative feedback will be given on the written plan for the oral presentation and a practice in-class exam will be held
• Formative feedback will also form an integral part of the seminar discussions

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Formative class test (practical steeplechase). Oral presentation plan (800 words) with feedback in class.

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University