Forensic Anthropology BSc (Hons)

Independent Study for Forensic Scientists

The module will provide a framework for students to develop a range of study skills and an understanding of forensic methods over 2 semesters within a portfolio framework. In addition it will encourage an appreciation of the current state of knowledge of new techniques and discoveries within this context.

Principles of Forensic and Crime Scene Investigation

To introduce: (1) the scope, methods and limitations of crime scene examination and forensic enquiry in the crime to court process, (2) main evidence types in volume, major and serious crimes (3) To provide hands-on experience of laboratory casework and crime scene examination.

Introduction to Archaeological Methods

To provide an introductory 'hands on' approach to the fundamental principles of archaeological practice, and

their relevance to archaeological, forensic and heritage studies. Focusing on the nature of the archaeological record and developing essential skills in reasoning with archaeological data, in the processes and methodologies of site identification, excavation and interpretation, and the comprehension of why such skills are critical to the various disciplines.

Biological Anthropology: From Human Evolution To Forensic Anthropology

This module provides fundamental base knowlege by introducing the subject of biological anthropology, including human evolution, and the analysis of archaeological and modern human skeletal remains in a broad range of contexts (Forensic and Archaeological).

Scientific Frameworks

This module is intended to give students an introduction to scientific principles and an understanding of the relevance of a range of applications of scientific techniques within archaeology and forensic anthropology.

Field Recording Skills

The cornerstone of any scientifically based field discipline, be it archaeology, heritage or crime scene investigation, is based on observation of the material present, identification of what is significant and then the collection of field data/evidence, its analysis and presentation. This module focuses on these key skills which are critical to any form of investigation. This module will focus on how to identify evidence in the field, record it effectively and present it to a non-specialist audience in a clear and effective manner.

Forensic Biology

To provide an understanding of how biological evidence can be used in forensic cases

Forensic Examination and Analysis of Physical Evidence

To develop skills in the forensic and analytical examination of items of evidence in the laboratory, in the recovery and comparison or analysis of contact trace material, in the optical, physical and chemical enhancement of scene marks and the presumptive testing of some commonly encountered evidential stains, in the context of forensic standards (ISO 17025).

Statistics And Databases For Forensic Scientists

To provide a basis for understanding and performing standard descriptive and inferential statistics appropriate to forensic data. To build confidence in the execution of statistical tests, using appropriate software, to evaluate and present data. To develop an understanding of probability and Bayesian likelihood ratios which are commonly employed in forensic evidence. To provide an understanding of the nature of different potential data sets of evidence types for addressing fundamental questions in forensic science.

Virtual Anatomy for Forensic Sciences

This module will encourage you to explore and develop your knowledge of human anatomical structures and tissues in a systematic way using digital media alongside traditional methods. Students will learn to use and critically evaluate digital resources, and apply their anatomical knowledge to forensic case work.

Forensic Chemistry

The aims of this module are to promote the understanding of aspects of chemistry which underpin scientific techniques and analysis in forensics and other areas of science and to allow students to gain laboratory experience. An emphasis will be placed on how the skills developed in this module may be applied to your continued development as a Forensic Scientist.

Comparative Osteology

To provide an overview of the analysis of human and faunal remains within archaeological and forensic contexts and to acquire basic skills in the identification of such remains.

Placement

To provide the student with relevant experience of the workplace in an environment appropriate to their course of study, and acquire experience of real-world practical tasks, in order to develop better time-management skills; put their academic learning into a practical context; to develop and exercise a broad range of skills including specialist technical problem solving, communication and management skills; and to gain experience of careers relevant to their course of study.

Study Abroad Experience

To give students first-hand experience of studying in an overseas environment and understand different cultural issues and academic discussions and practice relevant to the student's chosen degree.

Forensic Taphonomy: the degradation of human remains and death-scene materials

This module provides a detailed understanding of the principles and practice relating to forensic taphonomy. This includes the degradation of human bodies and associated materials under a range of terrestrial and underwater environments.

Dating, Diet and Identity

The aim of the module is to explore the role of scientific methods in addressing key areas of study of the past. What has been achieved? How do we evaluate the archaeological and forensic importance of the findings? What challenges remain and how might they be addressed? The module will focus on the themes of dating, diet and identity, areas with significant staff expertise.

Interpretation and Presentation of Forensic Evidence for Forensic Science

To develop skills in the interpretation of forensic evidence (in the context of case circumstances) for a variety of physical evidence types and an appreciation of arguments used to weaken or strengthen conclusions. To inform debate in the interpretation of statistical and non-statistical forensic evidence. To introduce Bayesian statistics to the evaluation of forensic evidence. To develop an appreciation of the requirements of the English courts on experts (specifically the role of expert witnesses (criminal procedure rules 2015), quality management systems, and the effect of Daubert in the US. To develop understanding of the regulation of forensic practice including the Home Office forensic science regulator and ISO 17020 and ISO 17025). To provide experience of presenting and defending expert opinion.

Forensic Anthropology

To provide the student with an understanding of the analysis of human skeletal material remains from mass disasters, the identification of victims of crime, and other types of casualties. The module will be taught through lectures and laboratory classes.

Forensic Archaeology

To introduce the interdisciplinary study of forensic archaeology and its application to the search and recovery of human remains from a range of different depositional environments.

Independent Study for Forensic Scientists

The module will provide a framework for students to develop a range of study skills and an understanding of forensic methods over 2 semesters within a portfolio framework. In addition it will encourage an appreciation of the current state of knowledge of new techniques and discoveries within this context.

Principles of Forensic and Crime Scene Investigation

To introduce: (1) the scope, methods and limitations of crime scene examination and forensic enquiry in the crime to court process, (2) main evidence types in volume, major and serious crimes (3) To provide hands-on experience of laboratory casework and crime scene examination.

Introduction to Archaeological Methods

To provide an introductory 'hands on' approach to the fundamental principles of archaeological practice, and

their relevance to archaeological, forensic and heritage studies. Focusing on the nature of the archaeological record and developing essential skills in reasoning with archaeological data, in the processes and methodologies of site identification, excavation and interpretation, and the comprehension of why such skills are critical to the various disciplines.

Biological Anthropology: From Human Evolution To Forensic Anthropology

This module provides fundamental base knowlege by introducing the subject of biological anthropology, including human evolution, and the analysis of archaeological and modern human skeletal remains in a broad range of contexts (Forensic and Archaeological).

Scientific Frameworks

This module is intended to give students an introduction to scientific principles and an understanding of the relevance of a range of applications of scientific techniques within archaeology and forensic anthropology.

Field Recording Skills

The cornerstone of any scientifically based field discipline, be it archaeology, heritage or crime scene investigation, is based on observation of the material present, identification of what is significant and then the collection of field data/evidence, its analysis and presentation. This module focuses on these key skills which are critical to any form of investigation. This module will focus on how to identify evidence in the field, record it effectively and present it to a non-specialist audience in a clear and effective manner.

Forensic Biology

To provide an understanding of how biological evidence can be used in forensic cases

Forensic Examination and Analysis of Physical Evidence

To develop skills in the forensic and analytical examination of items of evidence in the laboratory, in the recovery and comparison or analysis of contact trace material, in the optical, physical and chemical enhancement of scene marks and the presumptive testing of some commonly encountered evidential stains, in the context of forensic standards (ISO 17025).

Statistics And Databases For Forensic Scientists

To provide a basis for understanding and performing standard descriptive and inferential statistics appropriate to forensic data. To build confidence in the execution of statistical tests, using appropriate software, to evaluate and present data. To develop an understanding of probability and Bayesian likelihood ratios which are commonly employed in forensic evidence. To provide an understanding of the nature of different potential data sets of evidence types for addressing fundamental questions in forensic science.

Virtual Anatomy for Forensic Sciences

This module will encourage you to explore and develop your knowledge of human anatomical structures and tissues in a systematic way using digital media alongside traditional methods. Students will learn to use and critically evaluate digital resources, and apply their anatomical knowledge to forensic case work.

Forensic Chemistry

The aims of this module are to promote the understanding of aspects of chemistry which underpin scientific techniques and analysis in forensics and other areas of science and to allow students to gain laboratory experience. An emphasis will be placed on how the skills developed in this module may be applied to your continued development as a Forensic Scientist.

Comparative Osteology

To provide an overview of the analysis of human and faunal remains within archaeological and forensic contexts and to acquire basic skills in the identification of such remains.

Placement

To provide the student with relevant experience of the workplace in an environment appropriate to their course of study, and acquire experience of real-world practical tasks, in order to develop better time-management skills; put their academic learning into a practical context; to develop and exercise a broad range of skills including specialist technical problem solving, communication and management skills; and to gain experience of careers relevant to their course of study.

Study Abroad Experience

To give students first-hand experience of studying in an overseas environment and understand different cultural issues and academic discussions and practice relevant to the student's chosen degree.

Forensic Taphonomy: the degradation of human remains and death-scene materials

This module provides a detailed understanding of the principles and practice relating to forensic taphonomy. This includes the degradation of human bodies and associated materials under a range of terrestrial and underwater environments.

Dating, Diet and Identity

The aim of the module is to explore the role of scientific methods in addressing key areas of study of the past. What has been achieved? How do we evaluate the archaeological and forensic importance of the findings? What challenges remain and how might they be addressed? The module will focus on the themes of dating, diet and identity, areas with significant staff expertise.

Interpretation and Presentation of Forensic Evidence for Forensic Science

To develop skills in the interpretation of forensic evidence (in the context of case circumstances) for a variety of physical evidence types and an appreciation of arguments used to weaken or strengthen conclusions. To inform debate in the interpretation of statistical and non-statistical forensic evidence. To introduce Bayesian statistics to the evaluation of forensic evidence. To develop an appreciation of the requirements of the English courts on experts (specifically the role of expert witnesses (criminal procedure rules 2015), quality management systems, and the effect of Daubert in the US. To develop understanding of the regulation of forensic practice including the Home Office forensic science regulator and ISO 17020 and ISO 17025). To provide experience of presenting and defending expert opinion.

Forensic Anthropology

To provide the student with an understanding of the analysis of human skeletal material remains from mass disasters, the identification of victims of crime, and other types of casualties. The module will be taught through lectures and laboratory classes.

Forensic Archaeology

To introduce the interdisciplinary study of forensic archaeology and its application to the search and recovery of human remains from a range of different depositional environments.