Forensic Anthropology

On this module you'll design and plan a research project and undertake statistical analysis of data. You'll also carry out independent research project that is based on a systematic review of the literature, laboratory or field experiments, or questionnaires and surveys.

This module will guide through a case—from collecting evidence at the crime scene to laboratory analysis, interpretation, and presenting the findings in court.

You will learn the importance of correctly packaging, labeling, storing, and maintaining continuity records for different types of evidence, and how these processes transition from the crime scene to the laboratory.

In the lab, you will develop protocols and procedures to ensure high-quality forensic analysis that meets UK standards.

The module also equips you with the skills of a scientific expert witness, providing a detailed understanding of the relevant laws, court procedures, and your duties as an expert witness in the Criminal Justice System.

This module covers the human musculo-skeletal system and its development from an embryonic state to the adult form.

You'll learn the developmental course of each bone in the human skeleton and those of the associated soft tissue structures. You will also learn how to identify and side bones and bone fragments by recognising landmarks.

You'll study soft tissue systems too, completing training in human anatomy that is necessary for the understanding of medicolegal identification of human remains and the cause and manner of death.

This module focuses on methods of identification from skeletal remains, in forensic and archaeological contexts.

You'll utilise lab-based techniques to create an osteological profile from skeletal remains. Your results will include the estimation of age at death, biological sex, stature and ancestry.

You'll gain a critical awareness and evaluation of recent advances in Forensic Anthropological research, including imaging techniques such as 3D scanning, radiography and CT.

The module also covers core and key skills in forensic anthropological research practice, including:

• Critical research evaluation
• Report writing
• Bibliographic referencing
• Appropriate statistical methods in current anthropological practice
• Professional presentation of case analyse.

This module provides an insight into genetic variability and the application of that variability to forensic genetics. The module will introduce and develop all the core skills laboratory skills. The module will also develop your ability to evaluate and present DNA data

This module provides you with knowledge about the process of death and the stages of human decomposition from the early post-mortem period (minutes and hours) to the later stages (months, years, decades, and centuries).

You will explore how decomposition varies across different contexts and environments, learn techniques for estimating the post-mortem interval (PMI) and understand their limitations.

The module focuses on buried and cremated remains, critical evaluation of current literature, and key issues in taphonomy research and its practical applications. You will also receive training to recognize stages of decomposition in various environments and identify different taphonomic effects, such as scavenging or burning.

This module helps you understand the humanitarian and legal obligations, both national and international, related to identifying the living and the deceased. You will study the disciplines, methods, and techniques used to identify human remains and gain detailed insight into the death management process both within and beyond a medico-legal context.