Forensic Anthropology (with a placement year)

This degree explores how archaeological techniques and the analysis of human remains are used in a forensic (medico-legal) context.

You will gain a full grounding in archaeological excavation, surveying and recording of crime scenes.

In addition, you will also learn about human anatomy and anthropological analysis of human remains, including age, sex, ancestry assessment and the analysis and interpretation of trauma.

Specialist modules will allow you to understand how scientific techniques are used to build up a biological profile of unidentified remains; processes of decomposition (and preservation) of human tissues and associated materials; trauma analysis; and forensic identification of living people.

You'll also gain an understanding of scientific principles and how data should be presented in a legal context.

Placement year
You can spend a year in a laboratory environment as a paid employee of an approved organisation.

This experience allows you to apply theoretical knowledge to practical problems, learn about work practices, and improve your career prospects.

Professional accreditation
This course is accredited by The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences.

Rankings
We are ranked 7th in the UK for Forensic Science in the Complete University Guide 2021.

Year 1: Archaeological Theory and Method (core), Field Recording Methods (core), Independent Study for Forensic Scientists (core), Introduction to Biological Anthropology (core), Principles of Forensic and Crime Scene Investigation (core), Scientific Frameworks (core) Year 2: Archaeology Field Course (core), Biometrics and Human Identification (core), Forensic Examination and Analysis of Physical Evidence (core), Human Remains and Environmental Evidence (core), Instrumental Analysis (option), Laboratory Science (option), Relevant elective module (option), Virtual Anatomy for Forensic Sciences (option) Year 3: Placement year Year 4: Forensic Anthropology (core), Forensic Archaeology (core), Forensic Research Project (core), Forensic Taphonomy: the degradation of human remains and death-scene materials (core), Interpretation and Presentation of Forensic Evidence for Forensic Science (core), Advanced Methods in Forensic Anthropology (option), Relevant elective module (option)

The teaching and learning strategy takes into consideration the learning outcomes, progression through the levels of study, the nature of the subject and the student intake, and the need for you to take greater responsibility for your own learning as you progress through the programme. The assessment strategy is designed to support the learning outcomes of the BSc Forensic Archaeology and Anthropology and to assess your knowledge and understanding of the three themes: forensic archaeology, forensic anthropology and interpretation and evaluation of physical evidence. A wide range of formative and summative assessment methods are used, including essays, worksheets, laboratory reports, reflective journals and examinations, to help you develop a wide range of subject specific, personal transferable and professional skills. Formal lectures will facilitate your acquisition of knowledge and understanding and discipline specific professional skills. Laboratory sessions run in conjunction with the theoretical components will give you the opportunity to enhance your understanding of particular topics. Field courses and simulated crime scenarios allow you to develop core scene-based skills.These will also help to develop professional skills personal transferable skills. Directed study, involving directed reading of appropriate texts and the preparation of assessed work, is used to develop all learning outcomes. The simulated crime scenes, field courses and laboratory work allow for the further development of all the learning outcomes and career development