How do we begin to analyse and interpret biological remains from an unknown source? How do you ensure that such remains are handled and managed in an ethical and sensitive way? You will learn how to identify morphological structures from human hard (bones and teeth) and soft tissues (muscles) by utilising one of the largest collections of human skeletons in the UK. By gaining an understanding of core anatomical landmarks, you will be able to assess the size and shape variation that is present between males and females, adults and juveniles, and amongst people of differing ethnicities. Upon completion of this module, you will have gained systematic training and foundations in a core biological science that underpins all human skeletal biology and forensic anthropology.
Labs 32 hours (16 x 2 hour labs across two terms)
Practical Competency worth 50% (Bone assessment 1 - 20%, Bone assessment 2 - 30%) This assessment is pass compulsory
Practical Competency worth 50% (Muscle assessment 1 - 25%, Muscle assessment 2 - 25%) This assessment is pass compulsory
Reassessment: 100% Practical Assessment (1 hour) Students must complete this reassessment in person for this practical reassessment due to professional competency requirements.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1. Critically evaluate human hard tissue, including the development, form and function of bone and muscle, and interpretation of morphological features of bone.
2. Assess and critically discuss the differences between human bone and animal bone, from actual bone fragments and images.
3. Critically appraise the main muscle groups, their attachment sites on bone (origin and insertion), and action and the complex role that soft tissues play in anatomical movement.
4. Compose advanced methodologies for the ethical treatment of human remains in a medical-legal context.
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