How do we approach the challenging task of excavating human remains? How do we maintain the difficult balance of undertaking such processes in a respectful and ethical way while still maintaining key forensic evidential standards? On this module you will learn a complex range of practical processes needed to survey a crime scene and identify a clandestine grave, gaining 'real world' experience in surveying, designing and laying out an excavation grid. You will master
excavation techniques that are specifically designed to recover human remains in a forensic context. The module culminates in a two-day excavation event that is designed and implemented by you, working within a small team. Upon completion you will have the tools needed to become part of the new generation of Forensic Osteologists that specialise in the recovery of human remains
Lecture 8 hours, Laboratory and Field Work 24 hours
Practical Competency: Notebook worth 40%
Excavation Report (2,500 words) worth 40% This assessment is pass/compulsory
Practical Competency: Excavation Skills Evaluation worth 20% This assessment is pass/compulsory
Reassessment: Like for like
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1. Manage and survey a burial site and critically identify a clandestine grave.
2. Create dynamic plans to excavate human remains and critically evaluate the whole site and its surroundings to recover contextual evidence.
3. Manage personnel and logistics in the live investigation of an excavation, choosing appropriate methods for gridding the site and recording a human burial.
4. Compose critical and reflective reports based on their own personal actions in line with the expectations of a practicing Forensic Anthropologist.
5. Lead a field excavation and work with a team.
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