This module is not currently running in 2023 to 2024.
This module is fundamental to this MSc where students learn various stages of post-mortem decay to human remains, focusing largely on environmental effects—including decomposition in soil and interaction with plants, insects, and other animals. Other topics covered are; PMI methods (time elapsed since death), biotaphonomy, and geotaphonomy.
Total contact hours: 22
Private study hours: 128
Total study hours: 150
MSc Forensic Osteology and Field Recovery Methods
Essay (3000 words) (50%)
Taphonomic Report (20%)
Poster & Presentation (30%)
Reassessment methods: Like for Like. Students failing unrepeatable elements (both the essay (50%) AND Taphonomic Report (20%) may only retrieve credit by repeating the entire module.
Reading list (Indicative list, current at time of publication. Reading lists will be published annually)
Haglund, W. D., & Sorg, M. H. (Eds.). (1996). Forensic taphonomy: the postmortem fate of human remains. CRC Press
Haglund, W. D., & Sorg, M. H. (Eds.). (2001). Advances in forensic taphonomy: method, theory, and archaeological perspectives. CRC Press.
Pokines, J., & Symes, S. A. (Eds.). (2013). Manual of forensic taphonomy. CRC Press.
See the library reading list for this module (Canterbury)
The intended subject specific learning outcomes. On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
8.1 Understand decomposition from both a chemical and gross morphological perspective.
8.2 demonstrate a systematic knowledge of how environmental conditions affect human decomposition.
8.3 demonstrate a systematic knowledge of how to calculate post-mortem interval (PMI).
8.4 demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of how specific combinations of environmental conditions, and cultural and social traditions, can change the rate and trajectory of taphonomic processes.
8.5 Recognise taphonomic patterns and artefacts which are useful for medicolegal interpretation of death scenes.
8.6 Reflect on the ethics of working with human remains in investigative and research environments.
8.7 Critically appraise the contemporary research effort in forensic taphonomy.
The intended generic learning outcomes. On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
9.1. critically evaluate and problem solve;
9.2. organise and present information in a clear and concise manner;
9.3. demonstrate advanced development of laboratory and practical skills;
9.4. demonstrate further development of communication by a variety of methods.
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