Unit details
FNSC5626 Forensic Anthropology II—Advanced Theory and Method
- Credit
- 6 points
- Offering
(see Timetable) | Availability | Location | Mode |
|---|
| Semester 2 | UWA (Perth) | Face to face |
- Content
- The lectures in this unit cover (1) an introduction to forensic anthropology/odontology and human skeletal anatomy; (2) biological profiling I—sex; (3) biological profiling II—age at death; (4) biological profiling III—ethnicity and stature; (5) alternative techniques of quantifying biological form—geometric morphometrics; (6) photography and medical imaging; (7) dental anthropology—morphology, disease and treatment; (8) forensic anthropology/odontology and disaster victim identification (DVI); and (9) bite mark analysis. The practical sessions cover (1) precision of measurement; (2) estimation of sex; (3) estimation of adult age; (4) estimation of ethnicity and stature; (5) applications of geometric morphometrics; (6) photography in a forensic setting; (7) group research projects; and (8) practical applications of bite mark analysis.
- Outcomes
- Students are able to (1) demonstrate an understanding of anatomical terminology and its importance in forensic anthropology; (2) apply appropriate bone handling techniques; (3) develop practical experience in the application of appropriate methods for rapid and accurate identification of unknown skeletal remains; (4) identify and apply appropriate statistical methods in forensic anthropology; (5) describe the available alternative methods of quantifying biological form, with specific reference to geometric morphometrics; (6) competent in undertaking photography and measurement of individual skeletal elements; (7) discuss the role of medical imaging towards establishing personal identification; (8) critically evaluate facial approximation and the identification process; (9) explain the role of forensic anthropology and odontology in disaster victim identification; (10) be familiar with current developments in basic forensic sciences and particularly those medical and social sciences which are of direct relevance to the application to forensic anthropology; and (11) work competently as an individual and within groups.
- Assessment
- Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) Essay and professional report; (2) research project; and (3) end of topic and final theory/practical exams. Further information is available in the unit outline.
Supplementary assessment is not available in this unit.
- Unit Coordinator(s)
- Associate Professor Daniel Franklin and Ambika Flavel
- Unit rules
- Prerequisites:
- FNSC5612 Forensic Anthropology I—Introductory Theory and Method
- Contact hours
- lectures: 9 x 3 hours per week; practicals: 9 x 3 hours per week
- The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
- All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
- Books and other material wherever listed may be subject to change. Book lists relating to 'Preliminary reading', 'Recommended reading' and 'Textbooks' are, in most cases, available via the Booktopia Textbook Finder, which has the functionality to search by course code, course, ISBN and title, and may also be posted or available at the appropriate school's administrative offices. Where texts are listed in the unit description above, an asterisk (*) indicates that the book is available in paperback.