ANAT10030 Introduction to Physical and Forensic Anthropology

Academic Year 2021/2022

This is an elective module designed for students in medicine, and any student with an interest in Biological and Forensic Anthropology. The module is designed to be of interest to a wide range of students throughout the University.

The topics covered include human and comparative osteology, primate biology, ancient humans and human ancestors, key concepts in evolutionary theory, evolutionary genetics and growth and development, and human identification through the application of human skeletal and dental morphological variation (size and shape differences) to the medicolegal system.

Overall, this module will allow students to gain a deep appreciation and understanding of the biological variation and complexity of humans, today and in the past, as well as our relationship to other primates, by learning and applying conventional bio-anthropological approaches to skeletal and dental material.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

Module Content
1. Gain a solid understanding of human osteology
2. Understand the broad concepts behind human evolution
3. Compare and contrast primate skeletal and dental morphology
4. Understand bipedality and other forms of primate locomotion
5. Record qualitative and quantitative data from skeletal material to assess biological profiles of individuals from their skeletal remains

Personal and Professional Development
1. Awareness of professional behaviour handling human remains
2. Develop higher level learning approaches and learning skills

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

20
Practical

11
Autonomous Student Learning

94
Total

125
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
1. Lectures
2. Practical (lab-based): self-directed and peer/group learning (guided by Module Coordinator and Anatomy Tutors)
3. Autonomous (outside of class/lab settings) learning


 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Requirements:

An interest in Biological Anthropology or forensic studies.

Learning Exclusions:

None.

Learning Recommendations:

This course is designed to be of interest to everybody.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Incompatibles:
ANAT20020 - Palaeoanthropology &Human Evol


 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Examination: Final exam on all material covered in the module. 1 hour End of Trimester Exam No Standard conversion grade scale 40% No

80
Practical Examination: Assessment based on material covered in the practicals. Varies over the Trimester n/a Standard conversion grade scale 40% No

20

Carry forward of passed components
No
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring Yes - 1 Hour
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Group/class feedback, post-assessment
• Peer review activities
• Self-assessment activities

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Not yet recorded.

Name Role
Dr Cliona McGovern Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Mr Martin Heduan Tutor
Mr Anthony Hyland Tutor
Professor James Jones Tutor