BSc Anatomical Sciences with a Modern Language / Course details

The course unit provides a theoretical background to the study of human skeletal remains as well as essential practical skills in osteological identification and the anthropological analysis of the human skeleton. The unit will be appropriate for students who wish to extend their knowledge of anatomical sciences and who are interested in pursuing a career or further study in the fields of skeletal anatomy, osteoarchaeology, forensic sciences or palaeoanthropology.

The unit aims to provide an understanding of anthropological approaches to the study of the human skeleton, including the application of methods of identification, the estimation of demographic parameters, and the recognition of indicators of pathology and attributes of lifestyle.

Lectures, to communicate core knowledge and theoretical principles. Practical classes to provide experience of identification and data collection. Independent study to familiarise students with case studies and supplement their knowledge of the topics covered in classes.

Students will be able to:

Demonstrate their knowledge of the human skeleton and apply their understanding of anthropological approaches to the study and interpretation of human skeletal remains.

Students will be able to:

Understand how to use anthropological methods to obtain information from human skeletal remains.

Students will be able to:

Visually recognise fragmentary skeletal remains; observe and recognise pathological changes to the skeleton; acquire and interpret measurement and life history data obtained from the human skeleton.

Students will be able to:

Work as members of a team to achieve common objectives; compile a laboratory report to a professional standard

Examination (50%) consisting of two out of five questions in 1.5 hours.  Written Assignment - Laboratory Notebook (40%) 2000 words. Evaluated after week 6.Other – Three in-class tests (10%) 3 x 10 minutes. Feedback at weeks 2,4,6.

• Schwartz, J.H. (2007) Skeleton Keys. Oxford.
• White, T.D. & Folkens, P.A. (2005) The Human Bone Manual. Oxford.
• Bass, W.M. (2005) Human Osteology: a Laboratory and Field Manual. Columbia
• Abrahams, P.H. et al. (2003) McMinn’s Colour Atlas of Human Anatomy. 5th ed. Edinburgh.