This one-year degree is designed for students who already hold a first degree (BA or BSc) in Forensic Anthropology or a related subject, and is intended to provide advanced training in subject areas which are germane to current professional requirements, but which are not available collectively at any other institution in the world.

The aim of this programme is to provide training in anatomically-based forensic anthropology, and specifically to provide advanced training in musculoskeletal anatomy, juvenile osteology, comparative forensic osteology and DVI training.

What does the course involve?

Human Gross Anatomy:

• Provides the opportunity to conduct whole body dissection, with particular emphasis on functional and musculoskeletal anatomy
• Exposure to human form and function with direct relevance to the identification process
• Only institution in the UK offering the opportunity to dissect cadavers which have been embalmed using the Thiel soft-fix method, which provides life-like preservation of the soft tissues.

Developmental Juvenile Osteology:

• Focuses on the development of the human juvenile skeleton as a means to understanding adult skeletal form
• Through practical examination, each bone of the body will be studied from its embryological origin, through key developmental milestones, until the attainment of its adult form
• Practical sessions will focus on the unique Scheuer collection of juvenile skeletal remains.

Comparative Forensic Osteology:

• Focuses on the comparative basis of skeletal anatomy
• Practical teaching will place the analysis of comparative skeletal anatomy in the context of current forensic practice
• Students will be exposed to human/non-human cases which have been dealt with via CAHID’s Virtual Anthropology Communication Service (VACS) which receives over 150 active cases every year.

Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) training:

• Provides a thorough understanding of the DVI process in the UK and abroad
• Developed by experienced practitioners, it is based on the National DVI Training course for the UK DVI team
• Delivers a robust theoretical underpinning for anyone undertaking DVI work on a practical basis.

Internship

There will be the opportunity for students to participate in an internship at one of our partner organisations.  These placements will allow students to gain experience of forensic case work in a busy forensic environment.

MSc Research Project:

• Students will undertake an advanced level practical project supervised by a research-active practitioner
• CAHID staff have significant experience in many areas of forensic human identification, including juvenile osteology, facial anthropology, facial reconstruction, age assessment in the living and dead, analysis of sexual dimorphism and ancestry, soft tissue biometric systems, human provenance, skeletal pathology and trauma, and virtual anthropology

Benefits of studying with us

• The Centre provides courses at all levels, in the subject areas of anatomy, forensic anthropology and human identification, forensic and medical art
• A complex subject such as human identification requires the multidisciplinary approach that is available at Dundee through free collaboration with many other fields of research and training including human anatomy, orthopaedics, odontology, radiography, zoology, botany, law, and image analysis
• Specialist teaching is undertaken by case-active forensic practitioners. The cases in which our staff have involvement are reflected in much of the research undertaken by the Centre, enabling it to maintain a high profile within the forensic community. In turn, this research feeds into our teaching.

To apply you need...

• A degree at 2:1 or above (or equivalent) in osteology, physical anthropology, forensic anthropology, anatomy or a related subject. Alternatively an ability to demonstrate considerable experience in a relevant field will be required.
• If English is not your first language please visit the website below for details: www.dundee.ac.uk/prospectus/english

For application information and other details visit the Postgraduate Prospectus pages for this course

Scholarships may be available; please check the following website for up to date information: www.dundee.ac.uk/admissions/fees_funding/scholarships/

Further information

Dr Lucina Hackman