6 EC
Semester 1, period 2
5274PHFA6Y
| Owner | Master Forensic Science |
| Coordinator | dr. A.E. van der Merwe |
| Part of | Master Forensic Science, year 2 |
| Links | Visible Learning Trajectories |
This course aims to provide students with a broad introduction to the use of scientific techniques within forensic anthropology and their value in reconstructing a the biological profile based on the analysis of human skeletal remains, description and interpretation of ante- and perimortem trauma and estimation of the postmortem interval. Using a range of targeted case studies and specialist literature, each topic will provide a clear overview of the development and current state of research including the limitations of each discipline, especially concerning the reliability of the evidence in forensic criminal cases. Students will have the opportunity to assess the various research methods by way of lectures, practical sessions, presentations and review essays.
The examination of human remains is focused around several main themes. These are:
Scientific papers and other reading/study material communicated on Canvas.
Book: WHITE, T. D., & FOLKENS, P. A. (2005). The Human Bone Manual. Burlington, Elsevier.
Maat, G.J.R., van der Merwe, A.E and Hoff, Th.. Manual for the Physical Anthropological Report. 6 th edition. Leiden, Barge’s Anthropologica 6: 1-50, 2012. ISBN: 978-90-78943-00-6. (Will be given to you during the first practical)
Descriptions and instruction associated with the practical sessions on Canvas of this course. You will receive a printed copy during the practical sessions.
Lectures
Self-study assignments on Canvas
Lectures, self study assignments and practicals
Prior to each lecture, students are required to have read the necessary reading material and/or completed the self study assignment (available on Canvas) associated with the lectures. The aim of the lectures in this course is to introduce concepts/methods to the student and discuss the shortcomings, advantages or implications associated with the various topics during active discussion.
Self study assignments are presented on Canvas to assist the student in studying topics which will be discussed during the lectures, assist in the preparation for practical sessions or aid the student in getting a more in depth knowledge on a specific topic. It is the students own responsibility to complete the assignments and discuss questions which may arise with the lecturer during the practical sessions or lectures. Students are not required to hand in the self study assignments.
Practical sessions are organised on various topics: f.i. human osteology, biological profiling (age and sex estimation) and cremated human remains. During these sessions students will get the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the human skeleton and practice various forensic anthropological techniques.
|
Activity |
Hours |
|
|
Lectures |
32 |
|
|
Practical sessions |
38 |
|
|
Report writing |
8 |
|
|
Peer review |
8 |
|
|
Presentation |
16 |
|
|
Exam |
3 |
|
|
Self study |
63 |
|
|
Total |
168 |
(6 EC x 28 uur) |
This programme does not have requirements concerning attendance (OER part B).
Additional requirements for this course:
Attending all scheduled education activities is strongly advised. By doing so, you actively contribute to a lively learning community and significantly improve your chances of successfully completing the course. The designated mandatory activities play a crucial role in achieving the course objectives and are essential for your overall progress.
Additional requirements for this course:
In order to ensure succesful completion of this course attendance of lectures and practicals are strongly adviced. The practical sessions are obligatory, one session can be missed. All assignments should be completed at the end of the course.
| Item and weight | Details |
|
Final grade | |
|
50% Exam | Must be ≥ 5.5, Mandatory |
|
20% Skeletal Report - Presentation | Must be ≥ 5.5, Mandatory |
|
30% Skeletal Report - Written | Must be ≥ 5.5, Mandatory |
All components will be graded on a scale from 1 to 10, with a maximum of one decimal after the point. These grades are used to calculate the final grade. In order to pass the course, all components and the final grade have to be sufficient, i.e. at least a five and a half. When a student has not fulfilled this requirement, the examiner will register the mark ‘did not fulfil all requirements’ (NAV) whether or not the averaged grade is sufficient.
The components will be weighted as follows:
| 1. Skeletal report, written report (30%) 2: Skeletal Report, presentation (20%) 3. Written exam (50%) |
The final grade will be announced at the latest 15 working days after the final course activity (January 20th). Between this date and 35 working days after the final course activity (February 17th), a post-exam discussion or inspection moment will be planned. This will be announced on Canvas and/or via e-mail.
| Learning outcome | Tested in component | EQ 1 | EQ 2 | EQ 3 | EQ 4 | EQ 5 | EQ 6 | EQ 7 | EQ 8 | EQ 9 | EQ 10 |
| 1 | 1, 2 | x | |||||||||
| 2 | 1, 2 | x | |||||||||
| 3 | 1 | x | |||||||||
| 4 | 1, 2, 3 | x | |||||||||
| 5 | 1, 2, 3 | x |
Table of specification: the relation between the Learning Outcomes (LO) of the course, the assessment components of the course and the Exit Qualifications (EQ) of the Master’s Forensic Science (described in the Introduction in the Course Catalogue)
Component 1 and 2: Skeletal Analysis- Written Report and Presentation
In groups of 2, students will be assigned a skeleton. For each skeleton, the students need to complete a full biological (age, sex, stature) profile estimation, trauma analysis and personal identification evaluation. Hereafter, the students need to write a report (example report will be provided) comprised of all the findings and the methods used. The report will be reviewed by two student colleagues and presented/defended in a group session (max 10 min per presentation and 5 min for questions).
Grading of the report as well as the presentation will be conducted by two lecturers.
The 'Regulations governing fraud and plagiarism for UvA students' applies to this course. This will be monitored carefully. Upon suspicion of fraud or plagiarism the Examinations Board of the programme will be informed. For the 'Regulations governing fraud and plagiarism for UvA students' see: www.student.uva.nl
Coming to the AMC for practical sessions
When coming to the AMC for the practical sessions in this course, please adhere to the following rules:
What to do in case of a possible Covid infection
Should you develop possible Covid-19 related symptoms please follow the guidelines described by the UvA. Free corona-self tests are available for students in the AMC and will be provided by the coordinator of the course.
Guestlecturers