Forensic Anthropology (Hons)

Overview

During your first two years in the Forensic Anthropology (Hons) programme offered by the University of Dundee , you'll study modules within the School of Life Sciences. This gives you a solid understanding of physiology, biochemistry and related biomedical sciences.

As the degree progresses, you'll develop a sound knowledge of the human body from the early stages of development to adult form. You'll learn full body dissection on our Thiel embalmed cadavers and understand the practical methods central to anatomy. You'll focus on skeletal anatomy and begin to learn how the analysis of the skeleton fits within medicolegal investigation.

Forensic anthropology is the analysis of human remains for medicolegal (medical and legal) purposes. This includes establishing identity, investigating suspicious deaths and identifying victims of mass disasters.

It is a specialised area of forensic science that requires detailed anatomical and osteological training. Identifying the deceased is critical to the successful outcome of all legal investigations.

We were the first UK university to use this embalming system in our teaching. This maintains the fascial layers between structures, is highly flexible and retains lifelike colour and consistency.

It also benefits your learning in becoming a forensic practitioner, as the identification of the deceased relies heavily on not only hard tissue like the skeleton, but also soft tissue information.

Career

Our graduates in forensic anthropology have gone on to pursue careers in areas such as

• biomedical science
• scene of crime analysis
• forensic science investigation
• osteological research
• radiology
• paediatrics
• orthopaedics