Taphonomy, Trauma and Skeletal Biomechanics module (CA41002)

What happens to your body when you die? In this module, you will study the changes that happen to the human body after death.

You will also study how these changes can be interpreted during death investigations. You will see how this information can help investigators work out what happened.

You will then discover how bone reacts to stress from a variety of sources. For example, the stress caused when you are ill for a long time or when you fall and break a bone. You will then learn how to analyse the features left on the bone, and how these aid in forensic human identification.

What you will learn

In this module, you will learn about:

• the process of decomposition and the factors that influence it
• the application of entomology to forensic death investigation
• the biomechanical properties of bone
• the application of bone biomechanics to the interpretation of skeletal trauma

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

• discuss the process of decomposition
• discuss the effects of various factors on decomposition
• explain the use of entomology in forensic death investigations
• discuss the principles of bone biomechanics and how these are applied in the analysis of skeletal trauma
• identify and describe different types of skeletal trauma

Assignments / assessment

• computer marked assessment (25%)
• coursework (35%)
• written class-test (35%)
• attendance (5%)
  • attendance must meet 60% of in-person session to pass

Teaching methods / timetable

• in-person lectures
  • these will provide the opportunity for you to develop your theoretical learning. They will also allow for discussions around real-world scenarios
• practical classes
  • these use a variety of specimens. They are built on the content covered in your recorded presentations
• seminars
  • you will engage with the scientific literature. This will allow you to take part in discussions with your classmates about relevant topics
• workshop
  • this will be on the use of entomology in forensic investigations. It will give you insight into the use of flies, beetles and other invertebrates in forensic death investigations