Forensic Archaeology and Anthropology
Enter the fascinating world of forensics, and learn how the deceased are located, recovered and analysed using DNA and pathology.
Duration
6 weeksWeekly study
3 hours
Forensic Archaeology and Anthropology
Learn the science behind the exhumation and identification of skeletal remains
The location, exhumation and identification of the dead requires highly specialised expertise. On this course, you’ll learn the latest scientific techniques for body location, recovery and analysis.
Through a series of real-life case studies, video lab sessions, interactive 3D models, photographs and podcasts, you’ll explore key forensic techniques.
You’ll learn how to locate gravesites, excavate human remains, and determine factors like sex and age-at-death from the skeleton. You will also understand how to identify pathology on the skeleton, and be introduced to DNA analysis.
What topics will you cover?
- Body location and recovery in forensic contexts
- Osteoprofiling (skeletal analysis of sex, age-at-death, stature)
- Identification of pathology and trauma
- Latest developments in biomolecular techniques
- Taphonomic processes (decomposition and commingling of human remains)
- Forensic case studies (e.g. post-conflict regions, mass disasters)
When would you like to start?
Start straight away and learn at your own pace. If the course hasn’t started yet you’ll see the future date listed below.
Available now
Learning on this course
You can take this self-guided course and learn at your own pace. On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.
What will you achieve?
By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...
- Explore the application of archaeology and anthropology to different forensic contexts
- Develop knowledge of the latest methods in forensic archaeology and anthropology
- Compare the roles of different forensic specialists
- Interpret the post-mortem changes to the human body in differing contexts
- Describe a range of forensic case studies
- Evaluate the potentials and limitations of the scientific methods used to locate and recover human remains in forensic contexts
- Investigate the different scientific techniques used to identify deceased individuals from skeletal remains and establish cause of death
- Reflect on learning gained throughout the course, including the latest research, and how this can be applied to modern forensic and archaeological contexts.
Who is the course for?
This course is suitable for anyone intrigued by forensic archaeology and anthropology.
The course is specifically designed for forensic, crime scene, and police practitioners who require training in anthropological and archaeological techniques.
It will be useful for undergraduate forensics students or those interested in studying forensic archaeology and anthropology at university.
It may also be useful to those working in legal and human rights contexts who require an understanding of forensic methods.
Who will you learn with?
I am a bioarchaeologist at Durham University, teaching and researching human skeletal remains. I also train national and international forensic practitioners in archaeology and anthropology.
I am a Professor and Dean at Teesside University. I work in the area of forensic anthropology where I teach practitioners, research new forensic methods, and undertake case and advisory work.
Who developed the course?
Durham University
Durham University is a collegiate university with long traditions and modern values, proud to be an international scholarly community which reflects the ambitions of cultures from around the world.
Endorsers and supporters
content provided by
supported by
| Recommended | |||
Ways to learn | Upgrade this course | Unlimited | Basic access |
|---|---|---|---|
| Choose the best way to learn for you! | $89 | $23.33/month Billed at $279.99 for a year | Free |
| Unlock your expertise | Endless possibilities! | Try before you upgrade | |
| Access to this course | tick | tick | Limited to 6 weeks |
| Access to ALL eligible short courses with additional benefits, for a year | cross | tick | cross |
| Discuss your learning in comments | tick | tick | tick |
| Tests to check your learning | tick | tick | cross |
| Certificate when you're eligible | Printed and digital | Digital only | cross |
Ways to learn
Buy Unlimited to access this course and hundreds of other short courses for a year or Upgrade just this course for extra benefits. Or, join with basic access.
Unlimited
$23.33/month
Billed at $279.99 for a year
Endless possibilities!
- Access to this course
- Access to ALL eligible short courses with additional benefits, for a year
- Discuss your learning in comments
- Tests to boost your learning
- Digital certificate when you're eligible
Upgrade this course
$89
Unlock your expertise
- All of the above* for this course only, plus a printed certificate when you’re eligible
*Excludes access to all eligible short courses with additional benefits for a year
Basic access
Free
Try before you buy
- Limited access to course content for 6 weeks
Find out more about certificates, Upgrades or Unlimited. | |||
Find out more about certificates, Upgrades or Unlimited.
Learning on FutureLearn
Your learning, your rules
- Courses are split into weeks, activities, and steps, but you can complete them as quickly or slowly as you like
- Learn through a mix of bite-sized videos, long- and short-form articles, audio, and practical activities
- Stay motivated by using the Progress page to keep track of your step completion and assessment scores
Join a global classroom
- Experience the power of social learning, and get inspired by an international network of learners
- Share ideas with your peers and course educators on every step of the course
- Join the conversation by reading, @ing, liking, bookmarking, and replying to comments from others
Map your progress
- As you work through the course, use notifications and the Progress page to guide your learning
- Whenever you’re ready, mark each step as complete, you’re in control
- Complete 90% of course steps and all of the assessments to earn your certificate
Want to know more about learning on FutureLearn? Using FutureLearn
Learner reviews
Learner reviews cannot be loaded due to your cookie settings. Please and refresh the page to view this content.
Do you know someone who'd love this course? Tell them about it...
You can use the hashtag #ForArchAnth to talk about this course on social media.
More courses you might like
Learners who joined this course have also enjoyed these courses.
Browse more in History
