Identifying the Dead: Forensic Science and Human Identification
Uncover a grave, examine remains and reveal the victim’s identity in this free online course, linked to a new Val McDermid story.
Duration
6 weeksWeekly study
4 hours
Identifying the Dead: Forensic Science and Human Identification
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The first step in any investigation involving a death is to determine the identity of the deceased. This free online course will take you on a journey through the world of forensic anthropology, unveiling the tools that will allow you to reveal that identity.
Join forensic experts to identify the dead
In the shadow of Dundee’s Law Hill, a grim discovery demands the attention of forensic experts. Unidentified human remains have been found and the police need to identify the victim to move forward with their investigation.
After a meticulous recovery of the remains, it will be your job to:
- document and attempt to explain any evidence of trauma;
- identify the victim through biological profiling;
- and undertake a facial reconstruction.
Experts from the University of Dundee’s award-winning Centre for Anatomy and Human Identification (CAHId) will guide you through the process of human identification.
They will introduce you to the fields of human identification; forensic anthropology and archaeology; craniofacial identification; and the study of the human body.
Evaluate evidence as the case unfolds
Week-by-week, the case will unfold, providing you with more information about the victim. You will be presented with theoretical material and hands-on learning opportunities, to evaluate the case information and use what you have learned, to piece together clues to the victim’s identity.
You will be able to discuss, with educators and others learners, your thoughts on the identity of the deceased, based on your evaluation of the evidence.
Get your own copy of the murder mystery
After you submit your evaluation of the victim’s identity, all will be revealed at the end of the final week. You can continue your journey into the life and death of our victim in your very own ebook copy of a specially-written murder mystery by international best-selling crime novelist Val McDermid.
Can you use the skills that you will learn on this course to identify the dead?
What topics will you cover?
After a meticulous recovery of the remains, it was the learner’s job to:
- document and attempt to explain any evidence of trauma;
- identify the victim through biological profiling;
- and undertake a facial reconstruction.
Experts from the University of Dundee’s award-winning Centre for Anatomy and Human Identification (CAHId) guided learners through the process of human identification.
They introduced the fields of human identification; forensic anthropology and archaeology; craniofacial identification; and the study of the human body.
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 principles of human identification
- Explore location, excavation and examination of a clandestine burial
- Apply new knowledge to trauma analysis of a recovered body
- Contribute to the biological identification of a recovered body
- Produce a forensic facial reconstruction with the help of expert practitioners
- Debate the three primary identifiers
- Summarise the events and processes from crime scene to courtroom
Who is the course for?
No special knowledge or previous experience of studying is required.
Warning:
Although this course involves the investigation of the death of a fictional character, some of the content may be distressing to individuals, particularly younger learners. However, this material is representative of that encountered by forensic experts.
Who will you learn with?
Former Post-Doctoral Researcher at The University of Dundee’s Centre for Anatomy and Human Identification.
Online Learning Design & Content Developer for The University of Dundee
Who developed the course?
University of Dundee
The University of Dundee is one of the world’s Top 200 universities and was named Scottish University of the Year for both 2016 and 2017. Dundee offers one of the UK’s best student experiences.
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
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