Taphonomy, Trauma and Skeletal Biomechanics module (CA51012)

Learn about what happens to the body after death. Learn how the environment affects decomposition, why bones break, and what this means for death investigation

Credits

20

Module code

CA51012

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 cover how these changes can be interpreted during death investigations. You will discover 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
  • learn about the application of entomology to forensic death investigation
  • learn about the biomechanical properties of bone
  • learn about 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 (20%)
  • coursework (40%)
  • written class-test (40%)

Teaching methods / timetable

  • in-person lectures
    • to develop your theoretical learning and discussions around real-world scenarios
  • practical classes
    • builds on the content covered in your recorded presentations using a variety of specimens
  • seminars
    • you will engage with the scientific literature. You will take part in discussions with your classmates about relevant topics
  • workshop
    • focuses on the use of entomology in forensic investigations. This will give you insight into the use of flies, beetles, and other invertebrates in forensic death investigations

Courses

This module is available on following courses: