Forensic Archaeology: Application and Practice module (CA52014)

This module builds on the things you learned in CA51016 Forensic Archaeology: Principles and Theory. It offers advanced practical skills and methodologies.

You will learn to conduct comprehensive desk-based surveys. You will develop effective strategies for locating clandestine burials. Emphasis is placed on hands-on experience in landscape profiling and various survey techniques.

You will learn essential excavation and recording skills specifically tailored for forensic contexts. Additionally, you will learn to produce contemporaneous notes. These will be written to meet legal standards for court disclosure. You will also learn to write forensic archaeology reports that are admissible in court.

The module includes a £20 fee. This is to cover the cost of providing you with personal protective clothing and equipment. This equipment will include an archaeological trowel.

What you will learn

In this module, you will:

• produce a desk-based survey using a variety of mapping resources
• design and execute a targeted search and location strategy
• draw a field sketch of an area of investigation containing relevant information
• draw accurate scaled plans and sections using standard drawing conventions
• use basic survey techniques to create a topographic survey of an area
• record and recover surface scattered remains
• excavate and record clandestine burials
• produce contemporaneous notes for practical forensic scenarios including appropriate recording forms
• produce a written expert witness report for a mock forensic scenario

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

• assess the procedures and processes to recover human remains from forensic contexts
• discuss the risks posed to the forensic archaeologist and forensic evidence during excavation. You will also be able to identify mitigation strategies that can minimise those risks

Assignments / assessment

• coursework (40%)
• expert witness report (40%)
• quizzes (20%)

This module does not have a final exam.

Teaching methods / timetable

• online learning resources
• workshops
• practical classes
• real world mock scenarios