Introduction to Forensic Anthropology (Lincoln)

Code

MEDS3066

School

Medical Education Centre

Level

3

Credits

10

Semesters

Spring UK

Summary

This module is designed to introduce the student to the fundamentals of forensic anthropology. Students will be introduced to forensic anthropology covering human osteology and the methods used to estimate a biological profile; sex, ancestry, age and stature estimation, as commonly used in medico-legal cases and physical anthropological research. This module will also introduce the student to the various pathological conditions and traumatic injury affecting the human skeleton. This module will equip the students with the fundamental knowledge and skills to participate in forensic anthropological analysis by preparing a case report on a skeleton.

The module consists of 5 workshops involving human remains, self-directed study and a timed spotter test. Students will be expected to present their final written case report at the end of the module.

It will be essential for students to demonstrate appropriate professional attitudes and behaviour towards human remains.

Building on the core anatomical knowledge gained in year 1, students will study anatomical and directional terminology and learn the individual bones and their main features of the human skeleton. Scientific methodology relating to the assessment of the biological profile of a human skeleton will be taught and applied in practical sessions. Students will learn the basic mechanisms of skeletal trauma and how to identify and describe skeletal diseases. They will be expected to produce a written case report on an assigned skeleton by the end of the module.

Target Students

Year 2 Medical students in A10L only

Classes

• One 3-hour workshop each week for 5 weeks

The module will be delivered by a series of taught workshops consisting of lectures and practical application using a human skeleton. There is also a requirement for substantial private study to consolidate understanding of the material covered in the course using resources provided in the forensic anthropology laboratory. Students will be taught in the Janet Lane-Claypon building (JLC0104), the Forensic Anthropology laboratory (JLC0112) and/or the Think Tank (THT0002)

Assessment

• 70% Coursework 1: 1000 words Written skeletal report
• 30% Inclass Exam 1 (Written): Spotter test in Laboratory (50 questions)

Assessed by end of spring semester

Educational Aims

Learning Outcomes

The students will achieve learning outcomes within the GMC’s Outcomes for Graduates (2018) as follows: (for “Newly qualified doctors” read “Students”)

Professional and ethical responsibilities

2 Newly qualified doctors must behave according to ethical and professional principles.

They must be able to:
e. act with integrity, be polite, considerate, trustworthy and honest

f. take personal and professional responsibility for their actions

g. manage their time and prioritise effectively

j. recognise the potential impact of their attitudes, values, beliefs, perceptions and personal biases (which may be unconscious) on individuals and groups and identify personal strategies to address this

Legal responsibilities

4. Newly qualified doctors must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of the legal framework in which medicine is practised in the jurisdiction in which they are practising, and have awareness of where further information on relevant legislation can be found.

Applying biomedical scientific principles

22 Newly qualified doctors must be able to apply biomedical scientific principles, methods and knowledge to medical practice and integrate these into patient care. This must include principles and knowledge relating to anatomy, biochemistry, cell biology, genetics, genomics and personalised medicine, immunology, microbiology, molecular biology, nutrition, pathology, pharmacology and clinical pharmacology, and physiology.

They must be able to:

a. explain how normal human structure and function and physiological processes applies, including at the extremes of age, in children and young people and during pregnancy and childbirth

b. explain the relevant scientific processes underlying common and important disease processes

Applying social science principles

24 Newly qualified doctors must be able to apply social science principles, methods and knowledge to medical practice and integrate these into patient care. They must be able to:

d. recognise sociological factors that contribute to illness, the course of the disease and the success of treatment and apply these to the care of patients − including issues relating to health inequalities and the social determinants of health, the links between occupation and health, and the effects of poverty and affluence

Clinical research and scholarship

26 Newly qualified doctors must be able to apply scientific method and approaches to medical research and integrate these with a range of sources of information used to make decisions for care.

They must be able to:

c. describe the role and value of qualitative and quantitative methodological approaches to scientific
enquiry

d. interpret common statistical tests used in medical research publications

e. critically appraise a range of research information including study design, the results of relevant diagnostic, prognostic and treatment trials, and other qualitative and quantitative studies as reported in the medical and scientific literature.

Conveners

• Professor David O'Brien