Program Overview

Introduction to Interpreting Skeletonised Human Remains

This course introduces methods used in the identification of skeletonised or decomposed human remains, focusing on interpreting whether remains are human and determining information to aid a forensic investigation.

Course Details

• Level(s) of Study: Short course; Professional
• Course Fee: Ł75
• Start Date(s): 24 March 2025 - 30 June 2025
• Duration: 50 hours
• Study Mode(s): Part-time

What You'll Study

During this course, you will cover:

• How bone is formed and repairs itself when damaged
• Adult and juvenile human skeletons, including characteristics that aid in identification and interpretation of the condition they were found
• Recognising human and animal bones
• Decomposition process
• Disaster victim identification (DVI) process and criteria used in the identification of victims

Course Content

You will learn how bone is formed and how to use this information to determine age, biological sex, and identity. You will also explore the differences between human and animal bones and discuss how bone alteration, from trauma or disease, can provide information to support the identification of the individual.

How You're Taught

This course is delivered online and will take around 50 hours to complete. You will access learning material through an online learning platform and have access to expert members of staff for support throughout your course.

Course Dates

• 8 July 2024 - 31 October 2024
• 4 November 2024 - 28 February 2025
• 24 March 2025 - 30 June 2025 You can start the course at any time between the confirmed dates.

Fees and Funding

The fee for this course is Ł75.

Course Structure

The course will take around 50 hours to complete, with all learning materials delivered online, accessible at a time to suit you.