Program Overview

Introduction to Forensic Anthropology BSc (Hons)

The Forensic Anthropology BSc (Hons) program is offered by the School of Science and Engineering at the University of Dundee.

Teaching and Assessment

The program utilizes a variety of teaching methods, including:

• Lectures
• Workshops
• Practical lab classes
• Dissection

Assessment of all modules is based on a combination of:

• Presentations
• Critical reviews
• Essays
• Computer-based and written examinations
• Lab and skeletal reports
• Osteological/anatomical spot-tests
• Honours project

Program Structure

The program is structured into four levels, each with its core and optional modules.

Level 1 Modules

• Core Skills in the Life Sciences 1A (BS11008): This module introduces students to working safely in a bioscience laboratory, where they learn basic bioscience techniques.
• The Building Blocks of Life (BS11009): This module covers the structures and biochemical properties of key biological molecules.
• Core Skills in the Life Sciences 1B (BS12010): Students develop research skills through a short independent project, practicing techniques like PCR and agarose gel electrophoresis.
• Building the Organism (BS12011): This module explores the cell cycle, cell replication, and the transfer of information from DNA to protein.
• Introduction to Biological Anthropology (CA12001): Students examine human evolution from a scientific viewpoint, focusing on evidence, analysis, and ethical considerations.
• Personal Development Planning (SD10001): This module helps students develop important life and study skills for success in their academic and professional careers.

Level 2 Modules

• Statistics and Experimental Design (BS21001): Students learn about statistical analysis and experimental design.
• Cellular Communication (BS21002): This module delves into how cells communicate.
• Core Skills in the Life Sciences 2A (BS21012): Students undertake a structured laboratory project to develop practical skills and techniques.
• Human Physiology and Pharmacology (BS22001): This module covers human physiology and pharmacology.
• Core Skills in the Life Sciences 2B (BS22003): Further development of research skills.
• Introductory Anatomy (CA21007): Students explore the structure, organization, and function of the human body.
• Comparative Anatomy (CA22001): This module studies the variation in form and function between species.
• Personal Development Planning (SD20001): Building on the first year, this module helps students advance their personal, academic, and professional development.

Level 3 Modules

• Embryology (CA31001): The study of the first 8 weeks of human development.
• Histology 1 (CA31002): Covers the cells and tissues found in the human body.
• Gross Anatomy of the Trunk (CA31004): Students learn about the anatomy of the trunk.
• Gross Anatomy: Osteology (CA31005): Exploration of the human skeleton.
• Project Design and Research Methods (CA32002): Introduction to project design and research skills necessary for conducting research in anatomy and forensic anthropology.
• Gross Anatomy of the Limbs (CA32005): Students study the anatomy of the limbs.
• Forensic Archaeology: Foundations (CA32006): This module introduces how forensic archaeologists assist police in finding graves, mapping crime scenes, and collecting evidence.
• Forensic Professionals (CA32008): Students learn about the team of experts involved in forensic cases.

Level 4 Modules

• Human Osteology (CA41001): Students learn about skeletal anatomy to identify bones in the human body.
• Taphonomy, Trauma and Skeletal Biomechanics (CA41002): The study of changes to the human body after death and the interpretation of these changes.
• Forensic Anthropology Dissertation (CA41003): Students work on an independent research project under supervision, culminating in a thesis and presentation.
• Forensic Human Identification (CA42001): Students step into the role of a forensic anthropologist to learn how science helps identify unknown human remains.
• Forensic Science and the Law (CA42002): This module covers the ethical responsibilities of forensic specialists as expert witnesses and introduces legal and procedural guidelines relevant to expert evidence.

Date of Entry

The date of entry for this program is September 2026.