University of Bradford:
Undergraduate Programme specification
UNIVERSITY OF BRADFORD
Faculty of Life Sciences
School of Archaeological Sciences
Programme title: Forensic Archaeology and Anthropology
Awarding and
institution:
teaching University of Bradford
Final and interim awards:
BSc (Hons) [Framework for Higher Education
Qualifications level 6]
BSc [Framework for
Qualifications level 6]
Higher
Education
Diploma of Higher Education [ Framework
for Higher Education Qualifications Level 5]
Certificate of Higher Education [ Framework
for Higher Education Qualifications Level 4]
Programme title:
Forensic Archaeology and Anthropology
Programme approved
accredited by:
/ To be submitted to the Forensic Science
Society for accreditation
Duration:
3 or 4 years full-time; 6 years part-time
UCAS code:
F404 (3 years); F405 (4 years)
Subject
statement:
benchmark Forensic
Science
Society
component
standards for forensic archaeology, forensic
anthropology and IEPE.
FHEQ Levels
4, 5 and 6
Approved :
August 2014
Introduction
BSc Forensic Archaeology and Anthropology focuses on the locating and
recording of crime scenes, the excavation of buried remains and the analysis
of materials recovered. It emphasises the application of science and the
importance of quality assurance procedures in a forensic setting. A
characteristic of Bradford's approach is in the integration of practical skills
training within a good theoretical framework – whether in terms of crime
scene investigation, the collection, examination and interpretation of
physical evidence, excavation of buried remains, understanding taphonomic
processes and the analysis of human remains and other recovered artefacts.
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This programme of study provides the student with a sound knowledge of
how scientific techniques can be used within forensic investigations, and
allows students to explore a challenging area of applied science. The
programme will develop you into a professional with the scientific skills to
work within areas such as crime scene investigation and related areas. BSc
Forensic Archaeology and Anthropology teaching is strongly research led
with staff who both practice and publish in forensic and archaeological
arenas.
Archaeological Sciences has an excellent research profile, which supports
our teaching in all areas. Throughout the programme, you will acquire skills
that will be useful in whatever profession you choose to follow. These
include project and time management, critical review and analytical thinking,
presentational skills, computer and other applied IT skills and the
management of data. These will be taught, practised and assessed.
A large proportion of modules include the recording and analysis of
materials from a variety of simulated crime scenes, making use of the Crime
Scene House and the Oxenhope Taphonomy Field Station. Archaeological
excavation skills are taught during fieldwork over the summer between
Levels 1 and 2.
Three years or four years?
You may undertake a placement between stages two and three. It is quite
clear that students who do undertake a placement not only improve their
chances of employment, but also tend to improve their academic
performance.
When you have completed the placement, you will have acquired the
following:


Professional Skills, according to the specific programme of training,
including
excavation/fieldwork;
forensic taphonomy;
forensic
anthropology; biometrics and human identification; forensic
examination and the investigation, interpretation and presentation of
physical evidence.
Personal Transferable Skills, including further development of
communication, problem-solving, administrative and IT skills; time
management; the ability to work independently; self-motivation;
adaptability; team working.
Programme Aims
The programme is intended to:

deliver a varied and exciting programme of study in Forensic
Archaeology and Anthropology, that meets rigorous benchmarking
standards developed by the Forensic Science Society and which
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



reflects areas of staff expertise, for example in forensic
anthropology and crime scene investigation;
encourage the development of independent learning skills, by
providing a supportive, structured environment;
develop wide subject knowledge and understanding, and provide
training in discipline skills to enable graduates to pursue further
programmes of study or careers in forensic anthropology, crime
scene investigation or related practice;
develop personal transferable skills to enable a significant
proportion of graduates to pursue further programmes of study or
careers in non-cognate fields;
provide educational opportunities for mature and alternatively
qualified students, as well as for school-leavers and traditionally
qualified students.
Programme Learning Outcomes
When you have completed the programme you will be able to:
LO1: Discuss human variation in the context of evolutionary change.
LO2: Describe archaeological methods of excavation and surveying.
LO3: Discuss methods of forensic enquiry and the importance of rigorous
scientific process.
LO4: Assess methods of scientific investigation in a forensic context.
LO5: Analyse methods of human identification and other biological materials
found in forensic contexts.
LO6: Assess and apply forensic and archaeological methods.
LO7: Evaluate methods of human identification and trauma analysis.
LO8: Synthesise the process of decomposition of a variety of materials in a
forensic context.
LO9: Evaluate forensic recording protocols and defend a witness statement.
LO10: Plan and undertake a substantial piece of independent research.
LO11: Examine a variety of physical evidence.
LO12: Employ appropriate numerical and statistical techniques, scientific
formulae and calculations.
LO13: Appreciate the importance, function and practice of quality assurance.
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LO14: Undertake critical thinking and data evaluation.
LO15: Present written and oral evidence in a professional manner.
LO16: Manage time and learning effectively.
Curriculum
BSc Forensic Archaeology and Anthropology encompasses three key themes:
forensic archaeology, forensic anthropology and interpretation and
evaluation of physical evidence. Each theme is addressed via one or more
modules at each stage of the degree, some modules bridge the gap between
themes (e.g. Forensic Archaeology and Interpretation and Presentation of
Forensic Evidence for Forensic Science at Stage 3). The range of topics within
each theme and the depth of analysis required increases with each stage.
Stage 1 (FHEQ level 4)
Module
Code
Module Title
Type
Credits
Level
Period of
study
AR-1006D
Archaeological
Method
and
Core
20
4
1
AR-1111D
Introduction
to
Anthropology
Biological
Core
20
4
1
AR-1112L
Scientific
Frameworks
for
Forensic Archaeologists and
Anthropologists
Core
20
4
1&2
CT-1009L
Principles of Forensic and
Crime Scene Investigation
Core
20
4
1&2
AR-4311D
Independent
study
forensic
archaeology
anthropology
Core
20
4
2
AR-2307D
Field Recording Methods
Core
20
4
2
Theory
for
and
Stage 1 introduces the major strands of the degree programme. The first
major strand is Principles of Forensic and Crime Scene Investigation which
runs in both semesters and introduces you to fundamental practices
involving the collection, handling and processing of physical evidence from
the crime scene to the laboratory (LO3). Practical crime scene work is
undertaken in the University’s Crime Scene House. Archaeological Method
and Theory introduces methods of archaeological investigation, stratigraphy
and recording and develops key skills including differentiating modern from
archaeological deposits (LO2). The archaeological method theme is
continued with Field Recording Techniques, which develops landscape
observation and surveying skills in particular (LO2). Introduction to Biological
anthropology introduces the human skeleton and its evolution, leading up to
a discussion of modern population variation (LO1). Anthropological themes
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are continued in Independent study for forensic archaeology and
anthropology (LO1, 3-6) and allows students to develop and present on a
topic for individual research (LO14-15). Scientific Frameworks for Forensic
Archaeologists and Anthropologists introduces scientific theory and
approaches, and how this can be applied in a variety of scenarios, including
a forensic setting (LO3).
In stage 1 you will develop knowledge and understanding of forensic
principles, archaeological skills and human anatomy and variation. By the
end of stage 1 you will be able to appreciate the breadth and range of the
discipline, will have gained a broad understanding of the principles of
archaeological theory and practice, an understanding of human anatomy and
variation, and an appreciation of the use of scientific methods in forensic
enquiry.
Students who have achieved the regulatory credit points at Level 4 and have
achieved learning outcomes 1-3, 11-12 and, operating only within a context
that has been defined for you, learning outcomes 14-16, may exit the
programme and are eligible for the award of Certificate of Higher Education.
Stage 2 (FHEQ level 5)
Module
Code
Module Title
Type
Credits
Level
Study
period
AR-3010D
Archaeology Field Course
Core
20
5
VAC
CT-2015L
Forensic Examination and
Analysis of Physical Evidence
Core
20
5
1&2
AR-3509D
Biometrics
and
Identification
Core
20
5
1
AR-3507D
Laboratory Science
Optional
20
5
1
AR-4309D
Human
Remains
Environmental Evidence
Core
20
5
2
AR-4201D
Instrumental Analysis
Optional
20
5
2
Relevant elective module
Elective
20
5
Human
and
In stage 2 the modules Laboratory Science and Instrumental Analysis develop
the scientific principles and practice that are intrinsic to this programme
(LO4). Forensic examination and analysis of physical evidence introduces you
to the work of the forensic laboratory (LO2&4). Biometrics and Human
Identification and Human Remains and Environmental Evidence develop key
anthropological skills (LO5), and Human Remains and Environmental
Evidence also introduces you to the identification of animal bones, pollen
analysis and entomology (LO5). Stage 2 also develops your key
archaeological skills (Archaeology Field Course; LO2).
By the end of stage 2 you will be able to assess current themes, issues and
approaches in forensic archaeology and anthropology and will have gained
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an appreciation of relevant laboratory techniques (preparing you for the
optional Placement Year). Within the second semester you receive specialist
input from external lecturers on aspects relevant to major crime. You will
have developed skills in archaeological fieldwork and forensic anthropology
as well as a range of transferable skills (e.g. in data gathering and
evaluation).
Students who have achieved the regulatory credit points at Levels 4 and 5
and have achieved learning outcomes 1-6 and 11-13 and, operating both
within and beyond a context that has been defined for you, learning
outcomes 14-16, may exit the programme and are eligible for the award of
Diploma of Higher Education.
Stage 3 (FHEQ level 6)
Module
Code
Module Title
Type
Credits
Level
Study
period
CT-3039L
Interpretation
and
Presentation
of
Forensic
Evidence for Forensic Science
Core
20
6
1&2
AR-8128D
Forensic Archaeology
Core
20
6
1
AR-6113D
Forensic Anthropology
Core
20
6
1
AR-6114L
Advanced
Methods
Forensic Anthropology
Optional
20
6
1&2
AR-6115D
Forensic Taphonomy: the
degradation
of
human
remains and death-scene
materials
Core
20
6
2
AR-6116D
Forensic Research Project
Core
20
6
2
Relevant Elective module
Elective
20
6
in
Stage 3 develops your systematic understanding of forensic archaeology
(LO9), anthropology (LO7) and taphonomy (LO8) via the key modules
Forensic Archaeology, Forensic Anthropology and Forensic Taphonomy and
the optional module Advanced Methods in Forensic Anthropology. The
Interpretation and Presentation of Forensic Evidence provides you with a
complex case to investigate and write an expert witness statement based on
your examination of the forensic evidence (LO9), developing your
professional skills. Stage 3 also provides the opportunity for you to develop
and refine your analytical and research skills in a piece of guided research
(Forensic Research Project; LO10).
By the end of stage 3 you will be able to evaluate research in your field, and
further refine your conceptual understanding of forensic evidence and the
reliability of different methods of analysis. You will have obtained enhanced
practical skills based on the variety of laboratory-based modules and
simulated crime scenes, as well as a range of transferable skills. Your
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forensic training culminates in your appearance as expert witness under
cross-examination within a mock court setting (LO15).
Students who have achieved the regulatory credit points at Levels 4 to 6 and
have achieved learning outcomes 1-13 and operating in a context that is, in
part, at the forefront of the discipline, learning outcomes 14-16, are eligible
for the award of BSc (Hons)
Students who have not met the credit requirements for an Honours degree
but have achieved the regulatory credit requirements for the award of an
Ordinary degree and have met learning outcomes 1-9 and 11-16 are eligible
for the award of an Ordinary degree.
Students who have additionally successfully undertaken placement study are
eligible to be awarded the degree entitled Forensic Archaeology and
Anthropology with Professional Placement.
The QAA benchmarking statements for Forensic Science, Archaeology and
Anthropology are not an ideal match for the purposes of this degree, as that
for Forensic Science goes beyond the remit of Forensic Archaeology and
Anthropology, whereas those for Archaeology and Anthropology are not
appropriate for a forensic setting. Instead the curriculum benchmarks to the
most appropriate specialist component standards of the Forensic Science
Society for Forensic Archaeology, Forensic Anthropology and Interpretation
and Evaluation of Physical Evidence. Limited optionality allows you to take
elective modules to enhance employability.
More detail, including learning outcomes, is available for each unit in the
individual module descriptors. The curriculum may change, subject to the
University's programme approval, monitoring and review procedures.
Learning, Teaching and Assessment Strategies
The teaching and learning strategy takes into consideration the learning
outcomes, progression through the levels of study, the nature of the subject
and the student intake, and the need for you to take greater responsibility
for your own learning as you progress through the programme.
The assessment strategy is designed to support the learning outcomes of the
BSc Forensic Archaeology and Anthropology and to assess your knowledge
and understanding of the three themes: forensic archaeology, forensic
anthropology and interpretation and evaluation of physical evidence. A wide
range of formative and summative assessment methods are used, including
essays, worksheets, laboratory reports, reflective journals and examinations,
to help you develop a wide range of subject specific, personal transferable
and professional skills.
Formal lectures will facilitate your acquisition of knowledge and
understanding (LO 1-10) and discipline specific professional skills (LO 1113). Laboratory sessions run in conjunction with the theoretical components
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will give you the opportunity to enhance your understanding of particular
topics (LO 1-12). Field courses and simulated crime scenarios allow you to
develop core scene-based skills (LO 2, 6, 9).These will also help to develop
professional skills (LO 11-13) personal transferable skills (LO 14-16).
Directed study, involving directed reading of appropriate texts and the
preparation of assessed work, is used to develop all learning outcomes. The
simulated crime scenes, field courses and laboratory work allow for the
further development of all the learning outcomes and career development.
The assessment strategy is designed to allow you to demonstrate
achievement of the learning outcomes of an individual module appropriate
to your level of study and the learning outcomes of the programme. At Stage
1, you will be examined, primarily, on the breadth of knowledge using a
mixture of examination formats including MCQ and short answer
examinations, and laboratory tests (LO1-3). Essays and journal critiques
allow to you explore the key themes of the degree and develop your critical
awareness and writing skills (LO1-3). A formative essay plan allows you to
develop you essay writing skills (LO15). The field notebook, field report and
reflective journal help develop your field recording skills, self awareness and
your appreciation of key quality assurance skills required in a forensic
setting and how these conflict with sustainability issues (LO2, 3, 11 & 12).
An expert witness report helps develop professional presentation skills
(LO15). Group presentations and posters allow you to develop team working
and presentation skills.
At Stage 2, examinations assess understanding and knowledge of the key
subjects via short answer questions and essays (LO4-6). Essays and other
coursework allow you to analyse and assess aspects all three themes of the
degree (LO4-6). Practical portfolios and laboratory reports allow you to
develop your practical skills and present methods and results in a
professional manner (LO4, 5 & 15). The reflective journal encourages you to
document your archaeological skills and reflect on quality assurance in
recording methods (LO6 & 13).
At Stage 3, essays, the journal critique and essay-based examinations
provide a format to critically evaluate the key themes of the degree (LO7-10,
14). Practical portfolios and worksheets allow you to demonstrate your
understanding of forensic anthropology and archaeological stratigraphy
(LO7& 9). The research design and dissertation develop your ability to
undertake independent research and plan this research effectively (LO10).
Presentations, the witness statement and the mock court exercise develop
your professional oral and written presentation skills (LO15).
Personal transferable skills and critical thinking are embedded across the
curriculum.
Assessment Regulations
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This Programme conforms to the standard University
Regulations which are available at the following link:
Assessment
http://www.bradford.ac.uk/aqpo/ordinances-and-regulations/
Admission Requirements
The University welcomes applications from all potential students regardless
of their previous academic experience; offers are made following detailed
consideration of each individual application. Most important in the decision
to offer a place is our assessment of a candidate’s potential to benefit from
their studies and of their ability to succeed on this particular programme.
Entrance requirements for the BSc Forensic Archaeology and Anthropology
are 280 points (260 points with evidence of archaeological experience). To
include one science A level, or the equivalent. Two science subjects are
preferred. GCSE English, Maths and a science minimum grade C.
Consideration of your application will be based on a combination of your
formal academic qualifications and other relevant experience.
If you have prior certificated learning or professional experience which may
be equivalent to parts of this programme, the University has procedures to
evaluate this learning in order to provide you with exemptions from specified
modules contained within the curriculum. Please talk to us if you do not fit
the standard pattern of entry qualifications.
The University of Bradford has always welcomed applications from disabled
students, and these will be considered on the same academic grounds as are
applied to all applicants. If you have some form of disability you may wish to
contact the programme leader before you apply.
A typical offer to someone seeking entry through the UCAS main scheme
would be 280 points (BBC). Applications are welcome from mature students
(those over 21 years of age on entry) and from candidates with non-standard
qualifications (eg Science Foundation Course, BTEC, a 12 unit VCE Double
award in science, Scottish Higher or Irish Leaving Certificate, International
Baccalaureate, GNVQ or Access qualifications in science) or, lacking
academic qualifications, having significant relevant experience. On
completion of an UCAS form you will be invited to the Faculty for an Open
Day when you will have the opportunity to meet staff, view the facilities and
discuss “the Bradford experience” with current students.
Up to 40 students are admitted to Stage 1 each year.
Learning Resources
The JB Priestley Library on the city campus and our specialist library in the
Faculty of Management provide a wide range of printed and electronic
resources to support your studies. We offer quiet study space if you want to
work on your own, and group study areas for the times when you need to
discuss work with fellow students. Subject librarians for each Faculty
provide training sessions and individual guidance in finding the information
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you need for your assignment, and will help you organise your references
properly.
Student PC clusters can be found in all our libraries and elsewhere on the
campus. Many of these are open 24/7. You can also use the University's
wireless network to access the internet from your own laptop. Most of our
journals are available online (both on and off campus), and you can also
access your University email account, personal information and programmerelated materials this way.
Staff are on hand during the daytime to help you if you get stuck, and there
is a 24/7 IT helpline available.
The student handbook (available to students via BlackBoard) lists specific
resources useful to our students, including a list of electronic resources
produced by the Subject Librarian.
Applied Sciences is well equipped with teaching and research laboratories for
the specialisms covered in the programme and students use these facilities
in modules and in dissertation research. Specialised laboratories include: the
Biological Anthropology Research Centre (BARC) with three dedicated
osteology laboratories and over 4,000 skeletons; Taphonomy lab; Oxenhope
Field Station; Forensic Examination lab; Crime Scene House Geophysics
Laboratory; Radiography suite; Archaeobotany and archaeozoology research
collections, and Bradford’s state-of-the-art University Analytical Centre which
houses the major analytical instruments of the University. An excellent stock
of field equipment is available for use by students, including equipment for
geophysical and topographic survey (both conventional and electronic).
Student Support and Guidance
Programme Team
Support for you personally and in your programme of study will be provided
both by the University and the Programme Team. You will be allocated a
personal tutor who is someone with whom you will be able to talk about any
academic or personal concerns. The Faculty will ensure that there is
someone available with whom you feel comfortable to help and support you.
You will be provided with a comprehensive series of handbooks that you can
consult on a range of learning issues and your programme tutors will be
available to consult on subject specific queries.
The University and the Faculty have a well-deserved reputation in this area.
You will be allocated a personal tutor, but in practice all members of staff
operate an open-door policy. Personal tutors and dissertation supervisors
also provide guidance for your personal development planning. If you opt for
a placement you will be visited by your personal tutor and supported by the
Placements Tutor and Placements Secretary.
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Students’ Union
We value the feedback provided by students and collaborate with the
Students’ Union, through a system of programme representatives and formal
staff student liaison committees, so that any issues you wish to raise are
addressed rapidly.
The Students’ Union and the University of Bradford work in partnership to
provide confidential counselling and welfare services where you can get help
with any aspect of your personal or academic life. Student Financial and
Information Services (based in the Hub) will provide you with information
about a diverse range of issues such as council tax, personal safety and
tourist information. International Students can access a range of additional
advice and support services through the Student’s Union.
Employability and Career Development
The University is committed to helping students develop and enhance
employability and this is an integral part of this programme. Specialist
support is available throughout the programme from Career Development
Services including help to find part time work while studying, placements,
vacation work and graduate vacancies. Students are encouraged to access
this support at an early stage and to use the extensive resources on the web
site http://www.bradford.ac.uk/careers/
Discussing options with specialist advisers helps to clarify plans through
exploring options and refining skills of job-hunting. In most of programmes
there is direct input by Career Development Advisers into the curriculum or
through specially arranged workshops. These may take place as early as year
1, or may be achieved through a customised Career and Personal
Development module in year 2 or 3 which is developed in close cooperation
with the academic department. An annual First Destination Survey leads to
compilation of a report on the outcomes of all programmes and to the
development of an annually updated Traffic Light Analysis of Employability
which is used as a performance indicator.
For this programme specifically, we provide tailored careers advice through
our Personal Tutor system. This begins early, and may be a consideration in
the selection of placement opportunities should you decide to take the 4
year route. The placement itself provides an excellent introduction to the
careers market in crime scene investigation, forensic anthropology and
forensic archaeology and equips students extremely well for employment in
the sector. For all students, our investment in fieldwork, and our dedicated
‘hands-on’ approach to teaching has ensured that Bradford graduates have
long been seen as extremely well-grounded in the skills and knowledge that
employers look for.
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Learner Development Unit for Academic Skills Advice
For undergraduate students who are looking to improve their marks during
their time at university, study skills and maths advice is available to all
regardless of degree discipline or level of study. Students can access a
programme of interactive workshops and clinics which is delivered
throughout the year. This is in addition to our extremely popular face-to-face
guidance from our advisers, who also offer a wide range of online and paper
based materials for self-study.
http://www.bradford.ac.uk/academic-skills/index.php
Disability
Disabled students will find a supportive environment at Bradford where we
are committed to ensuring that all aspects of student life are accessible to
everyone. The Disability Service can help by providing equipment and advice
to help you get the most out of your time at Bradford and is a place where
you can discuss any concerns you may have about adjustments that you may
need, whether these relate to study, personal care or other issues.
For
more information contact the Disability Service by phoning: 01274 233739
or via email: disabilities@bradford.ac.uk
University policies and initiatives
Learning and Teaching
Our University approach to learning, teaching and assessment is
encapsulated by an integrated set of themes and principles within our
Curriculum Framework. All of our degree programmes have been designed
to provide you with an inclusive and engaging learning environment which
gives you the opportunity to thrive and develop in your area of study. Our
research-informed programmes have a particular focus on developing your
employability. We also place a strong emphasis on collaborative, real-world
and enquiry-based learning, supported by appropriate learning technologies.
Our assessment is designed not just to measure your achievement, but also
to shape and guide your learning through preparing you for the increasing
level of challenge as you progress through your degree. Together, these lead
to you developing a distinctive set of graduate attributes which will prepare
you for life beyond university.
Ecoversity
Ecoversity is a strategic project of the University which aims to embed the
principles of sustainable development into our decision-making, learning and
teaching, research activities campus operations and lives of our staff and
students. We do not claim to be a beacon for sustainable development but
we aspire to become a leading University in this area. The facilities we create
for teaching and learning, including teaching spaces, laboratories, IT labs
and social spaces, will increasingly reflect our commitments to sustainable
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development. Staff and student participation in this initiative is crucial to its
success and its inclusion in the programme specification is a clear signal that
it is at the forefront of our thinking in programme development, delivery,
monitoring
and
review.
For
more
details
see
http://www.bradford.ac.uk/about/ecoversity/
The University of Bradford and the Faculty of Life Sciences are committed to
the principles of Education for Sustainable Development as outlined in the
UNESCO definition (see http://info.brad.ac.uk/admin/ecoversity/whatsustainability.php ). The programme provides opportunities both to explore
the sustainable development challenge (particularly through reflection on the
time depth of human interactions with landscape, ecosystems and resources)
and to develop a responsible professionalism. Within appropriate forensic
science modules such as CT-1009L, CT-2015L and CT3039L we explore the
twin, and often conflicting requirements of the integrity of evidence required
by the criminal justice system and the environmental needs to reduce
packaging and paper use. The teaching of material degradation in the
Taphonomy module has direct relevance to consideration of biological
turnover of waste in landfill and other depositional environments.
Further Information:
For further information, please check the University prospectus or contact
Admissions.
The Admissions Office
The University of Bradford
Richmond Road
Bradford, BD7 1DP
UK
+44 (0)1274 233054
Admissions Secretary
Faculty
of
Life
Sciences
Admissions
Room H36, Richmond Building
University of Bradford
Richmond Road
Bradford
BD7 1DP
http://www.bradford.ac.uk/study/ourTel: 01274 235692
courses/
Fax: 01274 309742
http://www.bradford.ac.uk/lifesciences/arch-sci/
The contents of this programme specification may change, subject to the
University's regulations and programme approval, monitoring and review
procedures.
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