The
Department
Of
Archaeology.
AAP685
AUTUMN SEMESTER 2014-15
HUMAN OSTEOLOGY
MODULE CO-ORDINATOR:
PIA NYSTROM
OTHER TUTORS:
DIANA MAHONEY SWALES
MODULE OUTLINE
In this module the students are introduced to the human skeleton, both adult and immature, and comparative
primate skeletons. They are provided with in depth information on how to recognise individual bones, how to side
elements by being familiar with all pertinent landmarks. They will be introduced to the size and shape variation
present in the skeleton of Homo sapiens, including variations due to sex, ethnic affinity, and temporal changes.
MODULE AIMS
This unit aims to:
• provide the opportunity for an in depth macroscopic examination of the human skeleton
• provide proficiency in recognising landmarks, muscle attachments and pathological alterations
• provide the opportunity to appreciate the range of variation in size and shape of human skeletons
• provide proficiency in identifying fragments of skeletal elements.
MODULE OBJECTIVES
By the end of this module students should
• be able to demonstrate a comprehensive foundation knowledge of human osteology
• be able to identify individual osteological elements, both complete and fragmented elements
• be able to have an understanding of the structure and function of the human skeleton, and how external factors,
such as physical activity and general health may influence the appearance of individual bones
• to be able to recognise the range of variation present in modern humans.
Week
no.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Staff
Title
Session type
Duration
Lecture
Lab
Lecture
Lab
Lecture
Lab
Quiz
Lecture
Lab
Lecture
Lab
Room
Requirement
216/monday
216/monday
216/monday
216/monday
216/monday
216/monday
216/monday
216/monday
216/monday
216/monday
216/monday
PN
PN
PN
PN
PN
PN
PN
PN
PN
PN
PN
PN
PN
PN
Structure and function of hard tissues
Introduction to the human skeleton
Vertebral column & thorax
Examine the vertebral column and thorax
Upper limb
Examine the bones of the upper limb
Quiz 1 Axial skeleton
Hand
Examine the bones of the hand
Cranium and mandible
Examine the bones of cranium and
mandible
Quiz 2 Upper limb
Teeth
Examine deciduous & permanent teeth
Quiz
Lecture
Lab
216/monday
216/monday
216/Monday
0.5 hour
1 hour
2 hours
PN
PN
PN
PN
PN
PN
PN
PN
Quiz 3 Cranium and mandible
Pelvic girdle
Examine the bones of the pelvic girdle
Lower limb
Examine the bones of the lower limb
Quiz 4 Teeth
Foot
Examine the bones of the foot
Quiz
Lecture
Lab
Lecture
Lab
Quiz
Lecture
Lab
216/monday
216/monday
216/monday
216/monday
216/monday
216/monday
216/monday
216/monday
0.5 hour
1 hour
2 hours
1 hour
2 hours
0.5 hour
1 hour
2 hours
1 hour
2 hours
1 hour
2 hours
1 hour
2 hours
0.5 hour
1 hour
2 hours
1 hour
2 hours
10
PN
PN
11
12
PN
PN
PN
The influence of physical activity on the
skeleton
Examine the evidence of musculo-skeletal
markers and occupational stress
Quiz 5 Lower limb
Human skeletal variation
Review human skeleton
Lecture
216/monday
1 hour
Lab
216/monday
2 hours
Quiz
Lab
Lab
216/monday
216/monday
216/monday
0.5 hour
2 hours
2 hours
TEACHING AND LEARNING METHODS
Hours
10
26.5
113.5
Lectures
Laboratory Sessions &tests
Independent Study (including preparation for assessments)
ASSESSMENT METHODS / DEADLINES
% of mark
Essay(s)/Coursework
Formal examination
60
40
2
Hours/ length
2000 words
5x 0.5 hours
Deadline/s
Monday week 14
(As above)