Students

HLTH701 – Forensic Anthropology

2019 – S1 Day

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Convener
Stephanie Marhoff-Beard
Contact via (02) 9850 6947
17 Wally's Walk (west) room 342
By appointment
Credit points Credit points
4
Prerequisites Prerequisites
Admission to MRes
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description
This unit provides the students with an in-depth understanding of the changes to the human body, in a forensic context, from death until discovery. An emphasis will be placed on the biological variability of human remains to assist in the identification of remains. Students will explore the differences between human and non-human remains and they will be taught to take osteometric measurements for the purpose of biological profiling. Students will gain experience in case work by completing an analysis of a set of remains and will present this as a mock case report for court.

Important Academic Dates

Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

  • Demonstrate an understanding of how the major processes of decomposition and taphonomic change can affect the outcomes of a forensic investigation
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the scientific and ethical role of the forensic anthropologist in the gathering and analysis of forensic evidence, particularly in an Australian context.
  • Conduct an anthropological investigation of human and non-human skeletal remains and create a biological profile of human skeletal remains.
  • Communicate and articulate findings correctly in written and/or oral form for a variety of formats including in an anthropological case report for court.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the biological variations in the human skeleton and identify evidence of pathology and trauma.

General Assessment Information

Special Consideration

The University is committed to equity and fairness in all aspects of its learning and teaching. It recognises that students may experience events beyond their control that adversely affect their academic performance in assessment activities. Special Consideration applies only to short-term, serious and unavoidable circumstances that arise after a study period has commenced, and where specific assessment task/s have been affected. Students are expected to plan their work so that they can meet assessment deadlines at the same time as other obligations which they may have, both inside and outside the University.

Serious and Unavoidable circumstances: the University classifies circumstances as serious and unavoidable if they:

  • could not have reasonably been anticipated, avoided or guarded against by the student; and
  • were beyond the student's control; and
  • caused substantial disruption to the student’s capacity for undertaking assessment for the unit(s); and
  • occurred during an event critical study period and were at least three (3) consecutive days duration or a total of 5 days within the teaching period and/or
  • prevented completion of an assessment task scheduled for a specific date (e.g. final examination, in class test/quiz, in class presentation).

Students with a pre-existing disability/health condition or prolonged adverse circumstances may be eligible for ongoing assistance and support. Such support is governed by the Student Disability Support Policy and may be sought and coordinated through Campus Wellbeing. It is recognised that students with chronic/long-term conditions may experience an acute episode of their condition, and that it may not always be possible for the University to put sufficient arrangements in place to provide a reasonable adjustment at the time of assessment.  Such eventualities are covered by this policy.

If you receive special consideration for the final exam, a supplementary exam will be scheduled in the interval between the regular exam period and the start of the next session.  By making a special consideration application for the final exam you are declaring yourself available for a resit during the supplementary examination period and will not be eligible for a second special consideration approval based on pre-existing commitments.  Please ensure you are familiar with the policy prior to submitting an application. You can check the supplementary exam information page on FSE101 in iLearn (bit.ly/FSESupp) for dates, and approved applicants will receive an individual notification one week prior to the exam with the exact date and time of their supplementary examination.​

 

Fit to Sit Model

Macquarie University operates under a ‘Fit to Sit’ model. This means that, in sitting an examination and/or in-class test or otherwise submitting an assessment, a student is declaring that they are fit to do so. It is the responsibility of the student to determine whether they are fit to sit an examination or test, or otherwise submit an assessment. Therefore, if a student is feeling unfit to sit the examination or test, or otherwise submit the assessment, they should not do so.

Nonetheless, a student may submit an application for Special Consideration if they can demonstrate that:

  • they were unfit to make reasonable judgement on their fitness to undertake the assessment, due to mental illness or other exceptional circumstances, or
  • they were taken ill during the assessment (in the case of an examination or test), and this can be independently corroborated.

In cases where a student is taken ill during an examination/class test, the student must advise the examination supervisor, who will record the case on the Examination Room Report Form.

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Practical Assessment 40% No Week 9
Case Report 40% No Week 13
Literature Review 20% No Week 7

Practical Assessment

Due: Week 9
Weighting: 40%

Practical test related to models and images observed throughout practical sessions. Practical test will test student knowledge of key anatomical features and landmarks used in forensic anthropology, test profiling skills and general anatomical knowledge.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Conduct an anthropological investigation of human and non-human skeletal remains and create a biological profile of human skeletal remains.
  • Communicate and articulate findings correctly in written and/or oral form for a variety of formats including in an anthropological case report for court.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the biological variations in the human skeleton and identify evidence of pathology and trauma.

Case Report

Due: Week 13
Weighting: 40%

Throughout the semester students will be given a series of bones and artifacts to catalogue and make an assessment of the biological profile. You will write a case report detailing your profile and the methods used to come to your findings.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of how the major processes of decomposition and taphonomic change can affect the outcomes of a forensic investigation
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the scientific and ethical role of the forensic anthropologist in the gathering and analysis of forensic evidence, particularly in an Australian context.
  • Conduct an anthropological investigation of human and non-human skeletal remains and create a biological profile of human skeletal remains.
  • Communicate and articulate findings correctly in written and/or oral form for a variety of formats including in an anthropological case report for court.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the biological variations in the human skeleton and identify evidence of pathology and trauma.

Literature Review

Due: Week 7
Weighting: 20%

Students will be assigned a topic within the discipline of forensic anthropology and will be required to critically analyse the literature in the written form of a literature review.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of how the major processes of decomposition and taphonomic change can affect the outcomes of a forensic investigation
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the scientific and ethical role of the forensic anthropologist in the gathering and analysis of forensic evidence, particularly in an Australian context.
  • Communicate and articulate findings correctly in written and/or oral form for a variety of formats including in an anthropological case report for court.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the biological variations in the human skeleton and identify evidence of pathology and trauma.

Delivery and Resources

This unit is characterized by a moderate degree of flexibility. It incorporates a variety of learning tools and media. It will comprise: 

One three hour practical/tutorial per week, weeks 1-13 (except where indicated).  A variety of mediums will be used  to teach critical concepts and discussions will be carried out.

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Undergraduate students seeking more policy resources can visit the Student Policy Gateway (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/student-policy-gateway). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.

If you would like to see all the policies relevant to Learning and Teaching visit Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central).

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/study/getting-started/student-conduct​

Results

Results published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au

Student Support

Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/

Learning Skills

Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.

Student Services and Support

Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.

Student Enquiries

For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au

If you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au

IT Help

For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/

When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.

Graduate Capabilities

PG - Capable of Professional and Personal Judgment and Initiative

Our postgraduates will demonstrate a high standard of discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgment. They will have the ability to make informed choices and decisions that reflect both the nature of their professional work and their personal perspectives.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Demonstrate an understanding of the scientific and ethical role of the forensic anthropologist in the gathering and analysis of forensic evidence, particularly in an Australian context.
  • Conduct an anthropological investigation of human and non-human skeletal remains and create a biological profile of human skeletal remains.

Assessment tasks

  • Practical Assessment
  • Case Report
  • Literature Review

PG - Discipline Knowledge and Skills

Our postgraduates will be able to demonstrate a significantly enhanced depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content knowledge in their chosen fields.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Demonstrate an understanding of how the major processes of decomposition and taphonomic change can affect the outcomes of a forensic investigation
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the scientific and ethical role of the forensic anthropologist in the gathering and analysis of forensic evidence, particularly in an Australian context.
  • Conduct an anthropological investigation of human and non-human skeletal remains and create a biological profile of human skeletal remains.
  • Communicate and articulate findings correctly in written and/or oral form for a variety of formats including in an anthropological case report for court.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the biological variations in the human skeleton and identify evidence of pathology and trauma.

Assessment tasks

  • Practical Assessment
  • Case Report
  • Literature Review

PG - Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking

Our postgraduates will be capable of utilising and reflecting on prior knowledge and experience, of applying higher level critical thinking skills, and of integrating and synthesising learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments. A characteristic of this form of thinking is the generation of new, professionally oriented knowledge through personal or group-based critique of practice and theory.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Demonstrate an understanding of the scientific and ethical role of the forensic anthropologist in the gathering and analysis of forensic evidence, particularly in an Australian context.
  • Conduct an anthropological investigation of human and non-human skeletal remains and create a biological profile of human skeletal remains.
  • Communicate and articulate findings correctly in written and/or oral form for a variety of formats including in an anthropological case report for court.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the biological variations in the human skeleton and identify evidence of pathology and trauma.

Assessment tasks

  • Practical Assessment
  • Case Report
  • Literature Review

PG - Research and Problem Solving Capability

Our postgraduates will be capable of systematic enquiry; able to use research skills to create new knowledge that can be applied to real world issues, or contribute to a field of study or practice to enhance society. They will be capable of creative questioning, problem finding and problem solving.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Demonstrate an understanding of how the major processes of decomposition and taphonomic change can affect the outcomes of a forensic investigation
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the scientific and ethical role of the forensic anthropologist in the gathering and analysis of forensic evidence, particularly in an Australian context.
  • Conduct an anthropological investigation of human and non-human skeletal remains and create a biological profile of human skeletal remains.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the biological variations in the human skeleton and identify evidence of pathology and trauma.

Assessment tasks

  • Practical Assessment
  • Case Report
  • Literature Review

PG - Effective Communication

Our postgraduates will be able to communicate effectively and convey their views to different social, cultural, and professional audiences. They will be able to use a variety of technologically supported media to communicate with empathy using a range of written, spoken or visual formats.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Demonstrate an understanding of the scientific and ethical role of the forensic anthropologist in the gathering and analysis of forensic evidence, particularly in an Australian context.
  • Conduct an anthropological investigation of human and non-human skeletal remains and create a biological profile of human skeletal remains.
  • Communicate and articulate findings correctly in written and/or oral form for a variety of formats including in an anthropological case report for court.

Assessment tasks

  • Practical Assessment
  • Case Report
  • Literature Review

PG - Engaged and Responsible, Active and Ethical Citizens

Our postgraduates will be ethically aware and capable of confident transformative action in relation to their professional responsibilities and the wider community. They will have a sense of connectedness with others and country and have a sense of mutual obligation. They will be able to appreciate the impact of their professional roles for social justice and inclusion related to national and global issues

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Demonstrate an understanding of the scientific and ethical role of the forensic anthropologist in the gathering and analysis of forensic evidence, particularly in an Australian context.
  • Conduct an anthropological investigation of human and non-human skeletal remains and create a biological profile of human skeletal remains.

Assessment tasks

  • Practical Assessment
  • Case Report
  • Literature Review