Program Overview
The University of Dundee's Anatomy & Advanced Forensic Anthropology MSc program equips students with the skills to analyze human remains for medico-legal purposes, particularly in establishing identity. Students gain proficiency in both anatomy and forensic anthropology, preparing them for careers in forensic science, anthropology, and related fields. Utilizing a combination of theoretical and practical teaching methods, the program includes full-body dissections and access to the UK's leading Thiel embalming facility.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Anatomy & Advanced Forensic Anthropology MSc program at the University of Dundee focuses on the analysis of human remains for medico-legal purposes, particularly in establishing identity. Students gain proficiency in both anatomy and forensic anthropology, equipping them with the skills to contribute to investigations involving interpersonal violence, homicide, repatriation, mass disasters, and war crimes.
Objectives:
- Learn to analyze human remains for the medico-legal purpose of establishing identity.
- Develop advanced anatomy skills through full-body dissections.
- Gain a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of gross anatomy.
- Learn how forensic anthropology contributes to the analysis and interpretation of human remains.
- Develop the skills needed to interpret juvenile skeletal remains.
- Learn how to produce and present forensic skeletal reports.
- Gain an understanding of the role of these reports in the legal process.
Teaching:
- The program utilizes a combination of theoretical and practical teaching methods.
- Students will engage in full-body dissections of Thiel embalmed cadavers, which retain realistic qualities like color, tissue quality, and flexibility.
- The University of Dundee is known for its Thiel embalming facility, considered the UK's leading one, with technicians consulted by anatomical institutions worldwide.
- Students will have access to the Scheuer and osteology skeletal collections to learn about bone formation and development.
Careers:
- The program prepares students for careers in forensic science, anthropology, and related fields.
- Potential career paths include:
- Forensic Anthropologist
- Forensic Scientist
- Crime Scene Investigator
- Research Scientist
- University Lecturer
Other:
- The program is offered on a full-time basis and has a duration of 12 months.
- It is delivered at the Dundee City Campus.
- The University of Dundee is ranked 1st in the UK for Forensic Science (Complete University Guide, 2023).
- Many of the faculty are practicing forensic practitioners.
- Students will learn about the application of forensic anthropology in various contexts, including investigations of interpersonal violence, homicide, repatriation, mass disasters, and war crimes.
- The program provides in-depth training in the interpretation of juvenile skeletal remains.
- Students will develop proficiency in producing and presenting forensic skeletal reports, understanding their role in the legal process.
- The program provides a unique opportunity to learn from experienced forensic practitioners and utilize state-of-the-art facilities.
