Archaeological and Forensic Sciences

Bachelor's degree

In Poole

Price on request

Description

  • Type

    Bachelor's degree

  • Location

    Poole

  • Duration

    3 Years

To prepare individuals for careers in forensic science or archaeology. Students gain an understanding of a very wide range of subjects, develop a number of crucial skills and learn to think both creatively and analytically.

Facilities

Location

Start date

Poole (Dorset)
See map
Bournemouth University, Christchurch House, Talbot Campus, BH12 5BB

Start date

On request

About this course

Applications are viewed on their individual merits. For 2010/11 entry: 260 points. For 2011/12 entry: 300 points from a minimum of 3 A Levels or equivalent, including 100 points in one of the preferred subjects and 80 points in a second preferred subject
Preferred subjects: Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Archaeology, Classical Civilisation, History, Geography
Recommended GCSEs: A minimum of 5 GCSEs grades A* - C including a Science, Maths and English or equivalent qualifications
If English is not your first language: IELTS 6.5 (Academic) or above.

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Reviews

Course programme

BSc (Hons) Archaeological and Forensic Sciences

Delivery method:
Full-time
Course Reference: BSAFS

Course Overview

This degree is designed to introduce the application of forensic sciences to archaeological contexts

The use of forensic sciences to investigate past populations has increased in the past few years, resulting in wholesale coverage by the media. There is now a need for appropriately trained scientific researchers and staff, within universities and archaeological units, who have the ability to apply forensic techniques to the archaeological environment, and vice versa. This course draws on the School's excellent reputation in both traditional and forensic archaeology and includes the study of human remains.

Candidates lacking relevant qualifications to enter at Level C may be considered for entry through the FdSc Practical Archaeology. Mature student entry is encouraged, candidates being considered based on relevant professional experience and/or qualifications.

The Student experience
At Bournemouth, in addition to our archaeology courses we have taught Forensic Archaeology, Forensic and Biological Anthropology and Oesteoarchaeology postgraduate courses for several years, for which we have world-wide recognition.

This has lead to the development of this undergraduate course which will lead to exciting career opportunities. The course is underpinned by our research findings, which are integrated with our teaching. Our archaeology research rated "3A" following the RAE assessment in Dec 2001 and our teaching achieved an "Excellent" rating of 22/24 by the QAA.

The work of the Centre of Forensic Science is concerned with the application of archaeological and anthropological approaches to the service of the courts and assisting police forces and other agencies in the resolution of serious crime including murder and genocide. Research in this field includes site location and definition, recovery of buried remains, biological anthropology, material conservation, and the investigation of the taphonomy and decay of organic and inorganic materials.

Key ongoing projects include:
Studies of decay processes in UK environments;

  • Modern chronic disease processes, their sequelae and the impact of surgical and pharmacological treatments upon hard tissues;
  • The use of geophysical techniques in locating buried remains;
  • Anthropogenic modification of hard tissues in archaeological and forensic materials;
  • The impact of war crimes on skeletal tissues;
  • The use of archaeological and anthropological methods in the investigation of genocide and the violation of human rights;
  • Skeletal and radiological patterns of torture;
  • The study of human skeletal remains from early 20th century conflicts;
  • Development of electronic 'noses' for the detection of buried bodies;
  • Use of laser scanning to record mass grave deposits.

The specific units differentiating this course from our BSc Archaeology course are:

  • Crime Scene and Forensic Science
  • Molecular Biology
  • Laboratory and Analytical Skills
  • Biological Anthropology
  • Forensic Biomolecules
  • Geophysical and Geochemical Prospection
  • Forensic Anthropology
  • Forensic Archaeology

The course differs significantly from a traditional archaeology course. As well covering all the theoretical subjects, the course contains extensive fieldwork, including a training excavation in Year 1 and placement in Year 2, and covers the core curriculum of the Institute of Field Archaeologists. The course also includes transferable skills so that graduates possess a range of expertise in areas that are in high demand by potential employers.

We are part of the Erasmus/Socrates programme so you may be able to undertake a period of study at one of the participating overseas universities as a part of your degree course.

Archaeological and Forensic Sciences

Price on request