Key facts
UNE unit code: ANAT336
*You are viewing the 2025 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 2 - Online
- Yes
- Yes
- Yes
- 6
Unit information
Forensic anthropologists apply their specialised knowledge of human anatomy, especially in relation to human skeletal remains, and play a pivotal role in medico-legal death investigations. Forensic anthropology experts can provide important information that establishes the positive identity of an individual, the time of death, cause and circumstances of death, age and other information. Routinely, they will write reports to courts and law enforcement and can be summoned to give expert evidence in court.
In this introductory unit, you will learn the role of a forensic anthropologist and some of the theoretical and practical skills used in present day forensic anthropology. You will read case studies and learn how grave crimes were solved using forensic anthropology and anatomy evidence. Studying some human anatomy, especially in relation to bones, you will learn to apply this knowledge to a forensic scenario.
This unit also requires you to attend a mandatory on campus intensive school.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
Teaching period | Mode/location |
---|---|
Trimester 2 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
Start | Finish | Duration | Attendance | Offerings | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
TBA | TBA | 3 days | Mandatory Intensive School | All offerings | Mandatory on campus intensive school for all students. Dates to be advised. |
Enrolment rules
Notes
This unit has a quota of 60 students per teaching period.
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- describe the role of a forensic anthropologist;
- describe the anatomy of individual bones in the human skeleton and describe common bone pathologies;
- discuss methods used to determine racial ancestry, sex, age and stature of an individual using the skeleton;
- discuss methods used to recover human remains and principles of crime scene investigation;
- describe methods used to estimate the time since death using skeletal evidence;
- describe methods used to identify individuals positively including the use of DNA from bones; and
- discuss court cases where forensic anthropology methods have been applied and used to solve a medico-legal issue.
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Note:
Text refers to: All offerings
Note: Recommended material is held in the University Library — purchase is optional.
Text refers to: All offerings
A five-star experience
Five Stars,
18 Years in a Row
UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 18 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience
Good Universities Guide 2007-2024No.1 in NSW for
Student Experience
QILT (government-endorsed) ranks UNE as the top public NSW uni for Student Experience
QILT Student Experience SurveyFive Stars for
Teaching Quality
UNE rates among the top 20 per cent of universities in Australia for Teaching Quality
Good Universities Guide 2024Studying online
At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian university.
We understand the challenges faced by busy adults studying at home. We know that a vital part of online study is your engagement with the learning community. Communication with your classmates, teaching staff and university support staff will enhance your study experience and ensure that your skills extend beyond the subject matter. UNE’s teaching staff are experts in their field which is why UNE consistently receives five stars from students for teaching quality, support and overall experience.*
*The Good Universities Guide
Stay connected
Register your interest and we'll keep you updated
Why study with us?
I'm grateful to UNE for the opportunities studying has given me, but above all, for making me realise I could actually do it, and giving me a sense of accomplishment.
What happens next?
Got any questions about a course you would like to study? Don’t hesitate to contact us, our Future Student team is standing by to help.
2025 applications are now open. The application process only takes 20 minutes to complete. Don’t delay, apply now!
Your start date is based on the study period you choose to apply for.