PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
Programme title: / MSc Forensic Archaeological ScienceFinal award (BSc, MA etc):
(where stopping off points exist they should be detailed here and defined later in the document) / MSc
UCAS code:
(where applicable) / N/A
Intake cohort(s) to which this programme specification is applicable:
(e.g. from 2001 intake onwards) / from session 2007-08 onwards
Awarding institution/body: / University College London
Teaching institution: / University College London
Faculty: / Social and Historical Sciences
Parent Department:
(the department responsible for the administration of the programme) / Institute of Archaeology
Departmental Web page address:
(if applicable) / http://www.ucl.ac.uk/archaeology/Method of study:
Full-time/Part-time/Other / The programme can be taken either full-time or part-time
Criteria for admission to the programme: / http://www.ucl.ac.uk/prospective-students/graduate-study/
Length of the programme:
(please note any periods spent away from UCL, such as study abroad or placements in industry) / One calendar year full-time, two calendar years part-time
Level on Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (FHEQ)
(see Guidance notes) / M
Relevant subject benchmark statement (SBS)
(see Guidance notes) / N/A
Brief outline of the structure of the programme / its assessment:
(see guidance notes) / http://www.ucl.ac.uk/archaeology/studying/masters/degrees
Board of Examiners:
/ i) Name of Board of Examiners:
MSc. Forensic Archaeological Science
Professional body accreditation
(if applicable):
/ Date of next scheduled accreditation visit:EDUCATIONAL AIMS OF THE PROGRAMME:
The programme will (a) develop student skills in the area of search and recovery of human remains at a crime scene investigation and introduce them to skills in a wide range of associated forensic fields; (b) develop skills in the area of bone and tooth analysis and interpretation to apply in forensic and osteoarchaeological fields; (c) give them practical training in those skills; and (d) introduce students to aspects of forensic archaeology and related skills at an intellectually demanding level.
PROGRAMME OUTCOMES:
The programme provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding, qualities, skills and other attributes in the following areas:
A: Knowledge and understanding
Knowledge and understanding of:
1. How to search, recover, record and present forensic archaeological finds, to assess and solve problems at crime scenes.
2. How to interpret and present results from a forensic investigation: human remains and enviromental markers.
3. Indentify human remains within the forensic and osteoachaeological fields.
4. Interact within a multi-disciplinary forensic team. / Teaching/learning methods and strategies:
Acquisition through two to three hour lectures, seminars, practical classes and one field course / mock crime scene.
/ Assessment:
Students will be assessed by a variety of field methods: essays, coursework and field report(s).
B: Skills and other attributes
Intellectual (thinking) skills:The programme aims to help students:
(a) Be precise and cautious in their assessment of a crime scene situation, and interpretation of circumstances in the field.
(b) Understand laboratory evidence gathered, and appreciate what it can do for a forensic investigation.
(c) Understand human remains within the archaeological field.
(d) Question field techniques, its methods of recovery, analysis and interpretation, however authoritative, and formulate their own opinion. / Teaching/learning methods and strategies:
Acquisition is fostered in all courses offered in the programme, in that all courses will introduce information that will need to be assessed critically and will demonstrate how conflicting interpretations arise from the same information.
/ Assessment:
Through course work, essays, field course report(s).
C: Skills and other attributes
Practical skills (able to):The programme aims to help students with the following practical skills:
(a) Communicate effectively in writing
(b) Improve their knowledge of archaeology in the forensic field.
(c) Improve their knowledge of human remains within osteoarchaeology and forensic field.
(d) Present a valid forensic statement and defend in a Court of Law
(e) Listen and discuss ideas introduced during seminars and field trip(s)
(f) Practice research techniques in libraries
(g) Maintain a constant rhythm of learning and research
(h) Choose their own essay topics
(i) Make a formal oral presentation / Teaching/learning methods and strategies:
(a) through the writing of essays, field trip report(s)
(b) through weekly lectures and a field course
(c) through weekly lectures, practical laboratory work and field trips
(d) through mock court room practice
(e) through lectures, seminars and field trips
(f) through essay and report writing
(g) through establishing of clear deadlines for the submission of written work
(h) through class presentation and individual interests
(i) through preliminary presentation of dissertation topic
/ Assessment:
By course work, essays, Field course report(s), oral presentation
D: Skills and other attributes
Transferable skills (able to):(a) perform assigned tasks as part of a team, participating in discussion
(b) identify problems and questions
(c) undertake the analysis of factual information
(d) recognise the weakness in the arguments of others
(e) undertake tasks independently
(f) present knowledge in a way that is comprehensible to others both in written and oral form
(g) demonstrate an ability to listen and comprehend when presented with options and information
(h) demonstrate visual skills / Teaching/learning methods and strategies:
Students will learn these transferable skills both in the classroom and by their practice in the class room and in the field.
/ Assessment:
Through the participation in the field course(s), solving of hypothetical situations in class.
The following reference points were used in designing the programme:
· the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (http://www.qaa.ac.uk/Publications/InformationAndGuidance/Pages/quality-code-A1.aspx);
· the relevant Subject Benchmark Statements (http://www.qaa.ac.uk/Publications/InformationAndGuidance/Pages/quality-code-A2.aspx);
· the programme specifications for UCL degree programmes in relevant subjects (where applicable);
· UCL teaching and learning policies;
· staff research.
Please note: This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if he/she takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided. More detailed information on the learning outcomes, content and teaching, learning and assessment methods of each course unit/module can be found in the departmental course handbook. The accuracy of the information contained in this document is reviewed by the College and may be checked by the Quality Assurance Agency.
Programme Organiser(s) Name(s):
/ R. Ferllini
Signature(s):
Date of production/revision: / 08.04.03 /
12/02/13
Date approved by Head of Department: / 08.05.08 / Signed:
Professor Stephen Shennan
Date approved by Chair of Departmental Teaching Committee: / 08.05.08 / Signed:
Dr Karen Wright
Date approved by Faculty Teaching Committee / Signed by Chair:
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