Skeletal Pathology (P01870)

? Credit Points : 20 ? SCQF Level : 11 ? Acronym : HCA-P-P01870

Numerous pathological conditions, especially chronic, long lasting disease, affect the human skeleton. The study of palaeopathology can provide vital information on the health and lifestyle of ancient populations and aids enormously in the interpretation of the history of disease. Fundamental to the study of palaeopathology is the understanding of how disease affects the body, as well as the skeleton. Disease processes, the main types of diseases affecting the skeleton, the identification, description and recording of pathological lesions, the recognition of pseudopathological traits caused by taphonomic agents, as well as the inherent limitations of assessing health and disease from skeletal remains, will be covered.

Entry Requirements

? Prohibited combinations : P01173 Palaeopathology: Human and Animal Disease

Subject Areas

Home subject area

Postgraduate (School of History and Classics), (School of History, Classics and Archaeology, Schedule E)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : Postgraduate

? Delivery Period : Semester 2 (Blocks 3-4)

? Contact Teaching Time : 2 hour(s) per week for 10 weeks

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course the student will have:
- A basic knowledge and understanding of disease processes within a framework of skeletal growth, development and remodelling.
- An ability to identify and record pathological lesions, using recognised standards
- A knowledge of the main conditions and diseases affecting the skeleton
- An understanding of the possibilities of, and limitations to, assessing the health status and lifestyle of individuals and populations from their human remains