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DEGREE REGULATIONS & PROGRAMMES OF STUDY 2021/2022

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DRPS : Course Catalogue : Deanery of Biomedical Sciences : Biomedical Sciences

Undergraduate Course: Applied Human Osteology (BIME10046)

Course Outline
SchoolDeanery of Biomedical Sciences CollegeCollege of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine
Credit level (Normal year taken)SCQF Level 10 (Year 4 Undergraduate) AvailabilityNot available to visiting students
SCQF Credits20 ECTS Credits10
SummaryThis course will provide students with an advanced knowledge of skeletal anatomy, major osteological landmarks and key associated soft-tissue structures. It will also provide students with an understanding of bone biology, development and biomechanics, and examine the importance of the skeleton in a forensic context.
Course description This course will provide students with a detailed knowledge of the human skeletal system. Topics which shall be covered will include adult osteology, bone growth and development, bone biology and microstructure, comparative osteology and forensic anthropology.
This course is designed to give students a working knowledge of the human skeletal system.

The course will be divided into three broad themes: adult osteology and bone biology, skeletal development, maturation and adaptation, and applied osteology and anthropology.

The course will be delivered through 16 one-hour lectures, drawing on the expertise of teaching staff, covering the areas outlined above. Where appropriate, these lectures will be accompanied by a practical session to allow students to put into practice the theory they were introduced to during the lectures.
Additionally, critical thought will be encouraged through two tutorials / seminars which will provide students with an opportunity to discuss contentious issues in the current literature. Students will also be required to complete a critical review exercise where they work in pairs as ¿reviewers¿ for published literature, the results of which will be presented to the class.
Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
Pre-requisites Students MUST have passed: Anatomy and Pathology 2 (MSBM08001) OR Anatomy and Development Synoptic Exam (BIME10041)
Co-requisites
Prohibited Combinations Other requirements OR MUST have passed MBChB Y1 and Y2
Course Delivery Information
Not being delivered
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
  1. Clearly demonstrate a detailed knowledge of the human skeleton.
  2. Be able to describe the gross stages of bone development and have an awareness of the gross milestones In skeletal development.
  3. Understand, analyse and discuss current theories in bone development.
  4. Understand and be able to apply anthropological techniques for the identification of unknown skeletal remains.
  5. Critically evaluate and appraise literature sources, using forensic anthropology resources as an exemplar, with an emphasis on experimental design and result reporting.
Reading List
Suggested Core Texts:
White, Black and Folkens (2011). Human Osteology. 3rd Edition. Oxford: Elsevier Academic Press
(or) White and Folkens (2005). The Human Bone Manual. Oxford: Elsevier Academic Press.
Christensen, Passalacqua and Bartelink (2014). Forensic Anthropology: Current Methods and Practice. Oxford: Elsevier Academic Press.
Further texts / resources may be advised throughout course.
Additional Information
Graduate Attributes and Skills This course will allow students to develop transferable skills in the following areas:
¿ Critical review of literature sources
¿ Analysis of complex sociological concepts
¿ Interpretation of scientific data
¿ Discussion and critical appraisal of the work of others
¿ Oral and written communication skills
¿ Group working and engagement.
KeywordsAnatomy,Forensic Anthropology,Osteology
Contacts
Course organiserMr Stephen MacLean
Tel: (0131 6)50 2924
Email: s.j.maclean@ed.ac.uk
Course secretaryMr Philip Horey
Tel: (0131 6)50 3160
Email: philip.horey@ed.ac.uk
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