Course Overview
This course demonstrates principles of forensic archaeology and methodical scene examination, showing how these principles are used in the search, excavation and recovery of human remains. The theories and methodologies employed are explored during lectures as well as during the field component. During the field component of the course (3x 8 hour days), teams will learn to process a scene from start to finish, including: initial scene assessment, surface scatter search, mapping, measuring, recording, gridding, screening, excavation and recovery of the remains. The course will conclude with a de-briefing session.
Prerequisite(s)
- Admission to a Forensic credential program or permission of the Program Coordinator.
Credits
3.0
Registration requirements
Departmental approval is required to register for this course. Departmental approval is required for this course. You will not be able to register without it.
Domestic fees
$1,034.70
International fees are typically 3.25 times the domestic tuition. Exact cost will be calculated upon completion of registration.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate the ability to effectively work and perform in a team environment.
- Describe environmental and taphonomic factors which influence the decomposition sequence that occurs in human remains and how each of these factors can influence the estimation of the elapsed time of death and the subsequent discovery of the remains.
- Conduct a formal and methodological search for scattered surface human remains at a site.
- Map, record and grid a scene with human remains.
- Explain the process and describe the methodology used in excavating a forensic shallow grave/burial.
- Describe several surface features which may be indicative of the presence of a forensic burial.
Topics:
- Introduction
- Human Osteology
- Forensic Anthropology
- Search techniques
- Excavation techniques
- Processing of a scene with human remains/ recovering scattered remains and buried remains.
Effective as of Fall 2012
Related Programs
Human Remains Recovery (FSCT 8110) is offered as a part of the following programs:
- Indicates programs accepting international students.
- Indicates programs eligible for students to apply for Post-graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
School of Computing and Academic Studies
- Forensic Investigation (Forensic Science Option)
Advanced Certificate Part-time
- Forensic Investigation (Forensic Science Option)
Bachelor of Technology Part-time
Course Offerings
Spring/Summer 2026
Below is one offering of FSCT 8110 for the Spring/Summer 2026 term.
CRN 52558
Dates
May 28 - Jul 16 Loading
- CRN 52558
- $1034.70 Domestic fees
Class meeting times
Duration
7 weeks
Instructor
Karen Collins
Course outline
Course outline TBD — see Learning Outcomes in the interim.
Important information
- Important course information will be sent to you prior to your course start date. Check your myBCIT email account to access this information.
- This course will be in person (F2F) - (7 Thurs eve): May 28, (no class June 4), June 11, June 18, June 25th, July 2, and July 9. Then July 16th for the final exam. Note: Three 8 hr field school days at BCIT woodlot in Maple Ridge (28101 Dewdney Trunk Rd): (2 Saturdays): June 27, July 4 & Sunday, July 12th. Attendance and participation in all classes is extremely important for success in the course. Students will need access to PPT to access the instructor’s lectures. There is no required textbook. Students who have been accepted into a Forensics program where this course is a part of the matrix may register without any further approvals. Students who are not currently accepted in a Forensics program or, if this course is NOT part of your program matrix, please contact the Program Assistants for departmental approval at BCIT_Forensics@bcit.ca.
Confirmation
Required
To proceed with registration and add this course to the cart, please confirm:
No approval yet? Request approval Departmental approval is required for this course. You will not be able to register without it.
Status
If you have any questions about this course, please contact us.
Programs and courses are subject to change without notice. Find out more about BCIT course cancellations.