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Human Remains Recovery FSCT 8110

Forensic Investigation Course

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International Fees

International fees are typically three times the amount of domestic fees. Exact cost will be calculated upon completion of registration.

Course details

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

Domestic fees

$993.86

Course offerings

Spring/Summer 2024

Below is one offering of FSCT 8110 for the Spring/Summer 2024 term.

CRN 52558

Duration

Tue May 21 - Tue Jul 16 (8 weeks)

  • 8 weeks
  • CRN 52558
  • Domestic fees $993.86
    International fees are typically three times the amount of domestic fees.
Class meeting times
Dates Days Times Locations
May 21 - May 28 Tue 18:00 - 21:00 Burnaby SW03 Rm. 4725
Jun 11 Tue 18:00 - 21:00 Burnaby SW03 Rm. 4725
Jun 25 Tue 18:00 - 21:00 Burnaby SW03 Rm. 4725
Jun 29 - Jul 13 Sat 08:30 - 16:30 Burnaby
Jul 02 - Jul 16 Tue 18:00 - 21:00 Burnaby SW03 Rm. 4725
Instructor

Karen Collins

Course outline

Course outline TBD — see Learning Outcomes in the interim.

Domestic fees

$993.86

Important information
  1. Departmental approval needed
  2. International fees are typically three times the amount of domestic fees. Exact cost will be calculated upon completion of registration.
  3. This course will be in person (F2F) - (7 Tues eve): May 21, 28 (no class June 4), June 11, (no class June 18), June 25, July 2, 9 and July 16 for the final exam. Note: Three 8 hr field school days at BCIT woodlot in Maple Ridge (28101 Dewdney Trunk Rd): (Saturdays): June 29, July 6 & 13th. 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.
Status

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 with a co-op option.

School of Computing and Academic Studies

  1. Forensic Investigation (Forensic Science Option)
    Advanced Certificate Part-time
  2. Forensic Investigation (Forensic Science Option)
    Bachelor of Technology Part-time

Contact Us

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  • Privacy Notice: The information you provide will be used to respond your request for BCIT course information and is collected under Section 26(c) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA). For more information about BCIT’s privacy practices contact: Associate Director, Privacy, Information Access & Policy Management, British Columbia Institute of Technology, 3700 Willingdon Ave. Burnaby, BC V5A 3H2, email: privacy@bcit.ca.

Programs and courses are subject to change without notice.