Forensic Facial Reconstruction: Finding Mr. X (FutureLearn)

Forensic Facial Reconstruction: Finding Mr. X (FutureLearn)

Learn about the forensic technique of facial reconstruction from the experts involved in a real crime case. On Saturday 22 January 2000, two men found a small holdall, abandoned on an industrial estate in the north of Sheffield. Upon opening the bag they made a gruesome discovery. A badly decomposed body. Who was this person? Why did they die? Where had the body been stored all of this time? On this course from The University of Sheffield, you’ll learn alongside the experts who worked to determine the identity of Mr. X. You’ll discover the forensic science techniques that were used to identify the body and understand the circumstances surrounding their death.

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What topics will you cover?

  • An introduction to the study of Forensic Anatomy.
  • How to analyse a skull to determine a person’s sex and ethnicity.
  • The circumstances under which a facial reconstruction would be necessary.
  • The key muscles groups of the face and the order in which they are applied to a skull in a facial reconstruction.
  • How the facial reconstruction method relates to the broader field of forensic work.

What topics will you cover?

  • An introduction to the study of Forensic Anatomy.
  • How to analyse a skull to determine a person’s sex and ethnicity.
  • The circumstances under which a facial reconstruction would be necessary.
  • The key muscle groups of the face and the order in which they are applied to a skull in a facial -reconstruction.
  • How the facial reconstruction method relates to the broader field of forensic work.

Learning on this course
You can take this self-guided course and learn at your own pace. On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.

What will you achieve?
By the end of the course, you'll be able to...

  • Summarise the context and applications of facial reconstruction within the study of Forensic Anatomy.
  • Identify basic information about a person from their skeleton and in particular, their skull.
  • Describe the key muscle groups of the face.

Who is the course for?
This course is suitable for anyone interested in how forensic anatomy and facial reconstruction can assist police investigations. No prior qualifications in forensic science or other disciplines are required.
Students and practitioners in the fields of archaeology, anatomy, and anthropology may gain valuable insights into the use of anatomy expertise in forensic work that they can apply to their study and work in the field.

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