Interpreting Skeletonised Human Remains

Course start dates:

Monday 6 July 2026 to Friday 30 October 2026

Duration: 3 Months online course

Course Module: 5 credit points comprising of 50 hours of work

This course will introduce methods used in the identification of skeletonised or decomposed human remains.

This will include an overview of techniques used to differentiate between human and animal bones, and provides underpinning theoretical knowledge required for interpretation.

You can sign up for this course at any point within the live period. However, if the course is due to finish within three weeks’ time, you can alternatively wait until the next course sessions begin to ensure you have ample time to complete it.

Fee: £95 excluding VAT

If you wish to either pay by bank transfer (BACS) or if your course will be paid by an external organisation, you must contact us directly on sci.shortcourses@ntu.ac.uk 

Course Description

This course will introduce methods used in the identification of skeletonised or decomposed human remains.

This will include an overview of techniques used to differentiate between human and animal bones, and provides underpinning theoretical knowledge required for interpretation. The course will cover:

• A summary of how bone is formed and repairs itself when damaged.
• Outline of the adult and juvenile human skeleton, including characteristics that aid in identification of the individual and interpretation of the condition in which they were found.
• Study of methods used to recognise whether bones are human or animal.
• Overview of the decomposition process and the relevance to forensic investigation.
• Outline of the disaster victim identification (DVI) process and criteria used in the identification of victims.