MASTER OF ARTS ARCHAEOLOGICAL FORENSICS (MAF)

Module Code	Module Name	Description
MAF501	Fundamentals of Archaeological Forensics	The module is about the history of the application of forensic science to archaeology. Aims of forensic archaeology (understanding mortuary practices in the past, understanding causes of death in the past and the present, pathology and diseases, graves, mass burials and grave relocations), criminology and human behaviour, ethics and legal issues around human remains (the human remains debate, museums and human collections, colonial practices vs culture, return and reburials, genocides, coping with disease pandemics), natural and human caused disasters, e.g., cyclones, tsunamis, mining disasters, accidents. The investigative skills of the archaeologist readily suit cold criminal cases, homicides, etc. Although more focused-on human remains, archaeological practice in general can be considered a forensic science. Thus, key archaeological concepts such as stratigraphy, site formation and taphonomy are discussed.
MAF503	Human Anatomy, Evolution and Adaptation	This module explores how Archaeological techniques and the analysis of human remains are used in forensic context. Issues to do with human anatomy and anthropological analysis of human remains including ancestry assessment (evolutionary tree), age analysis and sex determination will be explored. Ethical issues surrounding the study of human remains will be explored. Key skills and knowledge to be delivered in this module includes: the ability to identify the human skeletal parts, to determine age and sex of a given skeleton, traumatic experiences and effects of various diseases on the human body. The module will be taught jointly with the Department of Anatomy.
MAF504	Field and Laboratory Methods for Forensic Archaeology	The module is aimed at equipping students with theoretical and practical issues in field archaeology. Field approaches and data collection techniques will be discussed and put into practice during site/field visits. Key skills and knowledge to be delivered in this module includes: Understanding context: documentation of context; Analysis of evidence (archaeological and recent); Crime Scene/ archaeological site investigation; Crime Scene Analysis using modern techniques; Site surveys, geophysical surveying, remote sensing, site planning, excavation techniques, data collection, sampling techniques, ethnographic knowledge; Preservation and conservation; understanding site formation, Understanding Context: stratigraphy, originality, associations, provenance, matrix; Detecting taphonomic processes; Documentation and Presentation of contextual information: drawings, 3D productions, mapping, surveying techniques; Excavating human remains; Sampling/collecting human remains; ethical considerations.
MIDAH501	Digital Skills for Masters	The Information and Digital Skills module for Postgraduate students introduces students to the tenets of conducting scientific research in alignment with the current scholarly communication landscape. Module aims to conduct effective literature searches and synthesise evidence, understand academic integrity and reference management, navigate the academic publishing landscape, effectively manage research data, collaborate in research and identify funding opportunities, and communicate research findings and track research impact.
MAF505	Archaeological Informatics	Field and post field data management requires knowledge and skills in ICTs. This module equips students with skills of utilising ICTs to document, analyse, manage, present and share archaeological data; 2D and 3D documentation; GIS applications, Multimedia and VR productions, Modelling; Students will learn on database development and management, digital analysis of data and creating digital products from their data through modelling and other forms of digital manipulations. The students may also be exposed to the HPC and other advanced techniques such as DNA Analysis and diagnostic imaging.
MAF502	Archaeological Theory	The module covers detailed discussion of archaeological theories such as social theory, agency, social transmission theory, costly signalling, decolonisation, coloniality and the contribution of data from archaeological forensics. These help in understanding decisions regarding working with, and disposal of human remains.
MAF506	Public and Contract Archaeology	This module will introduce students to the principles and practice of public archaeology and acquaint them with the main theoretical and practical issues of the field. The aim of this module is to explore the interaction and dynamic relationship between archaeology and the public and society to study the social and educational aspects of archaeological research and ultimately help students develop analytical and practical skills in heritage dissemination. The module allows students to discuss the public importance of archaeology, the nature of public archaeology, and how to engage the public in archaeological research, archaeological exhibitions and interpretation.
MAF507	Analytical Chemistry for Archaeology	The module explores the compositional analysis of natural and synthetic materials and residues. This includes human and other biological remains. By the end of the module, students should have comprehensively understood methods used in investigating organic residue analysis on archaeological pottery to reconstruct ancient diet; nutrition and resource use; analysis of ancient sediments and soils (geographic sources of procurement of raw materials), analysis of mummies including DNA and characterising the embalming agency through CT scanning, MRI, X-Ray, Ultrasound; analysis of skeletal remains; use of analytical chemistry in the conservation of archaeological materials.
MAF508	Community Project	Students work with remains from archaeological sites or from museums to determine that they are human remains, establish ancestry and race through forensic investigations. With known human remains, students should be able to investigate the cause of death and diseases. They should be able to solve genealogical problems.
MAF570	Dissertation	The project shall be on an approved topic and should be submitted at the end of Part 2 of the programme. The topic should satisfy the expectations of Education 5.0 by focussing on Archaeological Forensics, being able to solve community challenges or being innovative to cause communities to behave in certain beneficial ways. It may be on digital creations with educational, economic and social value or that enhances service delivery in relevant stakeholder institutions.