Last modified: 31 May 2022 13:05
This course will provide an overview of current forensic pathology concepts and techniques as well as explore how forensic medicine and its perception by the public has evolved and changed through history. This course will allow you to evaluate how forensic medicine has evolved and adapted with advances in science. This course will introduce basic anatomy and apply knowledge of basic pathophysiology reinforced with practical autopsy experience in the public mortuary.
| Study Type | Undergraduate | Level | 3 |
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| Term | First Term | Credit Points | 15 credits (7.5 ECTS credits) |
| Campus | Aberdeen | Sustained Study | No |
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Forensic pathology deals with medico-legal aspects of trauma and sudden death including situations in which death has occurred unexpectedly as a result of natural causes or due to accidents, suicides and homicides. While the purpose of examinations is to assist other agencies of law and order in the investigation of criminal events and to offer credible evidence in the pursuit of justice, it is by no means confined to these circumstances made popular in crime fiction, and, in particular, is not necessarily well represented in popular television drama. The application of forensic knowledge and thought processes also impacts significantly on civil law, insurance matters, and contributes to the safety of the public and to safe, effective medical practice. Advances in modern science has greatly improved forensic medicine techniques in the investigation and interpretation of these deaths. This course will offer an opportunity to learn about the interactions of medicine and the law and provide an overview of the different legal systems in the UK. There will also be an opportunity learn about the history of forensic medicine, the techniques used in modern forensic medicine practice and explore and reflect on the evolution of the specialty through history, with a prospect of evaluating how forensic medicine and death in general is portrayed through various media including popular crime fiction literature, media and arts.
Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.
| Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | 80 | |
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| Assessment Type | Formative | Weighting | 20 | |
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To be researched in own time and presentation delivered to the class in week 5 Practical exam - Oral presentation; Individual. Each student allocated a type of death, e.g. natural, accident, suicide etc, and present a short approach to the death including important factors to consider, what information may be required from other agencies such as the police, and brief understanding of impact within the legal system.
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| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
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| Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | ||
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| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
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| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
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| Factual | Understand | Understand Legal Systems Employed throughout the UK - To gain basic understanding of the legal system in Scotland and the role and function of the Prosecutor Fiscal. |
| Conceptual | Evaluate | Experience post-mortem examination - basic interpretation of post mortem findings and basic anatomy |
| Reflection | Evaluate | Explore preception of forensic medicine within society |
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