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ME33FO: FORENSIC MEDICINE (2022-2023)

Last modified: 31 Jul 2023 11:19


Course Overview

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.

Course Details

Study Type Undergraduate Level 3
Term First Term Credit Points 15 credits (7.5 ECTS credits)
Campus Aberdeen Sustained Study No
Co-ordinators
  • Dr Leighanne Deboys
  • Dr Tamara Mcnamee

What courses & programmes must have been taken before this course?

  • Medicine (ME)
  • Either Programme Level 3 or BSc Medical Science (Medical Humanities)
  • Any Undergraduate Programme

What other courses must be taken with this course?

None.

What courses cannot be taken with this course?

None.

Are there a limited number of places available?

No

Course Description

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.


Contact Teaching Time

Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.

Teaching Breakdown

More Information about Week Numbers


Details, including assessments, may be subject to change until 30 August 2024 for 1st term courses and 20 December 2024 for 2nd term courses.

Summative Assessments

Reflective Report

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 80
Assessment Weeks Feedback Weeks

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Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
ConceptualEvaluateExperience post-mortem examination - basic interpretation of post mortem findings and basic anatomy
ReflectionEvaluateExplore preception of forensic medicine within society

Formative Assessment

Oral Presentation: Individual

Assessment Type Formative Weighting 20
Assessment Weeks Feedback Weeks

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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.

 

Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
ConceptualEvaluateExperience post-mortem examination - basic interpretation of post mortem findings and basic anatomy
FactualUnderstandUnderstand 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.

Resit Assessments

Reflective Report

Assessment Type Summative Weighting
Assessment Weeks Feedback Weeks

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Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
Sorry, we don't have this information available just now. Please check the course guide on MyAberdeen or with the Course Coordinator

Course Learning Outcomes

Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
ConceptualEvaluateExperience post-mortem examination - basic interpretation of post mortem findings and basic anatomy
FactualUnderstandUnderstand 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.
ReflectionEvaluateExplore preception of forensic medicine within society

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