Forensic Archaeology: Field Recovery Science

Module 16 hrs3 topics

Foundations and Discipline Overview

The history, scope, and legal standing of forensic archaeology as a distinct discipline. Covers its relationship to crime scene management, forensic anthropology, and the evidentiary standards it must satisfy.

Start module

History and Scope of Forensic ArchaeologyForensic archaeology applies excavation science to legal investigations, from WWI grave-recovery to today's mass-casualty incidents and international criminal tribunals.14 min14 min
Legal Framework and Scene AuthorityWho controls a burial site, and under what authority, determines everything about how evidence can be recovered and used. This topic maps the overlapping police, coroner, and international legal frameworks that govern forensic archaeology scenes.15 min15 min
Ethics and Human-Rights ObligationsForensic archaeology operates on remains that belong to identifiable people with living families. This topic examines the ethical obligations that flow from that reality, from ICRC guidelines on the missing to the tension between investigative need and cultural respect.15 min15 min

Module 26 hrs4 topics

Search Strategy and Remote Sensing

Start module

Systematic methods for locating buried or concealed remains before any ground disturbance. Covers desk-based assessment, aerial and satellite analysis, LiDAR, and structured field-search protocols.

Start module

Module 36 hrs3 topics

Geophysical Detection Methods

Start module

Non-invasive subsurface sensing techniques applied to clandestine burial search. Each method's physical principles, operational protocols, output interpretation, and known limitations in forensic contexts.

Start module

Module 46 hrs4 topics

Excavation Methods and Single-Context Recording

Start module

Field excavation techniques adapted from archaeological practice for legal contexts. Focuses on the single-context recording system, stratigraphic principles, and the evidential requirements that distinguish forensic from research excavation.

Start module

Module 56 hrs3 topics

Mapping, Recording, and Spatial Documentation

Start module

Instruments and workflows for creating an accurate, reproducible spatial record of a forensic scene. Covers total-station survey, photogrammetry, and the integration of spatial data into site reports.

Start module

Module 66 hrs3 topics

Taphonomy of Burial

Start module

How biological, chemical, and physical processes alter remains and associated evidence after burial. Understanding taphonomy is essential for interpreting what is found and for estimating the burial interval.

Start module

Module 76 hrs4 topics

Mass Graves and Human-Rights Recovery

Start module

Protocols and practices developed for the systematic recovery of victims from conflict, atrocity, or disaster events. Focuses on international body mandates, ante-mortem data systems, and the chain from field to identification.

Start module

Module 86 hrs3 topics

Disaster, Fire, and Conflict Scene Archaeology

Start module

Specialist applications of forensic archaeological method to mass-casualty disaster scenes, fire-damaged contexts, and historic battlefield recovery.

Start module

Module 96 hrs4 topics

Post-Excavation, Dating, and Court Presentation

Start module

The work that follows field recovery: specialist sample processing, absolute dating, report writing, and the presentation of archaeological evidence in legal proceedings.

Start module

Your journey to becoming a forensic professional starts here.

Forensic Archaeology

Forensic Archaeology