REGULATIONS FOR THE MASTER OF ARTS DEGREE IN FORENSIC ARCHAEOLOGY (MAFA)

1.0 PURPOSE OF PROGRAMME 

This masters programme is designed with the goal of developing practical and adaptable graduates, skilled in the areas of location, recovery, recording and interpretation of human remains encountered in both archaeological and forensic (recent) contexts. Despite the focus being more on the satisfaction of investigations of archaeological cases, the programme develops highly skilled graduates with satisfactory theoretical, practical and vocational skills grounded to meet both archaeological and criminal investigations of human remains and contexts. Forensic Archaeology is the application of archaeological skills to the location and recovery of human remains and forensic evidence. The programme, therefore, goes beyond the basic transference of standard biological anthropology knowledge or conventional archaeological methods to the forensic arena. Rather, it seeks to deliver on a forensic archaeologist’s obligation to master a sound understanding of the scientific, technical, ethical, legal and regulatory dimensions of archaeological and forensic investigations of human remains and contexts of recovery. Also critical are skills in effective communication with other professionals be it in the fields of forensic archaeology, police services, justice and criminal court systems and processes and with the general public at large. Overall, the programme will furnish graduates with a wide range of highly specialised skills designed to equip them for entry to professional practice and doctoral studies. 

2.0 ENTRY REQUIREMENTS 

2.1 Normal Entry

A good Honours Degree in Archaeology or Archaeological Sciences, Medicine, Physical Science, Forensic Science, Criminology, Biological Sciences and Biological Anthropology. 

3.0   PROGRAMME CHARACTERISTICS 

3.1   Areas of Study: Human and Animal Anatomy, Fundamentals of Criminology and

Archaeological Forensics Analytical Chemistry for Archaeology, Forensic Law, Public and Contract Archaeology. 

3.2   Specialist Focus: Research in Archaeological Forensics, contract archaeology, human and animal anatomy, criminology and pathology 

3.3   Orientation: Research and innovation -oriented. Teaching and learning are      practically oriented. 

3.4   Distinctive Features: The programme employs a student-centred approach and it imparts knowledge of forensic issues 

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES AND FURTHER EDUCATION 

4.1 Employability: 

Forensic Archaeologist, Forensic Anthropologist, Forensic Pathologist, Forensic Ballistician, Forensic Microscopist, Systems Security Analyser, Justice and Criminal Investigators, Crime Scene Technician, Military Engineering Services, Intelligence Operative among other things university lectureship. 

4.2   FURTHER STUDIES:

Doctoral studies in Archaeology or inter/multidisciplinary programmes related to the discipline of archaeology and Forensics. 

5.0   PROGRAMME DELIVERY 

Lectures, tutorials, laboratory classes, seminars, group work, site visits, excavations, research project and individual independent study. 

6.0   LEARNING OUTCOMES 

         By the end of the programme, a graduate will be able to:

6.1   Acquire useful skills and experience in forensic investigations to work in consultancy or with existing government departments requiring expertise in human remains and mass burials from the liberation wars and pandemics.

6.2   Ability to distinguish human remains from those of other species and be able to document, interpret and present evidence of human remains.

6.3   Ability to carry out exhumations and conduct grave relocations associated with development projects. 

6.4   Acquire skills in reconstructing accurately the contextual information surrounding human remains.

6.5   Acquire knowledge on the different methods of analysing archaeological material including isotopic approaches, microscopy, DNA analysis, phylogenetic studies and use of diagnostic imaging technology, among others, as well as know how these influence sampling and collection of human remains. 

6.6   Ability to use advanced ICT skills for use in analysis and product development as part of innovation.

7.0   GENERAL PROVISIONS

7.1 The degree programme shall consist of 11 modules.

7.2 Each module is worth 20 credits except the dissertation worth 90 credits.

7.3 A student should register for all modules offered in each semester.

7.4 To be awarded this degree, a student must have passed all modules including the dissertation and must have attained at least 290 credits.

PROGRAMME STRUCTURE 

Code                        Module Description                                                Credits

Level 1 Semester 1 

* MAFA 701 Archaeological Theory                                                         18 

* MAFA 702 Fundamentals of Archaeological Forensics                             18 

* MAFA 703 Human and Animal Anatomy                                                18 

         MAFA 704  Fundamentals of Criminology                                               18 

  

Electives (Choose At Least One) 

         MAFA 705  Genocide and Mass Violence Studies                                     18 

         MAFA 706  Forensic Taphonomy                                                            18 

 

Level 1 Semester 2  

* MAFA 710 Archaeological Field School                                                  18 

    MAFA 711   Public and Contract Archaeology                                           18 

* MAFA 712 Forensic Law                                                                        18 

* MAFA 713 Analytical Chemistry for Archaeology                                   18  

 

Electives (Choose At Least One) 

         MAFA 714   Principles of Computer Forensics                                          18 

         MAFA 715   Virtual Reality and Forensic Crime Scene Reconstruction       18

 

Level 2 Semester 1 

         *MAFA 720 Dissertation                                                                          90 

 

14.0 MODULE SYNOPSES 

MAFA 701 Archaeological Theory 

This module provides a detailed understanding of developments in archaeological theory over the last four decades, and illustrates the impact of different theoretical approaches on our understanding of the past and present social, cultural and political contexts. It also aims to develop the students’ ability to recognise and critically evaluate differing theoretical perspectives and communicate these to others 

MAFA 702 Fundamentals of Archaeological Forensics 

The module makes an introduction to Forensic Archaeology. It gives students an insight into the application of archaeological principles in contexts and circumstances where human remains and related materials are under investigation. Of importance is for students to master not just the steps but also the phases of Forensic Archaeological Field investigations. The phases are Systematic and comprehensive Search/Investigation, Determination of Forensic Significance, and lastly Recovery/Excavation. The techniques and processes of documentation are also emphasised and where possible, students are exposed to multiple technologies of documentation and how multiple sources of data enhance the interpretation of contexts under investigation. 

MAFA 703 Human and Animal Anatomy 

This module introduces students to the biological profile and biomechanics of both the human and animal skeletal systems. As an analysis-based module, emphasis is placed on students’ development of knowledge to confidently recognise, name, describe and differentiate between human and non-human bones. Students are exposed to analytical skills that include how to determine sex from bones, the techniques of approximating age at death and stature all from human and non-human skeletal system assemblages. For human remains, this knowledge also extends to the determination of ancestry. 

MAFA 704 Fundamentals of Criminology 

This module introduces students to crime scene investigation. Students are taught skills that enable them to locate crime scenes, determine crime causation and crime reconstruction. The aim of the module is to equip students with knowledge of processing crime scenes and principles of investigative skills. Students shall be introduced to the main social theories that seek to understand crime. By the end of the course, students should have acquired competency in integrating forensic techniques, mapping, crime scene location, retrieve and process evidence, crime scene documentation and photography, reporting and recovery of skeletal remains. 

  MAFA 705 Genocide and Mass Violence Studies 

The module introduces students to the history and evolution of genocide, the legal aspects of mass violence and atrocity. Students shall also study acts of genocide from across the globe to develop an understanding of the events and the legacies that such acts left behind. 

MAFA 706 Forensic Taphonomy 

The module imparts students with knowledge on the various stages of body decomposition or postmortem decay of human or animal remains, focusing largely on environmental effects such as decomposition in soil and interaction with plants, insects and other animals. Other aspects which students study includes time elapsed since death, biotaphonomy and geotaphonomy.   

MAFA 710 Archaeological Field School 

The module aims at equipping students with theoretical and practical issues in field archaeology. Field approaches and data collection techniques shall be discussed and put into practice during site/field visits. Key skills and knowledge to be delivered in this module include: understanding context: documentation of context; analysis of evidence (archaeological and recent); c rime 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 as well as ethical considerations. 

MAFA 711 Public and Contract Archaeology 

The module addresses issues on commercial archaeological surveys and excavations carried out in advance of construction or other land development. It highlights procedures, techniques, ethics and legislation on conducting contract archaeology. It also highlights issues on public awareness and involvement of the public in the management of archaeological resources and in preserving the fragile and irreplaceable remains of the past. It addresses approaches to educating and informing the public about archaeological resources and the means to incorporate the public in the management of the resources. 

MAFA 712 Forensic Law 

The module uses a multi-pronged approach to introduce students to international and Zimbabwean law and legal systems as well as procedures at law as they pertain to the pursuit of Criminal, Civil and Family Justice relating to human remains. The module also exposes the students to complexities of ethical perspectives relating to death and the dead within an African traditional culture and religious contexts as they influence the processes and procedures of Forensic Archaeology. For an in-depth understanding of law and ethics, students shall be exposed to the key stages of Forensic Archaeology, Surveying, Recovery, Analysis, Curation and possible display of human remains. It is critical that students understand these complexities as they guide the conduct of Forensic Archaeology and also be in a position to situate the discourse within the scope of Zimbabwe’s present and future. 

MAFA 713 Analytical Chemistry for Archaeology 

Analytical chemistry is the science that addresses methods to determine the quantity or quality composition of unknown samples. Although frequently neglected, the nature of the sample and the use of analytical chemical information play important roles in selecting and executing the appropriate chemical analysis technique. Consequently, Analytical Chemistry has a major impact, not only in chemistry but also in fields such as biochemistry, forensic food, environmental and pharmaceutical traces, such as body fluids, bones, fibres and drugs. Success in analytical chemistry requires the ability to make rigorous measurements, an appreciation of the principles and practice of modern instrumentation and a problem-solving approach. This module aims to develop these skills with an emphasis on the use of coupled chromatography-mass spectrometry techniques, a powerful combination with applications in the analysis of complex mixtures relevant to forensic, environmental and biological systems. 

MAFA 714 Principles of Computer Forensics 

The module covers the basic elements students need to be familiar with during a digital forensic investigation. Students shall be introduced to the use of sophisticated equipment to access data through the use of computers, smartphones, cameras, servers or other smart gadgets, accessories and terminology used in digital forensics. Students also acquire fundamental skills for gathering and reviewing evidence and the essentials of reporting and producing exhibits. Students shall acquire knowledge of how computer forensics has evolved to become a critical component of many fraud examinations. The module also imparts knowledge of how students may identify the type of critical documents that can be searched for forensic examination and image or video file analysis. 

MAFA 715 Virtual Reality and Forensic Crime Scene Reconstruction 

This module imparts in students’ scientific knowledge and skills of producing three -dimensional simulations of crime scenes. Computer-based scene reconstruction is an important method of responding to forensic questions in the context of accidents or crime scenes. Three- dimensional reconstructions and the use of virtual reality technology is a novel presentation of data that can be used in court. Therefore, in this module students are taught how to reconstruct crime scenes through virtual reality using different computer software. 

MAFA 720 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 focusing 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 enhance service delivery in relevant stakeholder institutions.