Archaeological Search Techniques and Bone Identification
The Searching for Human Remains course is designed with an emphasis on practical skills and applied knowledge throughout the course.
This 4 day course offers a combination of lectures and practical exercises, with delegates able to participate in an outdoor search and excavation exercise on Day 4. The course is taught by senior experts in the field Alecto Forensics Anthropologists, Archaeologists, Geophysicist and Scavenger Expert.
Example of Course Modules:
- A range of archaeological search techniques, which can be used to locate buried evidence
- Geophysical survey methods most commonly used to detect buried human remains and
evidence - Mapping and recording techniques
- Stages of body decomposition and factors influencing the preservation of remains
- How to distinguish between human and animal bones
Who are the Course Instructors?
Dr Julie Roberts – PhD ChFA FRAI (CERT FA-I)
With over twenty years’ experience as a Forensic Anthropologist and Archaeologist, Dr Julie Roberts is the company Scientific Advisor at Alecto Forensics. During her career Julie has assisted both civilian and military police officers with the location, recovery and identification of human remains from scenes of crime, war zones and mass fatality incidents on both a national and international scale.
As well as managing the delivery of Ecology services and training at Alecto, she provides expertise on cold case reviews and complex casework, including the identification and interpretation of burnt and highly fragmented remains, and Disaster Victim Identification (DVI).
She is the Forensic Anthropology national point of contact for UK DVI and responsible for the management and coordination of the UK DVI forensic anthropology team. She also represents UK Forensic Anthropologists in the Interpol DVI Pathology and Anthropology Sub Working Group. Julie is the current Chair of the British Association for Forensic Anthropology, and a member of the RAI Forensic Anthropology Committee.
Esther Poulus – BA MSc FRAI FAIII
Esther Poulus is a Forensic Scientist specialising in Forensic Archaeology and Anthropology at Alecto Forensics.
Esther has over ten years of experience in commercial field archaeology, and has worked on archaeological projects in The Netherlands, Germany, Indonesia, and the UK.
At Alecto Forensics, her responsibilities include the excavation, recording and recovery of human remains from a variety of environments, such as clandestine graves, surface depositions, bodies of water and fatal fire scenes. She delivers training, and aids in the identification of human versus non-human bone.
Looking for More Information about the Course?
Download the Brochure or Contact our Training & Events team to book your place.