Introduction to Forensic Anthropology

3 units

This course is an introduction to the field of forensic anthropology, which involves the analysis of human skeletal remains within the context of a legal investigation. We will explore how forensic anthropologists use their knowledge of human osteology, dentition, skeletal variation, and pathology to identify human remains. Specifically you will learn how to attribute sex, age, ancestry, and stature to skeletal material as well as how to establish the forensic context, estimate time since death, crime scene investigation, trauma identification, and recovery scene methods. A number of invited guest speakers will expose you to the multidiscplinary nature of this field. We will also discuss the application of forensic anthropology to human rights issues. This course will involve both lecture and hands-on labs during which you will be working with skeletal materials.