- Grading and Max Credits: Graduate Catalog Info GMS6352L
GMS6352L
- In-Person Elective Course
- Credits: 3
- Dates: TBA Spring 2026
- Location: TBD
This in-person, interactive elective course has been designed to give students a hands-on approach regarding the basic concepts of human decomposition and the estimation of post-mortem interval. Students will become familiar with the multidisciplinary nature of death investigations through practical exercises that will further develop their ability to recognize and understand artifacts of decomposition including scattered skeletal remains recovery and clandestine grave detection and excavation.
Course Objectives:
Upon completion of this course, students should be able to:
- Properly identify and secure a crime scene involving decomposed remains
- Detect surface remains and clandestine graves
- Perform tasks related to physical evidence identification and recovery
- Process a gravesite by using the grid/baseline methods and evidence mapping
- Properly sift to look for items of evidence and small bones
- Locate, map, and measure skeletal remains
- Systematically map and excavate clandestine graves
Lodging
Lodging is the responsibility of each attendee.
- Best Western Gateway Grand, 4200 NW 97th Boulevard, Gainesville, FL 32606. A special rate of $109 per night on double or king suite (includes complimentary breakfast) has been arranged for course attendees. Reservation rates will be honored throughout the course dates. Please refer to Maples Center Forensics when making reservations. For reservations, call (352) 331-3336 (local). Reservations depend on availability—the sooner you can book, the better!
- Comfort Suites Gainesville Near University, 2603 SW 13th St, Gainesville, FL, 32608. Attendees can receive 15% off the standard room rate by using code LUFH when booking.
- Hilton University of Florida Conference Center Gainesville, 1714 SW 34th Street Gainesville, FL 32607. A special rate for the hotel is booked through the UF College of Medicine. When using the specialized link below, you can book your room under the corporate special rate code – N1364036. To make a reservation over the phone, please call the Sales Coordinator, Julia Andreeva at (352) 384-3412.
- Located on the UF Campus, Hotel ELEO offers modern accommodations and on-site dining. View current deals here: https://www.hoteleleo.com/specials/
- University associates can book a Wyndham Hotel and receive a discount on their stay, as a result of a University of Florida contract with the Wyndham Hotel Group. This contract provides reduced rates on rooms at 11 brands and nearly 7,000 participating hotels worldwide. As an associate of the University of Florida, you will receive a minimum of 10% off the “Best Available Rate” at participating locations every time you travel whether the travel is for business or pleasure. To make a reservation, call the member benefits hotline at 1 (800) 525-5501. You will need to give the agent the information below at the time of booking to receive the discount.
- University of Florida
- Discount Account ID Number: 1000007780
- Affiliate ID Number: 005140
Interested in this subject, but can’t come to the in-person lab? Take Artifacts of Decomposition 100% online!