GMS6351

Core Course
Credits: 3

This course will explain the differences between trauma to soft tissue and trauma to bone and how to distinguish between each. Ante-, peri-, or post-mortem trauma will be compared to natural taphonomic effects and animal scavenging.

Course Objectives:

• Explain the differences between sharp force trauma, blunt force trauma, and
  gunshot wounds in the human body
• Know the differences between trauma to soft tissue and trauma to bone
• Distinguish between ante- or peri-mortem trauma and post-mortem trauma
• Distinguish between trauma and animal scavenging or predation
• Understand the principles of taphonomy and how trauma differs

Topics:

• Module 1: Introduction to Trauma
• Module 2: Postmortem Changes and Time Since Death
• Module 3: Sharp Force Trauma
• Module 4: Blunt Force Trauma
• Module 5: Gunshot Wounds
• Module 6: Asphyxial Trauma
• Module 7: Special Topics on Traumatic Death
• Module 8: Sexual Trauma
• Final Exam