Elective Course
Credits: 3
Instructor: Dr. Maranda Kles
This course will provide a more specialized application to the principles of forensic anthropology through an in-depth look into some of the more common practices of a forensic anthropologist. Addressing the biological profile, comparative osteology, and unique cases that would involve a forensic anthropologist, the student will gain a better understanding of how osteology is applied in forensic casework.
Objectives:
- Identify all major components of the biological profile.
- Understand and explain the methods used to determine each aspect of the biological profile.
- Preliminarily identify skeletal remains as human vs. non-human.
- Understand the major skeletal differences between humans, other mammals, and non-mammals.
- Show familiarity and understanding of different types of fragmented remains that a forensic anthropologist may encounter in casework.
- Understand methods of clandestine grave detection and excavation.
Topics:
Module |
Topic |
| Module 1 | An Introduction to Casework |
| Module 2 | Comparative Osteology – Human vs. Non-Human |
| Module 3 | The Biological Profile – Age and Sex |
| Module 4 | The Biological Profile – Stature and Ancestry |
| Module 5 | The Biological Profile – Unique Pathology and Condition |
| Module 6 | The Biological Profile – Other Methods of Identification |
| Module 7 | The Biological Profile – Trauma and Taphonomy |
| Module 8 | Clandestine Grave Detection and Excavation |
| Module 9 | Fragmented Remains and Case Examples |
| Module 10 | Current Topics in Forensic Anthropology |