Forensic Anthropology - Skeletal analysis

Description

This course will focus on the field of forensic anthropology. It will define the field as a branch of anthropology. It will then focus on the techniques used by forensic anthropologists to analyze human skeletal remains including the estimation of sex, age at death, stature, and the identification of any traumatic lesions present. It will further discuss the role of the forensic anthropologist as part of the medicolegal system. People who are interested in pursuing a career in forensic science, biology, forensic medicine, medicine, osteology, human anatomy, bioarchaeology, or archaeology can all benefit from this course. The course includes powerpoint presentations with extensive explanations of the materials contained in each, exercises to assist the student in gaining proficiency in osteological analysis, and quizzes to test your knowledge. The course includes 14 lectures, 5 exercises, and 3 quizzes to help the student build knowledge of the subject and test their competency. The course is taught from the perspective that the student has little or no prior knowledge, and no equipment is necessary. A good anatomy book will assist the student, but numerous online resources are available for students to consult. If you have an interest in learning about just how much you can really tell from that skeleton in your closet, this course is for you!

What You Will Learn!

• Describe the scope of the field of anthropology;
• Describe the scope of the field of forensic anthropology;
• Identify the major bones of the human skeleton;
• Distinguish human bones from animal bones;
• Estimate sex of the individual from skeletal elements;
• Estimate the age at death of the individual from skeletal elements;
• Estimate the height and weight of the individual at death;
• Calculate the minimum number of individuals in a skeletal assemblage;
• Estimate ancestry from skeletal remains;
• Identify and define traumatic lesions on human skeletal remains;
• Understand how to produce a professional report on the results of the analysis;
• Understand the ethical considerations of importance to physical anthropologists and forensic anthropologists.

Who Should Attend!

• This course is best suited for students with a strong interest in science, human anatomy, and/or forensic science. Students who are exploring possible careers in any of the above fields would benefit from this course. Students who have an interest in a medicolegal profession would benefit from this course. Students who have an interest in a profession in law enforcement would benefit from this course. Students who are uncomfortable with viewing human remains should not take this course.
• None

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