MFSP 507 & 508

Forensic Anthropology is a science in which the methods and techniques of physical anthropologists are applied to matters of medicolegal concern.  While most work of forensic anthropologists is focused on establishing an identity for unknown human skeletal remains, forensic anthropologists provide expert testimony in criminal and civil trials and have been a part of international humanitarian efforts investigating the disappearance of political dissidents and victims of 'ethnic cleansing' or genocide.

This course introduces students to the basic methods and techniques that forensic anthropologists use to establish an identity for unknown human skeleton remains.  Much of the course will be devoted to the study of human osteology and to learning the techniques of human skeletal analysis (e.g., aging, sexing, and the determination of ancestry).  Students will learn how forensic anthropologists support the medicolegal community in determining the cause and manner of death and how positive identifications are made in cases under investigation.  Other topics include forensic odontology, facial reconstruction and mass disasters.