Forensic Anthropology and Bioarchaeology (Commuter)

In this 2-week intensive class, we'll explore the fields of Forensic Anthropology and Bioarchaeology to learn how the science of biological anthropology can be applied to legal processes and learning about the past. Students will be introduced to forensic death investigation and learn about basic skeletal biology, entomology, and forensic science methods. We will have daily lab exercises where students work with skeletal remains and learn how to identify bones and recognize signs of trauma and disease. You will also work in groups to create the biological profile for a skeleton. You will determine their age, sex, ancestry, and potential injuries. This is important information when you're trying to determine the identity of an individual and/or their potential cause of death. Throughout the course, we'll also discuss the proper procedure used to collect skeletal elements from a potential crime scene or archaeological excavation, and examine the ethical issues involved when working with human skeletal remains. On the last day, students will take part in a mock-crime scene investigation, and use the techniques we learned to process a scene and analyze evidence!