ANTH 2280 - Forensic Anthropology

Credit Hours: 4.00
(4 contact hrs)
(formerly ANTH-2914) This course is an introduction to the field of Forensic Anthropology. Using a lecture and laboratory format, the course will instruct the student in the correct examination of the human skeleton and its biological features. Such aspects will include osteology, building a biological profile, and the use of complementary disciplines in the identification of remains.

Prerequisites:
Prerequisite: ANTH-1000 or ANTH-1100 or ANTH-1200 or BIOL-2710

OUTCOMES AND OBJECTIVES
Outcome 1: Upon completion of this course, students will be able to explain the field of forensic anthropology and its applications in human skeletal analysis.

Objectives:

Identify correlating fields of study in forensics.
Acquire interpretative techniques in dealing with human remains.
Perform the recovery, preparation, and analysis of human skeletal remains.

Outcome 2: Upon completion of this course, students will be able to use scientific language to describe skeletal osteology, bone biology, anatomy, and physiology of the human body.

Objectives:

Identify of all 206 bones of the human skeleton.
Identify age, sex, ancestry, and stature of human remains.
Identify of visible trauma on human remains.
Analyze manner of death.
Understand evidences of disease pathologies.
Recognize the process of positive identification, facial reconstruction, and the role of the expert witness.

Outcome 3: Upon completion of this course, students will be able to integrate the scientific knowledge and methodologies of forensic anthropology with regards to the medico-legal field.

Objectives:

Properly report and present human remains case information.
Examine the techniques and ethical sensitivities in the handling of human remains.

Outcome 4: Upon completion of this course, students will be able to use analytical skills to create case reports for medico-legal investigations.

Objectives:

Identify the types of information required for closure of medico-legal investigations.
Complete a skeletal report.
Describe the goals and use of forensic anthropological information.

COMMON DEGREE OUTCOMES
(Bulleted outcomes apply to the course)

1. The graduate can integrate the knowledge and technological skills necessary to be a successful learner.

2. The graduate can demonstrate how to think competently.

The graduate can demonstrate how to employ mathematical knowledge.

4. The graduate can demonstrate how to communicate competently.

5. The graduate is sensitive to issues relating to a diverse, global society.

COURSE CONTENT OUTLINE
Week 1 - Introduction to Forensic Anthropology

Week 2 - Techniques used in Forensic Anthropology

Week 3 - Mapping a Crime Scene; Skeletal Development and Growth.

Week 4 - Preparation of Human Remains.

Week 5 - The Cranium.

Week 6 - The Axial Skeleton

Week 7 - The Appendicular Skeleton

Week 8 - Case Studies

Week 9 - Midterm

Week 10 - Dentition. MNI and Relevance

Week 11 - Sexing Skeletal Material

Week 12 - Assessing Age for Skeletal Material

Week 13 - Assessing Ancestry and Stature.

Week 14 - Assessing Trauma and Providing Identification of Remains

Week 15 - The Expert Witness and Course Wrap-Up

Primary Faculty
Meier, Mary
Secondary Faculty

Associate Dean
Wilcox, Dee Ann

Official Course Syllabus - Macomb Community College, 14500 E 12 Mile Road, Warren, MI 48088