Learn the fundamental principles underlying the discipline of forensic anthropology.
Review and enhance understanding of the human skeletal system to understand basic terminology of the field.
Gain factual knowledge about the role of forensic anthropologists in the medico legal system, as well as the many lines of evidence on which they draw in order to reach their conclusions.
Understand the skills and competencies relied upon by professionals in the field, as well as their responsibilities.
Understand and be able to apply the ethical responsibility of working with human skeletal remains.
Apply anthropological knowledge through supervised research on a topic relevant to forensic anthropology.
Gain an understanding of current and potential future directions in forensic anthropology, both within the United States and internationally.
Course Description This course will introduce you to the field of forensic anthropology, its main concepts, and their application in the broader medico legal system. This will include discussion of the structure of the medico legal system, the organizational hierarchy of death investigation, the role and ethical responsibilities of the forensic anthropologist, an introduction to the information that is provided by anthropological analysis and the methods used to obtain this information, the importance of the chain of evidence, the role of expert testimony, the importance of research, and the steps of designing effective research projects. Credits: 3