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SUNY GCC - Genesee Community College

Forensic Anthropology

Examines human skeletal remains in the context of medicolegal issues. Analyzes the scientific evidence of skeletal or badly decomposed remains in order to establish circumstances of death and identification of the decedent by estimating age, gender, racial affinity, stature, pathologic conditions, and traumatic injury. Introduces human osteology, and presents methods and techniques used in forensic anthropology. Discusses case reports, contexts in which remains are found, and methods of recovery.

Subject Code: ANT

Course Number: 118

Credits: 3

Lecture Hours 3

Course Learning Outcomes:

1. Describe the basic concepts involved in a forensic anthropology analysis, including describing the determinations of forensic anthropology.
2. Define the term osteology.
3. Explain osteology’s relationship to forensic anthropology.
4. Identify the human bones necessary to begin the process of determining positive identification.
5. Explain the appropriate procedures used to create a biological profile of unidentified skeletal remains.
6. Explain techniques used to establish a positive identification of unidentified skeletal remains.
7. Distinguish between the role of the physical anthropologist in the medicolegal death investigation system and in non-forensic settings.
8. Describe the qualifications of a forensic anthropologist.
9. Identify various agencies or institutions where anthropologists might be employed.
10. Create a biological profile of human skeletal remains.
11. Describe basic bone biology, including skeletal growth and development.
12. Communicate effectively in a professional setting.

Effective Term: Fall 2020

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