23rd Annual Forensic Anthropology Course (5209) 2010

Forensic anthropology is concerned with the scientific recovery, analysis and identification of human remains in the medicolegal context. Forensic anthropologists frequently apply their knowledge of human remains to victim identification, remains search and recovery and the interpretation of skeletal trauma. Over time, the role of the forensic anthropologist has expanded to include a greater role in human rights investigations and mass disaster operations. This course uses hands-on lab sessions to introduce basic techniques of skeletal analysis. Lectures provide the theoretical methodological basis of human osteology and introduce applications used by anthropologists in their work. Forensic pathologists, death investigators, forensic dentists, attorneys and other specialists engaged in multidisciplinary forensic investigations will find this course an excellent survey of forensic anthropology.

NOTES:

1. Each participant will be given the syllabus on CD. There will be no printed Syllabus. The syllabus will also be available on www.askafip.org.
2. Lunch will be provided.

• Learn the basic anthropological methods to determine age, sex, ancestry (race) and stature from the human skeleton.
• Discern the fundamental differences between human and non-human skeletons.
• Identify the ways forensic anthropology can assist in interpreting skeletal trauma.
• Comprehend methods used in body search and excavation techniques.
• Understand the theoretical and practical considerations of personal identity and evidence as it relates to forensic anthropology.
• Understand the contribution of DNA analysis and forensic odontology to victim identification.
• Determine how forensic anthropology is integrated into the response to mass disasters.