Forensic Anthropology and Bioarchaeology

In this 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 plastic skeletal remains and learn how to identify bones and recognize signs of trauma and disease. 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!

This course is offered at the UMass Amherst campus as a residential program. Local students may apply to attend as a commuter.