Forensic Anthropology is the application of the methods and techniques of biological anthropology and archaeology to legal cases. Osteological analyses provide information as to how an individual or population lived, how old they were when they died, their sex, their state of health and the types of trauma they may have experienced related to violence, occupation and climate. Forensic anthropologists are also trained to identify human remains in cases of mass murders, genocide, wars, environmental disasters, homicide, suicide and accidental death. A minor in Forensic Anthropology will allow students to pursue the beginnings of a specialization in this field, preparing them for potential graduate work or entry into the profession. Furthermore, a minor in Forensic Anthropology complements a major in Justice Administration, Biology or Chemistry.

The advisor for the minor is 
          Christopher Tillquist
          Lutz Hall, Room 242
          Phone: (502) 852-2422
    
          Please request appointment via email.

FORENSIC ANTHROPOLOGY MINOR REQUIREMENTS

Option C: Forensic Anthropology Track"

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

ANTH 202 Introduction to Biological Anthropology (3.0) S

An examination of human biological evolution and biodiversity in the light of data from biological anthropology. This course is taught every semester.

An introduction to archaeological problems, methods, and interpretations. This course is taught every semester.

ANTH 327 Fundamentals of Skeletal Forensics (3.0)

The use of evidence to determine specific information about a deceased individual. Emphasis is on determination of age, sex, race, stature, and pathologies to determine identification. This course is taught every fall semester.

ANTH 373 Methods in Biological Anthropology (3.0) WR

Basic methods in biological anthropology, general approaches to research, and data management skills. Covers anthropometric variation and analysis of molecular data. Prerequisite: ANTH 202, and ANTH 303 is recommended. This course taught every spring semester.

ANTH 410 Skeletal Forensics (3.0)

Details recovery methods, the use of anthropomorphic and metric traits to estimate race, age, sex and stature. Various forms of trauma and postmortem changes to bone are highlighted. Specific aspects of individualization and positive identification are assessed. Report preparation and court testimony are discussed. Prerequisite: ANTH 327. This course is taught every spring semester.

An introduction to the basic concepts and principles of modern chemistry. Special emphasis on chemical periodicity, stoichiometry, equilibrium, thermodynamics, kinetics, atomic and molecular structure, and descriptive chemistry of the elements. Prerequisites: An ACT score of 25 or higher in mathematics or completion of MATH 111 or EAC 100; completion of one year of high school chemistry is also recommended. Consult the Chemistry Department for when this course will be next taught.

A general introduction to structure and function of the human body. Basic concepts related to anatomical terminology, cells tissues, integument, the skeletal, muscular, nervous, and endocrine systems are covered. Interrelationships of organ systems are also emphasized. Note: this course is intended for students majoring in nursing or dental hygiene. Does not count toward a biology major. Prerequisites: BIOL 102 or equivalent and completion of CHEM 105 or 101 with the grade of a C or better. Consult the Biology Department for when this course will be next taught.

BIOL 360 HUMAN ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY FOR NON-BIOLOGY MAJORS

Form and function of the human body. Does not count toward biology major. Prerequisites: Biol. 102 and Biol. 104 or Biol 240 and Biol 241, or equivalent. Consult the Biology Department for when this course will be next taught.

Electives

ANTH 350 Pestilence and Plagues: an Introduction to Epidemiology (3.0)

Overview of epidemiological theory and practice and an understanding of the relationship between humans and their infectious diseases.

A field course in which students participate in site survey and excavation. Requires 35 hours a week in the field and a paper. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. Summer Only.

ANTH 401 Cooperative Internship in Anthropology (3.0)

An assignment with a public agency or business. A written report or project is required.

JA 355 Criminalistics (3.0)

A survey of techniques, procedures and analysis of scientific crime investigation. Topics included are: the history of scientific investigation of crime, research techniques in crime investigation and analyses including statistical and computer application; and the prosecutorial process and the role of scientific expertise.

JA 425 Profiling Violent Crimes (3.0)

Examination of the basic concept of assessments of fatally violent crimes. Topics include organized and disorganized criminal personalities, stages of violent homicides, blood spatter interpretation, the process of homicide investigation, media issues, typology of violent personal offenders and various types of murderous personalities. Prerequisites: Junior standing or consent of instructor.

PSYCH 383 Forensic Psychology (3.0)

Areas of inquiry in which both psychological and legal aspects are important: insanity defenses, criminality, courtroom process, methods of deception, detection.