Introduction to Forensic Anthropology

Recommended Prerequisites

Human osteology.  

Teaching Methods

Presentation of PowerPoint files; resolution of some practical cases; comments and videos on forensic anthropology.  

Learning Outcomes

This curricular unit is intended to provide students with essential knowledge of the anthropological analysis of human remains from forensic contexts.  Given the fact that anthropology is one of the forensic disciplines that have developed the most in the last years, it is indispensable that biology and anthropology students learn how to interpret and deal with this type of human remains.

 

Generic competences:

Competences in analysis and summary.

Competences to solve problems.

Use of the internet as a means of communication and source of information.

Decision making ability.

Competences to work in multidisciplinary teams.

Competences to work in an international context.

Highlighting of diversity and multiculturalism.

Competences to communicate with people who are not specialists in the field.

Ethical compromise.

Adaptability to new situations.

Concern with quality.  

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

What is Forensic Anthropology?

Forensic contexts: routine cases; crimes against humanity and mass disasters.

General objectives of autopsy.

Introduction to forensic taphonomy.

The importance of examining the local: introduction to excavation of human remains.

Identification:

Identification generic factors.

Individualization factors.

Approach to the cause of death: the importance of traumatic lesions.

Head Lecturer(s)

Eugénia Maria Guedes Pinto Antunes da Cunha

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Exam: 100.0%

Bibliography

A., Schmitt; E., Cunha; J., Pinheiro (ed.) (2006). Forensic Anthropology and Medicine: complementary sciences from recovery to cause of death. New Jersey: Humana Press.

 

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