ANTH 2520 - Scientific Applications in Forensic Anthropology and Bioarchaeology

The course introduces students to the basic fundamentals of applied chemistry, DNA analysis, taphonomy studies, trace element analysis, and dating methods, among other scientific techniques used in the anthropological subfields of forensic anthropology, bioarchaeology, and biological anthropology. In this course we will cover the main principles of isotopic chemistry used to study diet, health, and mobility in historic and ancient human populations. This course will provide students with working knowledge of the major applied scientific technological analyses that are used in the fields of forensic and biological anthropology, and bioarchaeology. Throughout the course the basics of the scientific method and analytical process will be explored as it has been applied to forensic anthropological casework, and bioarchaeological research. This course satisfies WMU Essential Studies Level II Exploration and Discovery: Science and Technology.

Credits: 3 hours