Forensic Anthropology: An Introductory Lab Manual

Key topics and basic laboratory training
for beginning students

This
versatile laboratory manual is designed to support introductory undergraduate courses
in forensic anthropology. Usable for both in-person and online classes and
suitable to accompany any textbook or for use on its own as a text-lab manual
hybrid, it provides basic training for beginner students in relevant methods of
biological profile estimation and trauma assessment for use in medico-legal
death investigations.

Structured
in a standard format for classes and existing texts, this manual offers a
unique emphasis on lab exercises that align with general studies requirements
and basic science competency. Each chapter begins with learning goals and an
introductory section that outlines the topics to be covered. The discussion
then leads students through the material, including periodic learning checks
built into the structure of the chapter, followed by end-of-chapter exercises. Through
clear explanations of fundamental principles, the complete medico-legal context
is covered with respect to forensic anthropology. Basic information on bone
biology, human osteology, and rules of evidence are also presented.

Alongside its substantive text discussion of key
topics, this manual’s exercises can be used in in-person laboratory classes while
its learning checks can be completed by online students without access to
skeletal material or casts. This book offers the necessary content to teach
forensic anthropology regardless of the experience or location of students or
the resources of specific colleges and universities.