Forensic Anthropology Laboratory Manual (3e)

Hands-on Experience in a Forensics Anthropology Lab

 

Designed to accompany Introduction to Forensic Anthropology: A Textbook, Fourth Edition, this laboratory manual provides students in academic laboratory courses hands-on experience with the major processes of forensic anthropology.

 

This step-by-step workbook introduces students to all the procedures of the forensic anthropology protocol while providing even, balanced coverage of the core topics. Tear-out exercise worksheets reinforce the methodologies of forensic anthropology and enhance student comprehension. Each chapter contains detailed explanations of the terminology, osteological features, and measurements needed to understand each of the topics covered; chapters may be covered in one session or multiple sessions. Lists of both basic and optional lab materials are included in chapter openers, enabling instructors to tailor each lab to the resources they have available.

 

 

Learning Goals

 

Upon completing this book, readers should be able to:

1. Make logical conjectures and follow the steps to achieve an outcome
   
2. Understand how the labs are similar to the methods used by forensic anthropologists, therefore gaining valuable insight into the everyday workings of forensic anthropology
   
3. Acknowledge the amount of time and experience it takes to become proficient in forensic anthropology

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IN THIS SECTION:

1.) BRIEF
2.) COMPREHENSIVE

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BRIEF TABLE OF CONTENTS:

 

Chapter 1: Introduction

Chapter 2: Basics of Human Osteology and Odontology

Chapter 3: Establishing the Forensic Context

Chapter 4: Recovery Scene Methods

Chapter 5: Estimating Time Since Death

Chapter 6: Initial Treatment and Examination

Chapter 7: Attribution of Ancestry

Chapter 8: Attribution of Sex

Chapter 9: Estimation of Age at Death

Chapter 10: Calculation of Stature

Chapter 11: Death, Trauma, and the Skeleton

Chapter 12: Projectile Trauma

Chapter 13: Blunt Trauma

Chapter 14: Sharp Trauma and Strangulation

Chapter 15: Antemortem Skeletal Conditions

Chapter 16: Postmortem Changes to Bone

Chapter 17: Additional Aspects of Individualization

Chapter 18: Identification Using Antemortem Records

Chapter 19: Conclusion

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COMPREHENSIVE TABLE OF CONTENTS:

 

Chapter 1: Introduction

Learning Objectives

Expected Outcomes

Minimum Materials

Optional Materials

Exercise 1.1: Basic Instruments and Their Use

Exercise 1.2: Metric System and U.S. Measure

Note to Instructors

Exercise Worksheets

 

Chapter 2: Basics of Human Osteology and Odontology

Learning Objectives

Expected Outcomes

Minimum Materials

Optional Materials

Basic Terms

Exercise 2.1: Bones and Features of the Skull

Exercise 2.2: Axial Skeleton and Thorax

Exercise 2.3: Appendicular Skeleton: Upper Limbs

Exercise 2.4: Appendicular Skeleton: Lower Limbs

Exercise 2.5: Human Odontology

Note to Instructors

Exercise Worksheets

 

Chapter 3: Establishing the Forensic Context

Learning Objectives

Expected Outcomes

Minimum Materials

Optional Materials

Exercise 3.1: Distinguishing Bone versus Nonbone

Exercise 3.2: Distinguishing Human versus Nonhuman Remains

Exercise 3.3: Distinguishing Contemporary versus Noncontemporary Remains

Note to Instructors

Exercise Worksheets

 

Chapter 4: Recovery Scene Methods

Learning Objectives

Expected Outcomes

Minimum Materials

Optional Materials

Exercise 4.1: Surface-Deposited Body (Outdoor)

Exercise 4.2: Interred Body (Outdoor)

Note to Instructors

Exercise Worksheets

 

Chapter 5: Estimating Time Since Death

Learning Objectives

Expected Outcomes

Minimum Materials

Optional Materials

Exercise 5.1: Estimating Postmortem Interval Using Decomposition

Exercise 5.2: Estimating Postmortem Interval Using Animal Scavenging

Exercise 5.3: Estimating Postmortem Interval Using Deterioration of Clothing and Other Materials

Note to Instructors

Exercise Worksheets

 

Chapter 6: Initial Treatment and Examination

Learning Objectives

Expected Outcomes

Minimum Materials

Optional Materials

Exercise 6.1: Reconstructing

Exercise 6.2: Sorting

Exercise 6.3: Reassembly

Exercise 6.4: Inventorying Remains

Note to Instructors

Exercise Worksheets

 

Chapter 7: Attribution of Ancestry

Learning Objectives

Expected Outcomes

Minimum Materials

Optional Materials

Exercise 7.1: Attributing Ancestry Using Cranial Anthroposcopy

Exercise 7.2: Attributing Ancestry Using Cranial Metrics: Interorbital Indexes

Exercise 7.3: Attributing Ancestry Using Postcranial Anthroposcopy and Osteometry

Note to Instructors

Exercise Worksheets

 

Chapter 8: Attribution of Sex

Learning Objectives

Expected Outcomes

Minimum Materials

Optional Materials

Exercise 8.1: Attributing Sex Using Pelvic Anthroposcopy

Exercise 8.2: Attributing Sex Using Pelvic Metrics: Ischium-Pubic Index

Exercise 8.3: Attributing Sex Using Cranial Anthroposcopy

Exercise 8.4: Attributing Sex Using Cranial Metrics: Discriminant Functions

Exercise 8.5: Attributing Sex Using Postcranial Metrics

Note to Instructors

Exercise Worksheets

 

Chapter 9: Estimation of Age at Death

Learning Objectives

Expected Outcomes

Minimum Materials

Optional Materials

Subadults

Exercise 9.1: Estimating Age at Death (Subadults) Using Long Limb Bone Measurements

Exercise 9.2: Estimating Age at Death (Subadults) Using Union of Primary Ossification Centers

Exercise 9.3: Estimating Age at Death (Subadults) Using Tooth Formation and Eruption

Exercise 9.4: Estimating Age at Death (Subadults) Using Epiphyseal Union Adults

Exercise 9.5: Estimating Age at Death (Adults) Using Pubic Symphysis

Exercise 9.6: Estimating Age at Death (Adults) Using Auricular Surface

Exercise 9.7: Estimating Age at Death (Adults) Using Sternal Rib Ends

Exercise 9.8: Estimating Age at Death (Adults) Using Suture Closure

Note to Instructors

Exercise Worksheets

 

Chapter 10: Calculation of Stature

Learning Objectives

Expected Outcomes

Minimum Materials

Optional Materials

Exercise 10.1: Calculating Stature Using Long Limb Bones

Exercise 10.2: Calculating Stature Using the Fully Method

Exercise 10.3: Calculating Stature Using Partial Long Limb Bones

Exercise 10.4: Adjustments to Stature Calculations

Note to Instructors

Exercise Worksheets

 

Chapter 11: Death, Trauma, and the Skeleton

Learning Objectives

Expected Outcomes

Minimum Materials

Optional Materials

Exercise 11.1: Basics of Bone Trauma

Exercise 11.2: Forces Causing Trauma

Exercise 11.3: Types of Trauma

Exercise 11.4: Timing of Bone Injury

Note to Instructors

Exercise Worksheets

 

Chapter 12: Projectile Trauma

Learning Objectives

Expected Outcomes

Minimum Materials

Optional Materials

Exercise 12.1: Analysis of Projectile Wounds

Note to Instructors

Exercise Worksheets

 

Chapter 13: Blunt Trauma

Learning Objectives

Expected Outcomes

Minimum Materials

Optional Materials

Exercise 13.1: Analyzing Blunt Trauma to the Skull

Exercise 13.2: Analyzing Blunt Trauma to the Postcranial Bones

Note to Instructors

Exercise Worksheets

 

Chapter 14: Sharp Trauma and Strangulation

Learning Objectives

Expected Outcomes

Minimum Materials

Optional Materials

Exercise 14.1: Analyzing Sharp Trauma

Exercise 14.2: Analyzing Strangulation

Note to Instructors

Exercise Worksheets

 

Chapter 15: Antemortem Skeletal Conditions

Learning Objectives

Expected Outcomes

Minimum Materials

Optional Materials

Exercise 15.1: Analyzing Pathological Conditions

Exercise 15.2: Analyzing Skeletal Anomalies

Exercise 15.2: Analyzing Occupational Stress Markers

Note to Instructors

Exercise Worksheets

 

Chapter 16: Postmortem Changes to Bone

Learning Objectives

Expected Outcomes

Minimum Materials

Optional Materials

Exercise 16.1: Analyzing Saw Marks

Exercise 16.2: Analyzing Other Postmortem Damage

Note to Instructors

Exercise Worksheets

 

Chapter 17: Additional Aspects of Individualization

Learning Objectives

Expected Outcomes

Minimum Materials

Optional Materials

Exercise 17.1: Facial Reproduction

Exercise 17.2: Assessing Handedness

Exercise 17.3: Estimating Body Weight

Note to Instructors

Exercise Worksheets

 

Chapter 18: Identification Using Antemortem Records

Learning Objectives

Expected Outcomes

Minimum Materials

Optional Materials

Exercise 18.1: Identification from Radiographs

Exercise 18.2: Identification from Frontal Sinus

Exercise 18.3: Identification from Dental Records

Note to Instructors

Exercise Worksheets

 

Chapter 19: Conclusion

Learning Objectives

Expected Outcomes

Minimum Materials

Optional Materials

Exercise 19.1: Forensic Anthropology Report

Exercise 19.2: Expert Witness Testimony Evaluation

Note to Instructors

Exercise Worksheets

 

References

Mirroring the content within Introduction to Forensic Anthropology, 4/e -- in each lab setting there is:

· Increased emphasis on quantification of error rates of both old and new methods

· Addition of logistic discriminant functions for sexing skulls based on visual traits

· Revised stature reconstruction formulas based on data in the Forensic Database

· Inclusion of stature reconstruction formulas for fleshed body parts

· Re-organization of positive, probable, and other methods of identification

Designed for use in conjunction with Introduction to Forensic Anthropology: A Textbook, Fourth Edition by Steven Byers – each chapter of the lab manual reinforces topics presented in the text. It provides students in academic laboratory courses hands-on experience with the major processes of forensic anthropology.

It reinforces topics presented during lecture by demonstrating how to apply theory and techniques. 

 

It recommends inexpensive alternatives to human skeletons and anthropometric instruments, enabling instructors to tailor each lab to the resources they have available. 

 

Each chapter has been written to accommodate various teaching schedules, so labs may be covered in one session or in multiple sessions.

 

Tear-out exercise worksheets are designed to reinforce student comprehension of the essential procedures while facilitating instructor grading. 

 

Lists of resources for additional laboratory materials are included in each chapter

 

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Steve Byers received his B.A. and M.A. from Colorado State University in Ft. Collins, CO. His Master’s Thesis, entitled “A reconstruction of the skull of Gigantopithecus blacki”, formed the basis for YFX Studio's full reconstruction of Gigantopithecus on display at the San Diego Museum of Man. His first teaching job was at the University of Southern Colorado (now call Colorado State Universiy, Pueblo) where he taught Anthropology for two and a half years. From there, he worked as a social and psychological researcher until he decided that his true love was Anthropology. He enrolled at the University of New Mexico (UNM) in Albuquerque, NM, where he studied skeletal biology and bioarchaeology.

 

Since graduating in 1992, he has taught part-time at the various campuses of UNM as well as Santa Fe Community College. When given the opportunity to teach a forensic anthropology class at UNM in 1998, he realized that the field lacked a comprehensive textbook. Since no one appeared to be writing one, he decided to take on the project. The first edition of his textbook, published by Allyn and Bacon (since subsumed under Prentice Hall), appeared in 2002, and has been put into new editions three times. The book received a very favorable review in the Journal of Forensic Sciences, as well as several regional anthropology associations.

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