Focus in Forensic Anthropology

gloved hands holding clipboard and pen over skeletal remains on table

What is Forensic Anthropology?

Forensic Anthropology involves the study of human biology, archaeology and ethnohistory, including:

  • The study of body deposition and scene reconstruction
  • Human remains recovery
  • Human identification
  • The postmortem interval
  • Skeletal trauma in modern legal contexts

Career areas include:

  • Consultative and advisory services to forensic pathologists or coroners
  • Crime scene reports
  • Expert witnesses in the courtroom
  • Human right organizations and government agencies
  • Assisting in coordination of a fatality response plan during disaster situations
  • Peer reviews of anthropological findings by local specialists
  • Academia

spotlight

Spotlight on ANT205H5 Introduction to Forensic Anthropology

In ANT205H5, you can learn about the areas in which forensic anthropologists may contribute to a death investigation, as well as gain an introduction to basic concepts relating to the recovery and analysis of human remains.

Topics covered in ANT205H5 may include:

  • Crime scene investigation
  • Finding and recovering remains
  • Concepts in identification
  • Time since death
  • Principles of skeletal trauma
  • Contemporary issues in forensic anthropology

Virtual Showcase Information Session: A brief overview of Forensic Anthropology at UTM presented by Dr. Steven Dorland (1:13)

 

    Undergraduate programs

    UTM Anthropology undergraduate students who wish to focus in Forensic Anthropology normally enrol in one of the following programs:

    • Specialist Program in Anthropology (Science) ERSPE0105
    • Major Program in Anthropology (Science) ERMAJ0105

    Learn more about Anthropology programs at UTM.

    Undergraduate courses

    Most of our recommended upper-level courses for a focus in Forensic Anthropology are Anthropology Science (SCI) credits.

    Learn more about course selection for Anthropology programs at UTM.

    Teaching and Research Specialties

    At UTM, our faculty research interests in Forensic Anthropology include:

    • Forensic anthropology and crime scene technology in Canada
    • Application of next genome sequencing methods in Forensic Science in Canada and the United States