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

Are you interested in biology, osteology, forensics, law, or criminal investigations? Consider a focus in Forensic Anthropology at UTM.

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

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 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.


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

Learn about Anthropology courses 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

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

gloved hands holding trowel over dirt. photo by Giovanni Capriotti

'We’re taking it very seriously': Students excavating pet cemetery

Carolan Wood, Tracy Rogers and their students' work on a project is featured in the Toronto Star. (Photo by Giovanni Capriotti.)