Forensic anthropology

Code: BIO16138O

3 ECTS

Duration: 15 weeks/78 hours

Scientific Area: Biological Sciences, Biomedical Sciences

Teaching languages: Portuguese

Languages of tutoring support: Portuguese

Regime de Frequência: Presencial

Sustainable Development Goals

4. Educação de qualidade - Assegurar a educação inclusiva, e equitativa e de qualidade, e promover oportunidades de aprendizagem ao longo da vida para todos.

5. Igualdade de género - Alcançar a igualdade de gênero e empoderar todas as mulheres e meninas.

10. Reduzir as desigualdades - Reduzir as desigualdades dentro dos países e entre eles.

16. Paz, justiça e instituições eficazes - Paz, justiça e instituições eficazes promover sociedades pacíficas e inclusivas par ao desenvolvimento sustentável, proporcionar o acesso à justiça para todos e construir instituições eficazes, responsáveis
e inclusivas em todos os níveis.

Learning Goals

The course aims to provide knowledge on the application of biological anthropology in forensic science, with an emphasis on its relevance in medico-legal and humanitarian contexts. Participants will have the opportunity to learn the basic principles of human skeletal biology and its application in the following areas: 1) estimation of the biological profile; 2) estimation of the post-mortem interval; 3) interpretation of taphonomic changes and skeletal lesions in the identification process; 4) analysis of trauma and the circumstances of death.
Upon completing the course, participants should be able to: a) understand the history of forensic anthropology and its current theoretical and disciplinary framework; b) identify the areas of intervention of forensic anthropologists; c) apply appropriate methods during the detection, recovery, laboratory analysis, and curation of human bones from forensic contexts; d) understand the ethical issues associated with the study of human remains.

1. Historical, disciplinary and professional framework of forensic anthropology
2. Assessing the forensic relevance of human skeletal remains
3. Detection, excavation, collection and initial treatment of human bones
4. Forensic taphonomy, human decomposition and estimation of time since death (post-mortem interval)
5. Biological profile estimation: age at death, sex, stature and ancestry/population affinity
6. Individualization factors: ante mortem, peri mortem, post mortem and complementary
7. Circumstances and cause of death: the relevance of traumatic injuries
8. The process of human identification
9. Forensic anthropology, human rights and mass disasters
10. Ethical issues in forensic anthropology
11. The potential of artificial intelligence in forensic anthropology

Teaching Methods

The teaching methodologies of the Forensic Anthropology curricular unit aim to provide active and practical learning. Through theoretical-practical classes, students learn the fundamental concepts of forensic anthropology. These include various sessions based on the study and critical analysis of cases, field work simulations and sessions oriented to analytical and methodological practice. Collaborative learning is encouraged through group discussions and problem-solving, in order to stimulate critical reflection and the development of scientific communication skills. The use of multimedia resources, such as videos and specialized software (e.g. Osteomics), contributes to understanding the processes involved in forensic investigation.

Assessment

Final assessment: Written exam consisting of multiple-choice questions, with a weighting of 100%. A minimum score of 10 out of 20 is required to pass.

Teaching Staff

Vítor Miguel Jacinto de Matos [responsible]

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