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School of Archaeology and Anthropology · ANU College of Arts and Social Sciences
This course offers students training in the anatomy of the human skeleton and techniques used in the individuation of skeletal remains. Students will learn a range of osteological techniques for estimating age-at-death, biological sex, stature, ‘health’ and behaviour from human skeletal remains. We will cover the development, form, and function of human hard tissues (bones and teeth). Through research case studies, laboratory exercises, and interactive in-class activities, students will critically interrogate topical issues in the field of human skeletal analysis; they will also reflect on ethical considerations surrounding the analysis and interpretation of human remains. Acquired skills will be of value to any students interested in skeletal studies including vertebrate biology, comparative skeletal anatomy, medicine, palaeontology, human and primate evolution, forensic sciences and archaeology.
2 x Online Quizzes (10% each, for a total of 20%)
Learning outcomes 1, 3
Hands-On Practical Test (Basic)
Learning outcomes 1, 3, 5
1 x Critical Reflection (1000 words)
Learning outcomes 4, 5
Hands-On Practical Test (Advanced)
Learning outcomes 1, 2, 3, 5
130 hours of total student learning time made up from: a) 36 hours of contact: 18 hours of lectures and 18 hours of laboratory practicals; and b) 94 hours of independent student research, reading and writing. Other Information Lab attendance forms a hurdle for this course. Students must attend at least eight of the ten 'non-test' lab sessions to pass this course.
White, TD, and Folkens, PA. 2005. The Human Bone Manual. San Diego, CA: Elsevier Academic Press. [Available in Library as an e book]