A Laboratory Manual for Forensic Anthropology

A Laboratory Manual for Forensic Anthropology approaches forensic anthropology as a modern and well-developed science, and includes consideration of forensic anthropology within the broader forensic science community, with extensive use of case studies and recent research, technology and challenges that are applied in field and lab contexts. This book covers all practical aspects of forensic anthropology, from field recoveries, to lab analyses, emphasizing hands-on activities. Topics include human osteology and odontology, examination methods, medicolegal significance, scene processing methods, forensic taphonomy, skeletal processing and sampling, sex estimation, ancestry estimation, age estimation, stature estimation, skeletal variation, trauma analysis, and personal identification.

Although some aspects are specific to the United States, the vast majority of the material is internationally-relevant and therefore suitable for forensic anthropology courses in other countries.

• Provides a comprehensive lab manual that is applicable to coursework in forensic anthropology and archaeology
• Covers all practical aspects of forensic anthropology, from field recoveries, to lab analyses
• Includes discussions of human osteology and odontology, examination methods, medicolegal significance, scene processing methods, forensic taphonomy, skeletal processing and sampling, sex estimation, and more
• Emphasizes best practices in the field, providing an approach that is in line with today's professional forensic anthropology

Introductory and/or upper-division courses in forensic anthropology, also well-suited for forensic anthropology courses taught in forensic science programs. Supplemental reference for other courses involving human identification, skeletal biology, or human osteology, and as a general reference for professionals with limited training in forensic anthropology, including physical anthropologists trained in other areas of the field (such as paleoanthropology or primatology), archaeologists, forensic scientists, dentists, pathologists, crime and death scene investigators, law enforcement, and legal professionals