91944 - Laboratory of Palaeobiology and Forensic Osteology

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course the student will acquire advanced knowledge of the human skeletal biology and of the application in the archaeological and forensic fileds.The student will be skill to study unidentified human skeletal remains (for forensic and archaeological purposes) troughout many methodologies involved in the recostruction of the biological profile and identification. Restoration and study of specific osseous and dental markers (age at death, sex, physical activity, traumas, disease, etc.) will be applied to reconstrict biologivcal profile and life style of the humans.

Course contents

The course consists of two sections that cover the anthropological and paleobiological field with archaeological and forensic applications, with a focus on virtual methodologies for the study of skeletal remains.

The first section addresses topics related to the study of human skeletal anatomy and the analysis of human skeletal markers. Students acquire skills in: reconstruction of the biological profile (estimation of age at death, sex determination, calculation of stature); identification of remains, skeletal and dental pathologies, markers of interpersonal violence, taphonomy, and preservation status of human remains. Students also learn to distinguish between human and non-human remains, fragmented remains, and buried vs. cremated remains. Additionally, evolutionary aspects are explored, including current human skeletal variability and fossil specimens, as well as the role of human skeletal collections (archaeological and documented), laboratory procedures, and the preparation of osteological reports in the archaeological and forensic context.

The second section aims to provide technical preparation for the study of osteological materials through Virtual Anthropology methodologies. Students will have the opportunity to create 3D digital models of bones through virtual processing of tomographic data, and to compare them with 3D models from other acquisition sources (laser scanners, micro-computed tomography). Students will acquire skills in geometric morphometrics for the virtual analysis of bone morphology and to statistically explore differences within our species and between different species (living and fossil).

Readings/Bibliography

White T, Folkens PA (2005) Human bone manual. Elsevier Academic Press.

L. Sineo, J. Moggi Cecchi (Eds.) "Manuale di Antropologia. Evoluzione e biodiversità umana", Utet Università, Milano.

C. Cattaneo, M. Grandi (Eds.), Antropologia e odontologia forense. Guida allo studio dei resti umani. Testo atlante. Monduzzi, 2004.

Optional

K.J. Reichs (ed) (1998). Forensic Osteology (2nd Edition). Charles C. Thomas publisher, LTD, Springfield, Illinois, USA.

S. Minozzi, A. Canci: Archeologia dei resti umani. Dallo scavo al laboratorio. Carocci ed., Roma, 2015.

M. G. Belcastro, G. Manzi, J. Moggi Cecchi (Eds.) "QUEL CHE RESTA. Scheletri e altri resti umani come beni culturali" - IL MULINO, Bologna

F. Mallegni, B. Lippi (a cura di): Non omnis moriar. CISU, Roma, 2009.

The slides used during the course will also be provided, and in-depth scientific articles will be supplied as well.

Teaching methods

The course includes theoretical lectures and practical sessions conducted in the laboratory. During the course, human skeletal remains from archaeological collections and/or identified skeletal collections will be made available to students to facilitate learning. For Virtual Anthropology training, bone scans obtained through computerized tomography, three-dimensional bone models, and databases for statistical analysis of geometric morphometrics will be provided.

Assessment methods

The aim of the course is to enable students to reconstruct the biological profile of human skeletal remains and to prepare an osteological report on the examined material (in both good and poor states of preservation). Therefore, the examination consists of a practical test that includes:

-Recognition and description of human skeletal remains (including fragmented ones).

-Reconstruction of the biological profile (estimation of age, sex determination, etc.) using the methods learned in the course.

Additionally, during the examination, the student will have to address a topic from the second section of the course (Virtual Anthropology) that they have particularly studied by reading a scientific article of their choice.

In the evaluation, the preparation in the required topics will be taken into account, as well as the ability to express oneself, support a critical analysis, and use appropriate and correct scientific terminology.

Teaching tools

For the conduct of the classroom lectures, PowerPoint slides, a projector, and a PC will be used. The laboratory course involves the presence of human skeletal remains and the necessary equipment for the anthropological study of human skeletal remains.

Office hours

See the website of Rita Sorrentino