FMED 840 FORENSIC ODONTOLOGY AND FORENSIC ANTHROPOLOGY
Forensic odontology is involved in assisting investigative agencies in the identification of whole or fragmented recovered human remains. This course is designed to teach students the basic skills for determining the age and race of unidentified human remains by comparison of antemortem and postmortem dental records and the use of the unique features visible on dental radiographs. Students also learn how to do the assessment of bite mark injuries and the source of bite mark injuries in cases of assault or suspected abuse. Forensic anthropology is the application of the science of anthropology in criminal investigation where the victim's remains are in the advanced stages of decomposition, severely burned, mutilated, or otherwise unrecognizable. This course is designed to teach students the basic anthropological techniques and analysis to assess the age, gender, race, stature, and evidence for estimation of postmortem interval of the individual, as well as if the individual sustained any trauma or disease prior to or at time of death. The combined course is given by lectures and laboratory case studies.