ARCH8408 Human Osteology

2019

4.5

5 x 8-hour intensive workshops per semester

1 Admission into GCARCH-Graduate Certificate in Archaeology
1a Admission into GCMA-Graduate Certificate in Maritime Archaeology
1b Admission into GDPMA-Graduate Diploma in Maritime Archaeology
1c Admission into GDPAHM-Graduate Diploma in Archaeology and Heritage Management
1d Admission into MAHM-Master of Archaeology and Heritage Management
1e Admission into MAHMA-Master of Archaeology and Heritage Management [1.5 years]
Must Satisfy: ((1 or 1a or 1b or 1c or 1d or 1e))

Topic Coordinator approval is required for enrolment in this topic. Students should apply via courseadvice.hass@flinders.edu.au.

ARCH8308 has been successfully completed

This topic provides students with a detailed introduction to the human skeleton. In addition to the identification of all components of the skeleton, students will learn the range of biological information that is recorded in the human skeleton. In relation to archaeology and forensic science, the topic provides knowledge regarding the location, identification, recovery, and analysis of human remains occurring in field contexts. Key information regarding biological age, sex, pathology, geographic origin, behavioural attributes, and chronometric dating are addressed. Workshops provide the essential hands-on practical component of teaching and learning in human osteology.

This topic aims to:

• provide students with a theoretical introduction to the human skeleton, including the structure and function of bone as a tissue and as an infrastructure that provides support and facilitates movement

• provide students with the skills required to locate, identify, and recover human remains in field settings

• provide students with a basic understanding of the biological and cultural information recorded in the human skeleton, including age, sex, geographic origin, and behavioural attributes

• further develop critical thinking skills, both individually and as members of a group

It is expected that on completion of this topic students will have:

• developed a basic understanding of the structure and function of the human skeleton

• obtained an understanding of the methods involved with the location, identification, and recovery of human remains occurring in field situations

• developed an understanding of the methods employed to determine biological age, biological sex, geographic origin, basic pathology, and behavioural attributes from the analysis of human skeletal remains