The course provides students with an understanding of human skeletal biology and bio-anthropological methodologies applied to the study of human remains. Topics include skeletal anatomy, physical anthropology, taphonomy, and paleopathology, with a focus on biotechnological and bioarchaeological applications.
Course Prerequisites
Although there are no formal prerequisites, a basic knowledge of human anatomy is essential for successfully following the course.
Teaching Methods
The course includes classroom lectures and laboratory activities.
Assessment Methods
Assessment consists of an oral exam, with a final grade out of 30. The exam is structured in two main parts: General question: the students will be asked to develop a general topic from those covered during the course. Specific questions: Two or three more specific questions will follow, addressing theoretical and applied aspects of the program.
Contents
Teaching hours: 52 (40 hours of lectures + 12 hours of practical laboratory). Module 1: Human Skeletal Anatomy (10 hours of lectures): - Molecular structure of bones; - Histology and metabolism of bones; - Bone growth; - Macroscopic anatomy of bones; - Insertions of the main muscles; - Teeth; - Laboratory (4 hours): Identification of the main human bones; analysis of bone morphological characteristics; Study of joint surfaces and muscle insertions. Module 2: Physical Anthropology (12 hours of lectures): - Introduction to physical anthropology: history, definitions, and fields of study; - Human evolution and biological variations in human populations; - Reconstruction of the biological profile: Estimation of skeletal age; Sex determination; - Osteometry; -Laboratory (4 hours): Anthropometric measurements; Age and sex estimation on skeletal remains; Analysis of occupational markers. Module 3: Taphonomy (2 hours of theory): -Definition of taphonomy: postmortem processes and skeletal preservation; -Degradation factors; -Burial types;-Recovery of human remains;-Pseudopathology. Module 4: Paleopathology (10 hours of theory): -Introduction to paleopathology: methods and limitations of study (osteological paradox); -Pathocenosis;-Infectious skeletal diseases; -Metabolic and deficiency diseases; -Trauma and fractures;-Nutritional stress indicators; -Occupational markers;-Dental pathologies;-Imaging. Laboratory (4 hours): Identification of pathological lesions on bone remains; Discussion of case studies and differential diagnosis. Module 5: Analysis of the main molecular and histological investigations applied to skeletal remains (2 hours of theory): - Sampling; - aDNA; - Isotopes; - Histology; - Chemical analyses. Module 6: Skeletal Collections (4 hours of theory): - Human skeletal collections: study, management, and ethical aspects.
Course Language
Italian
More information
Teacher's office hours every Tuesday from 3pm to 6pm. Laboratorio di Antropologia, primo piano Molini Marzoli, Via Alberto da Giussano, 12. Busto Arsizio.