The Anthropology Department offers a minor in forensic anthropology which consists of 21 credit hours. Students may sign up for the minor in the Anthropology Office in Classroom Building B-107.
Note: Anthropology majors may count ANT 100 only for both this minor and the major program.
Required Courses (15 credits)
ANT 100 Human Origins (3 credits)
ANT 308 Archeological Methods (6 credits)
ANT 324 Human Skeleton (3 credits)
ANT 325 Forensic Anthropology (3 credits)
Suggested Elective Courses (6 credits)
One course lower division and one course upper division:
ANT 101 Understanding Culture
ANT 495 Project in Anthropology
CHE 189 Introduction to Forensic Chemistry
CRJ 101 Introduction to Criminal Justice
FAR 220 Introduction to Photography
GES 360 Forensic Geology
PSY 375 Forensic Psychology
SOC 380 Sociology of Crime
SOC 384 Sociology of Murder
Other elective courses possible by advisement (consult department).
The focus of this interdisciplinary minor will be the study of the discovery, preservation, and interpretation of material evidence, emphasizing the significance of context. The application of findings as evidentiary in legal cases is the goal. The required courses build on the traditional skills and knowledge of physical anthropology and field archaeology, with recovery and analysis of fragmentary data and reconstruction of earlier events as primary proficiencies. The work is thus a counterpart to the sorts of laboratory analyses of forensic chemistry.
All of the courses which the minor comprises have already been designed and are currently being taught. Should other relevant courses be developed later (e.g., in psychology), they will be added to the list of electives as appropriate.
The minor is aimed at three groups of students: those with an interest in law enforcement, students who intend to work as crime scene technicians, and students who are planning to pursue post-graduate education in legal or forensic science fields. The minor would nicely complement the forensic chemistry degree offered at Buffalo State College. It will also appeal to the traditional liberal arts market. Student awareness of the forensic sciences is burgeoning and the minor as a way to satisfy this interest.
Program Requirements
More information about this minor may be obtained through the Anthropology Department.
