ARCHAEOBIOLOGY AND FORENSIC BIOTECHNOLOGY - Archaeobiology
It is advisable to pass the exam of human anatom
The exam consists of an oral exam. The objective of the oral exam is to evaluate the student's learning level with reference to the issues indicated in the learning objectives. Relevant evaluation criteria are the skills: - communicative - to use anthropological terminology -to identify, summarize the concepts discussed in class -to apply the concepts and tools of anthropology
To provide basic knowledge of archaeology, scientific developments in archaeology and application of biological investigations and biotechnology to historical studies and archaeology.
Lectures (20 hours). Module 1 Introduction to Bioarchaeology (1 hour): - definition and objectives of bioarchaeology; - the role of bioarchaeology in the reconstruction of ancient populations. Module 2 Human Skeletal Anatomy (4 hours): - macroscopic anatomy of bones. Module 3 Conservation of Human Remains (2 hours): - taphonomic and conservation aspects; - fossilization; - natural and artificial mummification. Module 4 Excavation and Recovery of Human Remains (1 hour): - bioarchaeological excavation and anthropological recovery techniques. Module 5 Human Evolution (4 hours): - the origin of upright posture and bipedalism; - study methods: morphological analysis of fossil remains, dating methods, and paleoenvironmental reconstruction; -pre-australopithecines: Sahelanthropus, Orrorin, Ardipithecus; -australopithecines: A. anamensis, A. afarensis, A. bahrelghazali A. deyiremeda, A. garhi, A. africanus, A. sediba; -Homo genus: H. habilis, H. ergaster, H. erectus, H. antecessor, H. georgicus, H. heidelbergensis, H. neanderthalensis, H. rhodesiensis. H. sapiens, H. denisova; Module 6: Biological Profile Reconstruction (2 hours): - Determination of sex, age, and height from the analysis of skeletal remains; Module 7: Paleopathology (4 hours): - 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 Module 8: Musculoskeletal markers and physical activity (1 hour): - Definition and interpretation of muscle stress markers. Module 9: Ethics and legislation of human remains (1 hour): - Regulations regarding the excavation, study, and display of human remains through the presentation of case studies. Laboratory (6 hours per shift) Activity 1: Cleaning and preparation of skeletal remains (2 hours); Activity 2: Anatomical identification of skeletal remains (2 hours); Activity 3: Reconstruction of the biological profile of the buried subjects (2 hours).
The course consists of 20 hours of lectures and 6 hours of laboratory (in three shifts) . The course slides are available on the e-learning platform.
Teacher's office hours every Tuesday from 3pm to 6pm. Laboratorio di Antropologia, primo piano Molini Marzoli, Via Alberto da Giussano, 12. Busto Arsizio.