ARCHAEOBIOLOGY AND FORENSIC BIOTECHNOLOGY - Archaeobiology
Lectures (20 hours) Module 1: Introduction to Bioarchaeology (1 hour) - Definition and objectives of bioarchaeology; - Differences between bioarchaeology and physical anthropology and forensic anthropology; - 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 the Erect 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; - Genus Homo: H. habilis, H. ergaster, H. erectus, H. antecessor, H. georgicus, H. heidelbergensis, H. neanderthalensis, H. rhodesiensis. H. sapiens, H. denisova. Module 6: Reconstruction of the Biological Profile (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) - Regulations regarding the excavation, study, and display of human remains through the presentation of case studies - Presentation of case studies. PRACTICAL WORKSHOP – 6 hours 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 (in three shifts) of laboratory work. 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.