What is forensic anthropology?
Forensic anthropology is the application of anthropological methods and theory to medico-legal investigations. Forensic anthropologists study recent human remains and the contexts in which they were found, in order to build biological profiles that will aid in identifying individuals and their manner of death. Forensic anthropologists work closely with law enforcement, but may also be called upon in other situations, such as in search, recovery, and identification efforts in former conflict zones or in the aftermath of natural disasters. In addition to combining techniques of archaeology and biological anthropology for these purposes, forensic anthropologists follow formal procedural methods of criminal investigation and provide medico-legal opinions within court proceedings.
Program Information
The Forensic Anthropology program is co-run by the Department of Anthropology www.trentu.ca/anthropology and the Department of Forensic Science www.trentu.ca/forensicscience
- To find out more about our courses, go to www.trentu.ca/calendar
- For further information, email the Department of Anthropology, at anthro@trentu.ca.
Why Study Forensic Anthropology at Trent?
Faculty from the Departments of Anthropology and of Forensic Science have combined their specialties and real-world experiences to offer well-rounded training in Forensic Anthropology, from investigative and analytical techniques to ethical and legal standards.
Students in this program will:
- Develop expertise in osteology (human skeletal analysis) to determine age, sex, ancestry, and trauma.
- Gain hands-on experience in forensic excavation and scene recovery techniques at Trent’s state-of-the-art Forensic Crime Scene Facility and in our archaeological labs
- Study biochemical and genetic analysis for human identification purposes.
- Learn the ethical and legal aspects of forensic anthropology, including how to present evidence in court and best practices for professional conduct.
- Participate in real-world case studies and independent research projects.
Is a degree in Forensic Anthropology right for me?
This limited-enrolment program is aimed at high-achieving students. Prospective students should be aware that, since this degree is a B.Sc., its curriculum includes university-level math and heavily emphasizes science courses, as indicated below.
What Do I Need to Apply?
Applicants must have a secondary school diploma, including:
- six Ontario U/UM credits including one 4U credit in each of Biology, English, and Mathematics
- a minimum average of 75%
- Please note that, since spaces in this program are limited, these minimum qualifications do not guarantee acceptance.
What courses would I take in my first year?
Full-time students normally take five courses in the fall term and another five in the winter term, for a total of 10 courses per academic year. In the first year, a typical courseload would include:
- FRSC 1100H Introduction to Canadian Justice
- FRSC 1011H Introduction to Crime Scene Investigation
- ANTH 1030H Archaeology I: Accessing the Past
- ANTH 1001H Introduction to Anthropology
- BIOL 1050H Human Anatomy
- BIOL 1030H Cellular & Molecular Biology
- MATH 1051H Statistics I
- MATH 1052H Statistics II
- two more electives (to be chosen by the student), in any subject
What are some examples of upper-year courses?
The degree includes both required and elective courses in Anthropology, Forensic Science, and our partners, including:
- Biological Anthropology
- Criminal Code
- Criminology
- Introduction to Genetics
- Archaeology II: Methods
- Archaeological Science I & II
- Law & Indigenous Peoples
- Human Osteology
- Archaeozoology
- Advanced Skeletal Biology
- Presentation of Forensic Evidence
- Science and (In)Justice