Resources for Students & Professionals
Advance your forensic science skills in the classroom and beyond.
Our learning resources include:
Forensic Science Student Organization
The Forensic Science Student Organization (FSSO) brings anthropology, criminal justice and forensic chemistry students together one Wednesday per month.
The organization focuses on three key areas:
- promoting community involvement as a way to foster knowledge and networking within the related fields of forensic science
- using group meetings and events to create connections between future members of the forensic science community
- providing opportunities for professional growth in the fields of forensic science, anthropology and criminal justice
Meetings include guest speakers, reviews of cold cases, and planning for future field searches. The club is active outside the classroom, regularly working with local law enforcement on searches for missing persons and associated evidence.
Members also take field trips, attend regional student forensic challenges, and travel to local conferences and training sessions.
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Dana Kollmann
Relevant Anthropology Courses
TU offers a BS in Sociology, Anthropology and Criminal Justice with a concentration in Sociology/Anthropology or Criminal Justice.
ANTH 327 Archaeology of Death (LEC, 3 credits)
Mortuary archaeology, involving the excavation of cemeteries, tombs, graves and the physical remains of the deceased, provides researchers with the opportunity to infer ideologies and behaviors that may not be indicated by the more standard forms of material culture.
The focus of this course is not on what can be learned from the examination of the human skeletal remains, but how burials inform archaeologists about kinship, status, gender, politics, doctrines, and maintenance of social order in past societies.
- Prerequisites: ANTH 207, ANTH 212, or ANTH 327
- Instructor/s: Kollmann
ANTH 328 Introduction to Forensic Anthropology (LEC/LAB, 3 credits)
An introduction to the methods, theory, and laboratory analyses of forensic anthropology. The course will cover topics contributing to the development of a skeletal biography of the decedent.
- Prerequisite: ANTH 212
- Instructor/s: Kollmann
ANTH 357 Introduction to Forensic Crime Analysis (LEC, 3 credits)
Introduction to the forensic sciences with a focus on crime scene processing; consideration of the crime scene from an anthropological and archaeological perspective; general coverage of death investigation, latent prints, trace evidence, firearm and toolmark identification, forensic anthropology and archaeology, impression evidence, and forensic document analysis.
- Prerequisite: CRMJ 254 or ANTH 212
- Instructor/s: Anderson, Garloff or Kollmann
ANTH 370 Forensic Archaeological Field and Laboratory Investigations (LEC, 3 credits)
Students the methods and procedures of forensic archaeology and the biological examination of the recovered skeletal remains. Field experience will include terrestrial, aerial, and geophysical searches for scattered and buried remains. Identified graves will be systematically excavated using archaeological methods, with an additional focus on evidence detection and recovery. Skeletal remains and associated evidence will be returned to the laboratory for processing, packaging and submission.
The course concludes with mock trial testimony regarding the work performed.
- Prerequisites: ANTH 328, ANTH 357, ANTH 381, ANTH 393, or ANTH 457, ANTH 470, or ANTH 495
- Instructor/s: Anderson, Kollmann and Wall
ANTH 457 Advanced Forensic Investigations (LEC/LAB, 3 credits)
Advanced methods and techniques used to process and interpret the crime scene, collect and package evidence, and prepare and present evidence in legal contexts. Coverage of forensic entomology, latent print development techniques, impression evidence casting and recovery, chemical enhancement of bloodstains, and forensic archaeology.
Lab/Class fee will be assessed.
- Prerequisite: ANTH 357
- Instructor/s: Anderson or Kollmann
ANTH 495 Advanced Laboratory Methods (LAB, 3 credits)
This course is set up as an advanced experiential learning experience for undergraduate students to deepen their understanding of a facet of the forensic sciences.
All students will demonstrate a superior understanding of their specific course material through the completion of a physical or research project, paper, or other significant exercise as deemed appropriate by the professor. Results of research will be presented to a group that will consist of individuals outside the course.
- Prerequisites: ANTH 328, ANTH 357, or ANTH 457
- Instructor/s: Kollmann
ANTH 498 Honors Readings in Anthropology (IND, 3 credits)
This course is arranged in conjunction with the Honors College.
Contact the department for more information. Permission of the professor is required.