Standards for Data Collection from Human Skeletal Remains: Proceedings of a Seminar at the Field Museum of Natural History

TLDR: In this paper, a hands-on laboratory course is presented to examine the human skeleton as a dynamic, living system, with a review of normal and abnormal variations of each bone and apply this knowledge to make determinations about age, sex, stature and pathological conditions.

Abstract: Course Description and Goals: In this hands-on laboratory course, we will take an in-depth study of the human skeleton as a dynamic, living system. We will examine each bone, with a review of normal and abnormal variations. In the course of this examination, we will cover bone biology, growth and development, and anatomy. You will learn how to record osteological observations and apply this knowledge to make determinations about age, sex, stature, and pathological conditions. We will also discuss how these data are used in the anthropological interpretation of historic and prehistoric patterns of health, disease, stress, and trauma, as well as discuss ethical considerations in studying human remains. Much of the course will be based on handling real human bones, so be prepared (and be gentle with material)!