Forensic Anatomy

Catalog description

Semester 1: IFSL 560?565 Forensic Anatomy & Pathology I This integrated course introduces students to human anatomy and the principles of forensic pathology, emphasizing how structure and function underpin medicolegal death investigation. Students will develop foundational knowledge of anatomical terminology, body regions, and organ systems while simultaneously learning core forensic and medicolegal concepts, including the role of the forensic pathologist and the procedures used in contemporary death investigations. Through lecture and case-based discussion, the course will review skeletal, muscular, vascular, nervous, and visceral anatomy alongside topics such as autopsy overview, wound categories, postmortem changes, and the differentiation of cause and manner of death. Standard and advanced dissection techniques, identification practices, and documentation methods will be introduced conceptually, illustrating how anatomy knowledge supports successful performance of autopsy procedures and interpretation of forensic findings. Case studies and structured assignments will highlight the integration of normal anatomy, basic pathology, and medicolegal reasoning, preparing students to collaborate effectively with forensic teams and to interpret autopsy-related information in investigative or legal contexts. Through lectures, case presentations, and applied assignments, students will synthesize anatomical, pathologic, and medicolegal concepts to communicate findings clearly and accurately in written and oral formats suitable for investigative and legal settings. This course may be taken upon successful completion of undergraduate studies.