Amberle Hogue

Forensic Identification / Forensic Anthropology

Submitted to Dr. Jennifer Fain-Thornton for Human Anatomy and Physiology 1 (BIOL-210)

Summary:

My project is about forensic anthropology. I wrote my paper on how osteology can help forensic scientists solve crimes and murders. In my paper, I explain the process of bone development and remodeling, the stages of decomposition, and what exactly forensic pathology is. I also explain which parts of a skeleton are used to identify certain characteristics of a human, like sex, ethnicity and age. I also reflect on my research. I talk about which part of a forensic investigation would be the most challenging and interesting, and if I would consider a career as a forensic anthropologist.

General Education Connections

• Communicate ideas in written, oral and other modes as appropriate to a situation and audience
• Apply quantitative and scientific reasoning skills relevant to a field of study
• Employ various thinking strategies to develop well-reasoned judgments
• Evaluate sources of information for accuracy, relevance and reliability
• Use technology tools to manage, integrate and evaluate digital information
• Explore issues through creative, interdisciplinary and innovative approaches

I believe this signature assignment helped me realize the quantitative and scientific reasoning skills relevant to the forensic anthropology field. I did a lot of research into this field of study through reading scientific journals, books and websites. It helped me understand the skills and training it takes, and the importance of this field. It also helped me understand my human anatomy class better; I could recall information from that class and link it to what I was reading about forensic anthropology.

Challenges

A few challenges came up as I prepared for this assignment. The biggest challenge was not being able to go to the community library or college library to do my research because of COVID restrictions. In the past I would go to the library and look up books or journal articles in person, knowing that what I was reading would be a credible source of information. This time around I had to learn how to use new online tools and ask for help in how to look up relevant and credible sources for my paper. I know that I am now better prepared for future research projects and will not have as much difficulty finding sources for my research.

Application

I will be able to take the new skills I have learned from doing my research and apply them to future signature assignments. The new programs that I learned how to use will also be useful for future assignments, for any class that I might take. I no longer need to do all of my research in an actual library, even though I enjoy going to the library. I have more options now and I am not as limited.