Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2026 - ARCH 373 D100

Human Osteology (5)

Class Number: 5389

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 9 – Dec 6, 2026: Mon, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    ARCH 131 or any lower division ARCH, BISC, HSCI, or BPK course.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

A detailed and lab-intensive study of the human skeletal remains and dental variation. Designed for students to learn how to identify all the bones in the human skeleton, both whole and fragmentary. Focuses on archaeological and forensic field and lab applications for the study of the human skeleton.

COURSE DETAILS:

Through lectures and hands-on laboratory exercises, this course will familiarize students with human skeletal anatomy. Students will learn to identify all bones in the human skeleton, as well as their key landmarks and anatomical placement. Students will also learn about the human osteological ethics and practices, basic bone biology and function, normal osteological and dental development, as well as normal anatomical variation. This information will be discussed in relation to established methods for estimating age, sex, stature, and population affinity.

This understanding of the human skeleton, and its normal development and variation is essential for understanding evolutionary changes in the human skeleton, reconstructing ancient population demographics, identifying disease, trauma and post-mortem changes in skeletal remains, and identifying skeletonized individuals in forensic contexts. Consequently, this course may appeal to students interested in human anatomy, bioarchaeology, paleoanthropology, paleopathology, and/or forensics.

This course will be delivered through a combination of in-person lectures (2 hours/week) and labs (3 hours/week). Additional open lab time (up to 4 hours/week) is also available for students to practice their skills independently. All labs will involve handling real human bones and students will be required to abide by established laboratory protocols.

* Lab coats are mandatory.

Grading

  • Biweekly lab quizzes 50%
  • Weekly lab assignments 10%
  • Midterm assignment 20%
  • Final Exam 20%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

The Human Bone Manual, 2005, Tim D. White and Pieter A. Folkens
ISBN: 978-0-12-088467-4

Department Undergraduate Notes:

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who may need class or exam accommodations, including in the context of remote learning, are advised to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112) as soon as possible to ensure that they are eligible and that approved accommodations and services are implemented in a timely fashion.

Deferred grades will be given only on the basis of authenticated medical disability.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.