Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2026 - ARCH 322 D100

Special Topics in Biological Anthropology I (3)

From Death to Discovery

Class Number: 4483

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Wed, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    ARCH 131.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Select topics relating to biological anthropology. Variable units: 3, 4, 5.

COURSE DETAILS:

In its broadest sense, taphonomy studies the events that affect the remains of an organism after its death. This course is designed to provide the student with basic theoretical knowledge and critical judgment related to the role of postmortem processes in medicolegal death investigations. The core of this course will deal with how the human body might decompose and preserve according to the surrounding environment, and how taphonomic knowledge can assist police forces in their casework. Students will learn how to recognise and distinguish between natural and human induced alterations to the body, estimate the place of death, and calculate time-since-death. At the end of this course, the students will be able to: (i) identify and describe the distinct stages of soft tissue decomposition and preservation; (ii) recognise and interpret taphonomic alterations in human remains, including the taphonomic agents and processes involved; (iii) estimate the place of death according to taphonomic alterations found; and (iv) estimate time-since-death using distinct methods and techniques.

Grading

  • Mid-term 40%
  • Final Exam 60%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Pokines JT, L’Abbé EN, Symes SA. 2022. Manual of forensic taphonomy. Boca Raton, CRC Press. DOI: 10.4324/9781003171492.
ISBN: 9780367774592

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

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.