Fall 2025 - ARCH 373 D100
Human Osteology (5)
Class Number: 7364
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Mon, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
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Instructor:
Hugo Cardoso
hcardoso@sfu.ca
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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:
This course is designed to provide the student with extensive and in-depth laboratory and hands-on training in human skeletal and dental anatomy, with an emphasis in anatomical variation and bone identification. Students will learn to identify all 206 bones in the human skeleton, both whole and fragmentary, including key features and anatomical placement. Students will also be introduced to basic bone biology and function, as well as to individual, developmental, sexual, pathological and population-based variation. These elements are essential for understanding the evolution of human anatomy, reconstructing the lifeways of archaeological populations or for identifying skeletonized individuals in forensic investigations. Ethical considerations, and best practices related to the excavation, analysis and interpretation of human skeletal remains will also be covered.
Grading
- Lab Quizzes 50%
- Weekly Lab Assignments 10%
- Mid-term paper 20%
- Final Exam 20%
NOTES:
*Grading is based on a flexible scheme that builds on student’s strengths
Materials
REQUIRED READING:
White TD and PA Folkens. 2005. Human Bone Manual. Academic Press.
ISBN: 0120884674
RECOMMENDED READING:
Other useful text, besides the required textbook: Bass WM. 2005. Human Osteology. A Laboratory and Field Manual (5th Edition). Columbia: Missouri Archaeological Society
Additional readings will be assigned for some lectures and will be on reserve in the library
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:
- SFU’s Academic Integrity Policy: S10-01 Policy
- SFU’s Academic Integrity website, which includes helpful videos and tips in plain language: Academic Integrity at SFU
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.