ANT 211
Fundamentals of Forensic Anthropology
TEST 1 INFORMATION AND STUDY GUIDELINES
1. The exam, worth 100 points, will consist of 50 multiple choice questions, worth 2 points each. There will be two bonus questions, each worth 2 points (you can earn up to 4 points extra). As stated in the syllabus, if the highest test grade is below a 94, your test will be graded on a curve--the number of points needed to bring the highest score (excluding the bonus) up to 94 will be added to everyone's score.
2. What to study: The exam will cover information presented in class and materials from Burns chapters 1, 2 (pp. 12-22), 3-11(pp. 162-182): basic osteology only--see "independent study: learning bones I-IV for specifics, and 14 (pp. 236-255); and Maples chapters 1-4. The priority for what to study should be:
the material that overlaps from class and the texts
the material from class, and
material in the texts only
Tips from the Texts:
Read Burns a chapter or topic at a time, reviewing your notes (where applicable) along with the readings, and for basic osteology, be sure to refer to the online supplements as noted above (i.e., the "learning bones" series I-IV, with practice questions/answers).
Read Maples for enjoyment; yet be able to recall key points relating to the chapter topics. Focus not so much on memorizing facts, but on linking concepts together; for example, how was a particular skeleton identified, or what evidence helped wrap up a case. The questions will provide enough of a lead in for you to recall a case or concept.
3. Topics:
What is forensic anthropology? What are the similarities/differences between forensic anthropologists and medical examiners?
Basic osteology: Names of major bones of the body, skull, and names of the teeth, how many, etc. Terms of direction are really important to know. Sample questions on osteology come from the "learning bones" online worksheets (answers provided). Know the general features (e.g., fossa, condyle, etc.) from the online supplement. Burns lists specific feature names (e.g., whereas you'll know "fossa", you'll see in Burns' labeled diagrams of bones the specific names such as mandibular fossa (see a diagram of the cranium), intercondylar fossa (see a diagram of the femur), which you do NOT need to know. Just focus on bone names and locations (terms of direction--extremely important), teeth, and definitions of general features.
History of forensic anthropology in the United States: how did it begin? What historic events led to its rise or growth? What are some of the other forensic science disciplines that intersect with forensic anthropology's niche? No need to know dates, yet know a major accomplishment/contribution of the key people discussed in class.
Search and recovery: How are bodies are located? How are bodies recovered? What information is recorded, what techniques are used?
Time since death: initial changes occurring in dead bodies, decomposition process, clues from bones.
4. Study tips:
Study in units/chunks of time rather than cram (20-30 minutes at a time is good). Studying a day or two in advance is not likely to result in your forgetting most of the information. Cramming all night and trying to learn everything at once is more likely to result in less retention of the material.
Study one topic at a time, and use all sources of information for that topic:
Focus on topics or examples in your notes that you've
highlighted or underlined or otherwise noted were going to be questions on
the exam (I mention a few each class period).
Good luck studying... Contact me if you have questions or concerns...