Forensic Odontology and Anthropology

Code:

MCF13_9

Acronym:

MCF13_9

Keywords
Classification	Keyword
OFICIAL	Forensic Sciences

Instance: 2025/2026 - SP

Active?	Yes
Responsible unit:	Gestão Académica
Course/CS Responsible:	Forensic Sciences

Cycles of Study/Courses

Acronym	No. of Students	Study Plan	Curricular Years	Credits UCN	Credits ECTS	Contact hours	Total Time
MCF	18	Current Studies Plan	1	-	6	40	162
		Current Studies Plan	1	-	6	40	162

Teaching language

Portuguese

Objectives

To understand the main areas of practice within forensic anthropology and forensic dentistry.
To know the principal methods used to estimate the parameters of the biological profile: population affinity, sex, age, and stature.
To comprehend the fundamental principles required for achieving positive identification.
To interpret issues related to crimes against humanity and situations of interpersonal violence.

Learning outcomes and competences

Upon completion of this course unit, the student should be able to:

1. Identify and describe the main areas of practice within Forensic Anthropology and Forensic Dentistry.

2. Recognize and apply the principal methods for estimating biological profile parameters — population affinity, sex, age, and stature — in forensic contexts.

3. Understand the scientific, technical, and ethical principles required for achieving a positive identification.

4. Critically analyze and interpret issues related to crimes against humanity and interpersonal violence, acknowledging the role of forensic sciences in their investigation and prevention.

Competences:

• Ability to apply forensic methodologies to the study and identification of human remains.

• Competence in using biological profile estimation methods based on anthropological and dental evidence.

• Ethical and scientific rigor in the interpretation of forensic data and the communication of expert findings.

• Ethical and social awareness in addressing forensic cases related to violence and human rights.

Working method

Presencial

Pre-requirements (prior knowledge) and co-requirements (common knowledge)

NA

Program

Introduction to Forensic Anthropology and Forensic Dentistry
Identification Techniques: Primary and Secondary Methods
Estimation of the Biological Profile
Statistical Evaluation and Interpretation of Results
Crimes Against Humanity and Interpersonal Violence

Mandatory literature

Christensen , Angi M.; Forensic anthropology : current methods and practice. ISBN: 978-0-12-418671-2
Schmitt, Aurore.; Forensic anthropology and medicine : complementary sciences from recovery to cause of death /. ISBN: 1-58829-824-8
Nanda, Anshu,; Forensic Odontology : a Handbook for Human Identification /. ISBN: 9789815124408

Teaching methods and learning activities

Face-to-face lectures with an expository format and practical classes using the identified skeletal collection of CESPU.

Evaluation Type

Evaluation with final exam

Assessment Components

Designation	Weight (%)
Teste	100,00
Total:	100,00

Amount of time allocated to each course unit

Designation	Time (hours)
Estudo autónomo	5,00
Frequência das aulas	42,00
Total:	47,00

Eligibility for exams

Attendence of 3/4 of the classes

Calculation formula of final grade

Final exam - 100%