This is a practically oriented course designed to equip biological anthropology and archaeology students, in a laboratory setting, with the fundamental skills involved in identifying faunal remains, especially those of mammals, in terms of body part and taxonomy. It is particularly important to treat these in the context of comparative mammalian biology. Building on BIAN 3015 (Human Skeletal Analysis) –, the course will focus on the bones and teeth of a) the native and introduced mammals typically encountered during archaeological excavation in Australia and b) the non-human primates. Some attention will also be given to identification of the non-mammalian fauna of Australia, from remains recovered in excavation.

Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to:

1. Recognise and identify (giving reasons) the bones and teeth of the mammals treated in the course, down at least to generic level
2. Compare the remains of the different taxa of mammals, interpret them, and explain why they differ
3. Demonstrate an ability to transfer their skills to a practical context
4. Analyse mammalian remains both to differentiate the taxa concerned, and to place them in an overall biological context
5. Assess the differences between different mammalian taxa, argue functional and phylogenetic considerations, and justify their conclusions
6. Develop an understanding of the mammals in general, and be able to generate phylogenetic arguments

One short presentation (15-20 mins) (10%) [Learning Outcomes 2, 4, 5]

One short essay or report (450-500 words) (10%) [Learning Outcomes 4-6]

One two-hour practical examination (80%) [Learning Outcomes 1, 3]

Normally offered every year.

One two-hour lecture, one two-hour guided and supervised practical, at least four hours of unsupervised practical, and two hours of private study per week.

12 units from 1000-level Anthropology (ANTH), Archaeology (ARCH) or Biology (BIOL) courses.

BIAN3011 Skeletal Analysis