What Is Forensic Anthropology
Forensic anthropology is the application of the anatomical science of anthropology and its various subfields, including forensic archaeology and forensic taphonomy, in a legal setting.
Entry Requirements To Study Forensic Anthropology In South Africa
What Training Do Forensic Anthropologists Need?
Current minimum requirements necessary to become a forensic anthropologist include a Bachelor’s degree in anthropology or a closely related field, a Master’s degree in anthropology, and a PhD in physical anthropology.
Additionally, during their education the student must seek out opportunities to gain experience by assisting an established forensic anthropologist with casework.
After the PhD, there is still additional training to complete. Though not currently a requirement, the American Board of Forensic Anthropology recognizes established forensic anthropologists as diplomats after the required educational requirements are met and the candidate successfully completes written and practical exams.
Forensic Anthropology Research
The Forensic Anthropology Research Centre (FARC) at the University of Pretoria has a research focus on human variation in modern populations, particularly South Africans, for applications in orthodontics and medico-legal investigations, namely facial approximations, presumptive identifications, patterns of decomposition and interpretations of traumatic injury to bone.
FARC researchers also have interests in the evolutionary history of South African fossil hominins as well as education in physical anthropology and expertise development in the discipline of forensic anthropology. Additionally, FARC provides education for undergraduate and postgraduate students, law enforcement, and the private sector in skeletal biology.
FARC has a modern forensic anthropology laboratory which is equipped for the maceration/ processing and analysis of human remains. The centre conducts approximately 100 skeletal analyses, both biological profiles and bone trauma, per year for the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Forensic Pathology Services (FPS).
Collaborative research teams at FARC comprise of national and international researchers who have published on a variety of topics including: human variation (sex, ancestry and stature); age and sex estimation of South African children; facial approximations and reconstruction; periodontics and dental implants; patterns of decomposition in the South African Highveld; application of bone trauma to medicolegal investigations; and examination of the endocasts and postcranial remains of fossil hominins.
We also provide forensic anthropology training human rights members of the Solidarity, Peace, Trust/Ukuthula Trust, which is a South African NGO focused on atrocities committed in Zimbabwe.
The National Research Foundation (NRF), Erasmus+ and postgraduate bursaries from UP provide some of the funding for postgraduate and postdoctoral researchers. FARC offers at least two workshops a year covering topics, but not limited to, the application of bone trauma in medico-legal investigations; R-statistics; age estimation and ADBOU; and the use of 3D imaging in research.
Schools Offering Forensic Anthropology In South Africa
University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg
University of Johannesburg
What subjects are needed to become a forensic anthropologist in South Africa?
Study path: start with a BSc or BSc with Honours in chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology or physics. Once completed you can then apply for specialty training with the SAPS in order to work in one of their forensic laboratories.
What are the requirements to be a forensic anthropologist in South Africa ?
To be a practicing forensic anthropologist you need a master’s degree or doctorate with a major in anthropology and a focus in biological, physical, or forensic anthropology, which usually takes a total of six to ten years.
Where can I study forensic anthropology in South Africa?
UCT and Pretoria both offer post-graduate degrees that involve forensic anthropology. ‘Investigative forensics’ is what is done by the police units. The South African Police Service employs people to work in their forensic laboratories.
Are there forensic anthropologists in South Africa?
In South Africa, forensic anthropology is still in its infancy, with most forensic anthropologists connected to tertiary institutes. It has been developed by biological anthropologists and anatomists who have gained experience in forensic investigations from frequent participation in casework.
What qualifications do I need to study forensic science at university in South Africa ?
To become a forensic scientist you’ll need a minimum of an undergraduate degree. This could be in a science-related subject such as chemistry or biological sciences, or more specifically a degree in forensic science.