PG Diploma (Forensic Anthropology & Odontology)

Duration

1 Year

Eligibility Criteria

MBBS or BDS graduates
Postgraduate students of MD or MDS
BSc or MSc Criminology
MSc Forensic Sciences
BSc / MSc Nursing
MSc Anatomy
LLB or LLM

Vision

To integrate Applications of Forensic Anthropology, Forensic Odontology, and Disaster Victim Identification in Medico-Legal settings, and to be a national leader in training Forensics and Odontologists

Course Description

Forensic experts are often called upon to establish identity when the body is mutilated or decomposed beyond recognition, or when only fragmentary remains are available. Forensic anthropology is the application of anthropology in the medico-legal setting. Likewise, Forensic Odontology is the application of dental science in the medico-legal setting to identify unidentified bodies.

Alongside advances in forensic pathology, forensic anthropology, and odontology, there has been a sea change; therefore, forensic experts, educators, and researchers in India need to refresh their knowledge and training. The Department of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, Yenepoya Medical College, Yenepoya University, Mangalore, now offers a unique, innovative Postgraduate Diploma in Forensic Anthropology & Odontology, ensuring participants gain up-to-date knowledge and hands-on experience in disaster victim identification, odontology, anthropology, and crime scene investigation.

This one-year blended-learning course – designed specifically for forensic experts, students, researchers, and keenly interested practitioners – aims to fill gaps in the forensic specialist's armamentarium, with nationally and internationally renowned forensic anthropologists as resource persons.

The course provides foundational knowledge in humanitarian ethics, particularly regarding death and research on the dead, body parts, and remains, as well as forensic anthropology and odontology. It places special emphasis on Disaster Victim Identification (DVI), conducted by international experts with years of experience.

Course Objectives

Describe the roles and responsibilities of a forensic anthropologist within the medico-legal system
Enhance expertise in forensic anthropology and forensic odontology for human identification
Provide practical training in Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) and mass fatality management
Develop competence in forensic taphonomy for the interpretation of postmortem changes
Strengthen skills in skeletal analysis, dental profiling, and crime scene investigation
Promote ethical and humanitarian approaches in handling human remains
Bridge existing knowledge gaps in medico-legal forensic practice
Develop the skill set needed in a crime scene investigation

Teaching Learning Method & Academic Activities

Blended Learning – Online + Face-to-face
Full-scale simulations at advanced labs
Case-Based Learning – Real-life forensic cases, case discussions, reflective learning
Simulation-Based Learning – Controlled realistic environments
Inter-professional Education – Multi-disciplinary teamwork

Intake & Attendance

Intake of Students: 15 per year
Minimum attendance of 80% is required to sit for the examination
Each module shall be taken as a unit for calculating attendance
All three modules must be attended in person

Learning Outcomes & Competencies

PO.01 – Forensic Anthropology

To gain competencies in the basics of anthropology and anthropometry
Applying anthropological methods (Anthropometry, Craniometry and Osteometry) for establishing biological profile from skeletal remains (estimation of Sex, Age, Ancestry and Stature) and human remains
Apply forensic taphonomy to assess postmortem interval and environmental effects
Learn about complex cases (fragmented, commingled, burnt, and dismembered)

PO.02 – Forensic Odontology

To become familiar with the concepts and processes of Forensic Odontology
Applying odontology and Odontometry methods for the identification of unknown human remains
Perform biological profiling using dental evidence

PO.03 – Disaster Victim Identification

To become familiar with key aspects of the identification process in mass disasters (Globally accepted standard)
Participate effectively in Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) operations
Learn to handle mass fatalities
Recovery process and documentation of human remains following internationally acceptable protocols
Establishing biological profiling, dental identification, and steps required to identify victims after disasters

PO.04 – Humanitarian Forensics

Demonstrate ethical decision-making in handling the dead and conducting forensic research
Learn ethical and humanitarian approaches in handling dead/human remains
Develop the skill set needed in a crime scene investigation

Attendance

Participants must attend all three modules in person
A minimum attendance of 80% is required to sit for the examination
Contact classes will be held daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM during the modules
Each module shall be taken as a unit for calculating attendance
Every candidate is required to attend a minimum of 80% of training each academic year
In case of absence during any module, the candidate must attend the same with the next batch
Completion and Diploma Certificate will not be awarded if the candidate fails to attend any module, assignments, or project