Biological and Forensic Anthropology Laboratory
About BAFAL
The Biological and Forensic Anthropology Lab is dedicated to excellence in education, research, and service. The lab not only disseminates information but generates new knowledge through active faculty-led and student-led research projects resulting in peer-reviewed publications and presentations at professional conferences. Finally, BAFAL will serve local, state, and federal law enforcement both in lab and field in any way possible, and benefit the wider community through public events, open workshops, and volunteer opportunities.
Gained transferable skills for participants and researchers include: image analysis, data collection and management, microscopy, biometrics, behavioral observation and survey, excavation, forensic search and recovery, laboratory procedure, project design and interpretation, cooperation, and leadership.
Workshops
BAFAL offers workshops in a number of subjects including Human Evolution, Forensic Anthropology, Genes and DNA, and Primatology. Workshops are open to all UWG students interested in gaining hands-on experience in a real lab setting.
Volunteers
Students interested in Biological Anthropology or Forensics, or any related field, like to organize, teach, learn, and meet new people, can volunteer at BAFAL! Our volunteers work along-side faculty on a wide range of projects that provide hands-on experimental and professional experience.
Research
Faculty research at BAFAL currently focuses on several aspects of bone biology and novel applications of bone microscopic techniques in bioarchaeological and forensic contexts. Our goal is to create and improve methods used in the analysis of bone that aid in identification and increase our understanding of past and present human health and behavior.
Classes
A number of courses are regularly taught at BAFAL, including Osteology, Pig Dig: Forensic Archaeology and Biological Anthropology, Forensic Anthropology, Human Evolution, Skeletal Indicators of Health and Behavior, and Artifact Analyses. Students get the opportunity to hands-on learning experiences and practicals.
Undergraduate Certificate in Forensic Sciences
Forensic Sciences is the application of scientific knowledge and methodology to legal problems and criminal investigations. As a growing field, Forensics offers an excellent point of entry to high-quality employment opportunities in the private sector and in federal, state, and local agencies. Several courses taught at BAFAL can be applied towards the interdisciplinary Undergraduate Certificate in Forensic Sciences.
Location
BAFAL is located in the basement of the Old Auditorium Building 0119. It is adjacent to the Anthropology Building on the southeast side of campus, and it is easily accessible via Front Campus Drive, off Maple Street (where the Visitor Center and visitor parking exist) or Back Campus Dr. off of West Georgia Dr. .