Anthropology: Biological Anthropology

Introduction to the study of the evolution and physical variation of humanity from a biocultural perspective.

Open to degree and PACE students

This course will provide you with broad background in the field of biological anthropology with a focus on human evolution and health. The course is divided into 4 primary sections: 1) we will discuss the history and development of evolutionary theory and cover basic genetics. 2) we will overview living non-human primates, their morphology, behavior and ecology, as well as the fossil record to understand human evolution, and 3) we will examine modern human dispersal and variation, and 4) we will focus on current topics in biological anthropology. There will be a section devoted to the intersections of biological anthropological approaches to human health and clinical research/practice. We adopt a comparative approach to consider the evolutionary, physiological, and cultural bases of human health and disease by examining case studies in the following areas: human diet and nutrition, demography, life history, and reproduction, and pathogens, parasites, and immunity.

The course will be lecture based, and per University policy regarding work required for a three credit hour course, you will be expected to do 1-2 chapters of reading prior to each class session. You will also be expected to engage in brief class discussions and activities, both in and outside of class time.

You will be assessed primarily by exams as well as short interactive assignments/write-ups.