UMass Boston

Course Overview

Description

The study of human biological evolution and human population variation. This course introduces the history, theory, and methods of research in biological anthropology through lectures and hands-on exercises. Major topics include: geological time, classification, and the place of humans in the animal world; evidence for primate and human evolution; evolutionary theory and genetics; and discussion of the evolutionary forces involved in producing human population variation. This course addresses, in assignments and during class time, the following general education capabilities: critical thinking; using technology to further learning; quantitative reasoning; collaborative work; and effective communication.