ANTH 104 Introduction to Biological Anthropology
This course will provide a general overview of the discipline of biological anthropology including evolutionary theory, genetics and population genetics, taxonomy, living primates, primate evolution, hominin origins, and modern human variations and adaptation. ANTH 104 focuses on the multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural nature of anthropology and satisfies Scientific Way of Knowing General Education requirements for CSI.
General Education Competency
Scientific Way of Knowing
ANTH 104Introduction to Biological Anthropology
Please note: This is not a course syllabus. A course syllabus is unique to a particular section of a course by instructor. This curriculum guide provides general information about a course.
I. General Information
Department
Social Science Academic
II. Course Specification
Course Type
{5B2306C7-58E4-43D4-B8A5-26C59F89A734}
General Education Competency
Scientific Way of Knowing
Credit Hours Narrative
3 Credits
Semester Contact Hours Lecture
45
Semester Contact Hours Lab
0
Semester Contact Hours Clinical
0
III. Catalog Course Description
This course will provide a general overview of the discipline of biological anthropology including evolutionary theory, genetics and population genetics, taxonomy, living primates, primate evolution, hominin origins, and modern human variations and adaptation. ANTH 104 focuses on the multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural nature of anthropology and satisfies Scientific Way of Knowing General Education requirements for CSI.
IV. Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, a student will be able to:
- 1. Understand and apply the scientific method by formulating and testing hypotheses, analyzing and predicting phenomena, and effectively communicating experimental results.
- 2. Explain the distinction between a scientific and pseudoscientific explanation of phenomena.
- 3. Understand principles of genetic inheritance and evolution by natural selection
- 4. Analyze genetic variation using the Hardy-Weinberg principle
- 5. Understand modern human variation and bio-cultural approach to human development.
- 7. Understand primate taxonomic classification, comparative primate anatomy, and social behavior
- 8. Interpret hominin evolutionary history; with emphasis on bipedalism, tool technology, language, and behavioral adaptations in response to environmental change.
- 9. Evaluate the cultural, physiological, population, and environmental consequences of agriculture.
V. Topical Outline (Course Content)
Introduction: What is Biological Anthropology
The Scientific Theory of Evolution
Genetics: Reproducing Life and Producing Variation
Genes and Population Genetics
Biology in the Present: Living People
Biology in the Present: Other Living Primates
Fossils and Their Place in Time
Primate Origins and Evolution: The First 50 million Years
Early Hominin Origins and Evolution: The Roots of Humanity
The Origins and Evolution of Early Homo
The Origins, Evolution, and Dispersal of Modern People
Our Last 10,000 Years: Agriculture, Population, Biology
VI. Delivery Methodologies
Specific Course Activity Assignment or Assessment Requirements
Genetics lab: Hardy-Weinberg Principle
Diet Analysis Project
Non-human primate comparative anatomy lab
Bipedal lab