Faculty: Graduate School of Social Sciences

This major focuses on the biological aspects of human evolution, diversity, and adaptation. Students explore topics such as human genetics, paleoanthropology, primatology, and bioarchaeology. Graduates are prepared to work in academic fields, research institutions, museums, and related areas.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the fundamentals of biological anthropology, human evolution, and genetic diversity.
• Develop skills in analyzing biological data, conducting field research, and interpreting evolutionary patterns.
• Learn techniques for studying fossil records, primate behavior, and human biodiversity.
• Explore principles of genetics, molecular biology, and bioarchaeology.
• Analyze and interpret complex biological data and evolutionary theories.
• Develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills for research and practical settings.

Main Curriculum:

1. Introduction to Biological Anthropology
   • Overview of major concepts, theories, and research methods in biological anthropology.
   • Fundamentals of human evolution, genetic diversity, and biological variation.
2. Human Evolution
   • Principles of human evolution, paleoanthropology, and the fossil record.
   • Techniques for studying and interpreting fossil evidence and evolutionary patterns.
3. Genetics and Molecular Biology
   • Basics of genetics, molecular biology, and human genetic diversity.
   • Techniques for conducting genetic analyses and interpreting genetic data.
4. Primatology
   • Principles of primatology, primate behavior, and evolution.
   • Techniques for studying primate ecology, social structures, and conservation efforts.
5. Bioarchaeology
   • Basics of bioarchaeology and the study of human remains in archaeological contexts.
   • Techniques for analyzing skeletal remains, reconstructing past populations, and understanding health and disease in ancient times.
6. Human Biological Diversity
   • Principles of human biological diversity, adaptation, and population genetics.
   • Techniques for studying and interpreting patterns of biodiversity in modern and ancient populations.
7. Research Methods in Biological Anthropology
   • Principles of research methods, data collection, and analysis in biological anthropology.
   • Techniques for conducting field research, laboratory analyses, and presenting research findings.
8. Practical Training in Biological Anthropology
   • Real-world experiences in biological anthropology, including observations, internships, and hands-on projects in research labs, museums, or field sites.
   • Apply acquired skills in practical biological anthropology scenarios.
9. Capstone Project in Biological Anthropology
   • Comprehensive project to apply skills in human evolution, genetics, or bioarchaeology.
   • Submit a refined research project, field study, or theoretical analysis.

Assessment Methods:

• Research papers, evolutionary analyses, genetic studies, primatology reports, bioarchaeological analyses, diversity studies, research methodology projects, internship reports, capstone projects, group projects, internship evaluations.

Recommended Textbooks:

• "Biological Anthropology" by Clark Spencer Larsen.
• "Human Evolutionary Genetics" by Mark A. Jobling, Matthew Hurles, and Chris Tyler-Smith.
• "Primate Adaptation and Evolution" by John G. Fleagle.
• "Bioarchaeology: Interpreting Behavior from the Human Skeleton" by Clark Spencer Larsen.
• "Human Biological Diversity" by C. Loring Brace and Stephen Molnar.
• "Research Methods in Anthropology" by H. Russell Bernard.

Prerequisites:

Basic knowledge of biology, anthropology, and evolutionary theory. Suitable for students interested in biological anthropology, human evolution, and related fields.

Program Duration:

Typically 4 years to earn a bachelor's degree, including coursework, projects, practical training, and internships.

Certification:

Graduates can earn a degree in biological anthropology and pursue additional education or professional certifications in related fields, such as a master's or PhD in anthropology or biological anthropology or related disciplines.

Target Audience:

Aspiring biological anthropologists, paleoanthropologists, primatologists, bioarchaeologists, and individuals seeking careers in academia, research institutions, museums, and related fields. This major equips students with the theoretical, experimental, and analytical skills necessary to excel in biological anthropology, supporting careers in research, education, and related fields.