ANTH 1L - Biological Anthropology Laboratory

Spring 2011 ANTH 1L Ticket 11545 syllabus

Spring 2011 ANTH 1L Ticket 12135 syllabus

Course Overview

This course provides students a hands-on and in-depth study of material discussed in the Biological Anthropology lecture class.  Students will apply the scientific method to pertinent issues in biological anthropology.  Lab sessions will focus on topics including natural selection and genetics, living and fossil primates, and human variation.  By utilizing a scientific approach, students will gain an understanding of our place in the natural world and how our evolutionary history impacts our lives in modern society.

Course Topics

  1. The scientific method
  2. Forces of evolution
  3. Cell biology
  4. Evolutionary principles
  5. The genetics of populations
  6. Modern genetic disorders
  7. Human variability and adaptability
  8. Osteology and forensic anthropology
  9. Primate taxonomy
  10. Observing primate behavior
  11. The hominid fossil record

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate an understanding of the scientific method.
  2. Employ principles of Mendelian genetics to determine genotype and phenotype probabilities.
  3. Calculate gene, genotype, and phenotype frequencies using the Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium formula.
  4. Demonstrate an understanding of cell structure and functions.
  5. Use common lab and anthropometric equipment such as a compound microscope and calipers.
  6. Discuss primate evolution and the different adaptive radiations.
  7. Compare and contrast members of the Primate order in terms of structure, behavior, and phylogeny.
  8. Classify hominid species based upon selected traits such as anatomical changes associated with bipedalism, changes in the size and structure of the brain, and the development of culture.
  9. Locate and describe the major bones of the human skeleton.
  10. Identify characteristics of human skeletons or skulls such as gender, age, and ancestry.
  11. Discuss current research in genome analysis of various hominid populations.