Faculty: Graduate School of Social Science This major focuses on the biological aspects of human evolution, variation, and adaptation. Students explore topics such as human genetics, paleoanthropology, primatology, and bioarchaeology. Graduates are prepared for careers in academia, research institutions, museums, and related fields. **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 biological variation. - 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 applied settings. **Major Outline:** 1. **Introduction to Biological Anthropology** - Overview of key 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** - Fundamentals of genetics, molecular biology, and genetic diversity in humans. - 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** - Fundamentals of bioarchaeology and the study of human remains in archaeological contexts. - Techniques for analyzing skeletal remains, reconstructing past populations, and understanding ancient health and disease. 6. **Human Biological Variation** - Principles of human biological variation, adaptation, and population genetics. - Techniques for studying and interpreting patterns of biological variation 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. **Practicum in Biological Anthropology** - Real-world experiences in biological anthropology, including observations, internships, and hands-on projects in research labs, museums, or field sites. - Application of learned skills in practical biological anthropology scenarios. 9. **Capstone Project in Biological Anthropology** - Comprehensive project applying skills in human evolution, genetics, or bioarchaeology. - Delivery of a polished research project, field study, or theoretical analysis. **Assessment Methods:** - Research papers, evolutionary analyses, genetic studies, primatology reports, bioarchaeological analyses, variation studies, research methodology projects, practicum reports, capstone projects, group projects, and 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 Variation" by C. Loring Brace and Molnar Stephen. - "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. **Major Duration:** Typically 4 years for a bachelor's degree, including coursework, projects, practicum, and internships. **Certification:** Graduates may receive a degree in Biological Anthropology and pursue further education or professional certifications in related fields, such as a Master's or Ph.D. in Anthropology, 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 needed to excel in biological anthropology, supporting careers in research, education, and related fields.