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Description -

Introductory laboratory course focusing on scientific methodology to explore/experiment with topics from Anthropology lecture sections. Topics include Mendelian genetics, population genetics, human variability, forensics, medical anthropology, epidemiology, hominin dietary patterns, non-human primates, primate dental and skeletal anatomy, fossil hominins, chronometric dating, environmental challenges to hominins, environmental impact of hominin behavior, general methodologies utilized in physical anthropological research, and the general study of hominins as bio-culturally adapting animals. As an honors course, it is a full thematic seminar with advanced teaching methods focusing on major writing, reading, and research assignments, student class lectures, group discussions and interactions. Material covered will be enhanced and research techniques and methodologies explored in greater depth than in the non-honors version of this course.

Course Objectives -

1. distinguish scientific methodology from other methods of evaluation or thinking.
2. explain a variety of primate and/or hominin evolutionary patterns over time.
3. assemble or organize specimens and/or models used in physical anthropology (skeletal, dental, genetic, geological).
4. employ basic forensic field methods for analyzing and interpreting human remains.
5. research an anthropological topic and prepare the results for public and/or classroom presentation.
6. evaluate and debate social, cultural, environmental, or other influences on hominin adaptation and survival over time.

Special Facilities and/or Equipment -

1. Anthropology laboratory equipped with appropriate materials to instruct the lab sections.
2. Internet connection required to conduct enhanced learning assignments.

 

Course Content (Body of knowledge) -

1. Students will demonstrate knowledge in the following areas:
1. Mendelian genetics
2. Population genetics
3. Human variability
4. Forensics
5. Medical anthropology
6. Epidemiology
7. Hominin dietary patterns
8. Non-human primates
9. Primate dental and skeletal anatomy
10. Fossil hominins
11. Chronometric dating
12. Environmental challenges to hominins
13. Environmental impact of hominin behavior
14. General methodologies utilized in physical anthropological research
15. The general study of hominins as bio-culturally adapting animals
2. Students conducting laboratory research will gain proficiency in the following areas:
1. Instrumentation, such as microscopes and centrifuges
2. The appropriate handling of human remains
3. Crime scene investigation techniques
4. Data gathering and analysis using current statistical and mapping programs
5. Graphing and interpretation of data using scientific methodology

Methods of Evaluation -

1. In-class projects
2. In-class lab reports
3. Quizzes
4. Skill demonstrations or problem solving
1. Class performances
2. Field work
3. Performance exams
5. Group project scientific research and presentations
6. Preparedness and participation in seminar style discussions on topics relevant to the lectures and primary source readings, such as journal articles

Representative Text(s) -

Disciplines -

Method of Instruction -

1. Lecture
2. Seminar-style discussions
3. Cooperative learning exercises
4. Field work
5. Oral presentations
6. Independent study
7. Laboratory
8. Demonstration

Lab Content -

1. Scientific Method exercises
1. Field study using Method
2. Microscope training
2. Darwin's Natural Selection
1. Examples from nature
2. Cellular transformation
3. Genetics
1. Field study of phenotypic traits
4. Biological classifications
1. Taxonomy
5. Primate osteology
1. Lab training with primate skeletons
6. Human osteology
1. Skeletal anatomy
7. Primate behavior
1. Field project on human primates
8. Early primates and hominins
1. Fossil collection study
9. The Genus Homo
1. Anthropometrics
10. Forensics and variation (Metric/Non-Metric)
1. Craniometric and osteometric studies
2. Blood group work
3. Finger prints
11. Forensics and skeletal abnormalities
1. Gun shot wounds
2. Trephination
3. Antemortem, perimortem and postmortem analysis
12. Sociobiology and human bio-cultural adaptations

Types and/or Examples of Required Reading, Writing and Outside of Class Assignments -

1. Completion of exercises in the workbook
2. Collection and analysis of laboratory data
3. Practical exams
4. Computational analysis
5. Primary source materials form academic journals