Biological Anthropology

Major

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Due to University Updates, Course Numbers for all Departments have Changed. Please reference the Courses Tab for new Course Numbers.

Requirements for the Major (64 credits)

I. Introductory Courses (24 credits)

• ANTH 3/Human Evolution: Introduction to Biological Anthropology and Archaelogy (4)
• ANTH 4/Cultural Diversity: Introduction to Cultural Anthropology and Linguistics (4)
• BIOL 7/Ecology and Evolution (4)
• BIOL 9/Diversity of Life: Animals, Plants, and Microbes (4)
• CHEM 6/Principles of Chemistry I (4)
• CHEM 7/Principles of Chemistry II (4)

II. Intermediate Level Course Work (12 credits)

• ANTH 11/Ecological Anthropology (4)
• BIOL 22/Molecular and Cellular Biology (4)
• BIOL 24/Vertebrate Anatomy and Physiology (4)

III. Methods (8 credits)

• MATH 3/Introductory Statistics (4)
• ANTH 124/Human Osteology (4) OR ANTH 101/Archeological Method and Theory (4)

IV. Additional Courses (16 credits)

• ANTH 132/Primatology (4) OR BIOL 167/Animal Behavior (4)
• ANTH 127/Human Evolutionary Genetics (4) OR BIOL 166/Evolutionary Genetics (4)
• BIOL 140/Vertebrate Morphogenesis (4) OR BIOL 142/Developmental Biology (4)
• ANTH 125/Medical Anthropology (4) OR ANTH 126/Evolution and Human Behavior (4) OR ANTH 137/Selected Topics in Biological Anthropology (4) OR ANTH 134/Forensic Anthropology

V. Capstone/Research Experience (4 credits)

Students graduating after May 2012 must complete BIANT 199/ Senior Seminar in Biological Anthropology.

Students graduating in May of 2012  may complete the requirement above or must complete one of the following options:

• ANTH 199/Senior Seminar in Anthropology (4) OR
• BIOL 190/Seminar in Biology (2) PLUS BIOL 195/Independent Study in Biology: Literature Research (2 or 4) OR BIOL/195 or 196 for 4 credits instead of 2 (this option may be pursued in years when BIOL 190 is not offered; both BIOL 195 and 196 have a 4 credit option)

Regardless of the option chosen, bio-anth majors are expected to complete the required paper or research project on a topic of biological anthropology.  We especially encourage all students to engage in some kind of hands-on laboratory or field research experience.

Faculty

Faculty

• Professor: Linda Van Blerkom (Anthropology)
• Associate Professor: Tammy Windfelder (Biology)
• Assistant Professor: Jill Rhodes (Anthropology)

Courses

Courses Offered

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ANTH 202 - Formerly 11 - Ecological Anthropology (4)

An interdisciplinary course that draws on data and theory from cultural and biological perspectives in anthropology and from environmental studies to question and examine the relationship of humans and the environment. Through comparisons of human cultural and biological adaptations to physical environments of the past and present, students gain a unique perspective on our impact on, relationship with, and place within the natural world.
Recommended: ANTH 3 or 4 Offered fall semester.
Fulfills: BI, DIT

ANTH 311 - Formerly 101 - Archaeological Method and Theory (4)

Archaeology relies on a body of theories and methods for reading human prehistory from the incomplete record left by past cultures. This course offers a counterpoint to ANTH 12/Prehistory in examining how questions asked by archaeologists are addressed. Topics include techniques of excavation and artifact analysis and the major theoretical approaches to archaeological inference. The course is divided between lecture and laboratory sessions in which students analyze archaeological data.
Prerequisite: ANTH 103 - Formerly 3 - Offered fall semester.
Fulfills: WM

ANTH 312 - Formerly 124 - Human Osteology (4)

A study of human skeletal biology and bioarcheology. The purpose of the course is to familiarize students with the bones and anatomical landmarks of the human skeleton and how stress, disease, injury, and lifestyle affect them. The course includes some instruction in paleopathology and forensic anthropology, with laboratory exercises providing direct examination of skeletal material.
Prerequisite: ANTH 103 - Formerly 3 - or permission of instructor Offered fall semester.
Fulfills: WM

ANTH 301 - Formerly 125 - Medical Anthropology (4)

The cross-cultural study of health and healing in ecological, evolutionary, and political-economic perspectives. Surveys cultural differences in health, reproduction, nutrition, disease ecology, medical systems, and mortality. Also considers the evolution of human disease and the efficacy of different medical systems.
Prerequisite: ANTH 104 - Formerly 4 - or permission of instructor Offered fall semester.

ANTH 326 - Formerly 126 - Evolution and Human Behavior (4)

A study of the basic principles of evolutionary theory as applied to the study of human social behavior. The course examines competing views on the importance of biology for understanding human behavior and considers the relationship between genes and culture.
Prerequisite: ANTH 103 - Formerly 3 - or permission of instructor Offered spring semester in even-numbered years.

ANTH 327 - Formerly 127 - Human Evolutionary Genetics (4)

A study of human genetics in evolutionary perspective. Topics include the structure of the human genome, human-ape comparisons, human genetic diversity, interpreting that diversity, what it tells us about human origins and migrations, effects of population admixture, health implications, and forensic DNA analysis.
Prerequisite: ANTH 103 - Formerly 3 - or BIOL 150 - Formerly 7 - Offered spring semester in odd-numbered years.

ANTH 320 - Formerly 137 - Selected Topics in Biological Anthropology (4)

An investigation of one or more major subject areas in biological anthropology. Topics vary in accordance with student interest and faculty expertise and may include intensive courses in primatology, human adaptability, osteology, anthropological genetics or other aspects of human biology.
May be repeated for credit as topic changes. Prerequisite: ANTH 103 - Formerly 3 - Offering to be determined.

BIAN 400 - Formerly BIANT 199 - Senior Seminar In Biological Anthropology (4)

Capstone course in biological anthropology designed to deepen and consolidate students' knowledge and understanding of the field. Overview of biological anthropology as a profession and discussion of current major issues and research topics. Students are required to write a research paper demonstrating understanding and competence in biological anthropology, as well as ability to use the discourse of biological anthropology and make a competent survey of the published literature in the field. They share their research with the rest of the class in a way conducive to thoughtful discussion and analysis of key issues and methods in biological anthropology.
[CAP] Capstone Restricted to juniors and seniors. Enrollment priority: Priority is given to biological anthropology majors and seniors. Prerequisite: Pre-Requisite: senior standing in biological anthropology or anthropology. Offered every spring semester.

BIOL 150 - Formerly 7 - Ecology and Evolution (4)

An exploration of evolutionary and ecological processes and consequences, with close examination of population dynamics, population genetics, principles of heredity, the evolution of adaptations, community interactions, ecosystems, and biodiversity. Laboratory includes field-based investigations of upland and wetland ecosystems, as well as simulations and laboratory experiments.
Meets: Three hours class, three hours laboratory. Offered fall semester.
Fulfills: BNS, WM

BIOL 250 - Formerly 22 - Molecular and Cellular Biology (4)

An introduction to composition, structure, and function of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, using themes of energy and reproduction. Topics include DNA replication, transcription, and translation, mutations, gene regulation, membrane function, cellular communication, motility, absorption, and secretion. Laboratory includes current research techniques such as cell culture nucleic acid characterization, cloning, and restriction mapping.
Meets: Three hours class, three hours laboratory. Prerequisite: BIOL7 or BIOL9 and CHEM 160A - Formerly 7 - . Offered fall semester.
Fulfills: WM

BIOL 340 - Formerly 140 - Vertebrate Morphogenesis (4)

Vertebrate anatomy and embryology integrated into a single sequence relating adult morphology to embryological development and adaptation. Stresses basic principles of vertebrate organization, functional considerations of morphology, homologies among vertebrate structures, and evolutionary relations of vertebrate groups. Laboratory work includes comparative studies of various vertebrate types and field trips to the Bronx Zoo and American Museum of Natural History. Fulfills laboratory requirement for major.
Meets: Three hours class, three hours laboratory Prerequisite: BIOL 150 - Formerly 7 - and BIOL 160 - Formerly 9 - , or permission of instructor. Offered fall semester.

BIOL 366 - Formerly 142 - Developmental Biology (4)

Examination of the principles of development and mechanisms involved in the growth , shaping, and differentiation of organisms. Topics include gene regulation in multicellular organisms, cytoplasmic determination, interactions with extracellular matrix, organ morphogenesis, and mechanisms regulating the pattern of biological structures. In the laboratory, traditional and modern biological techniques and procedures are applied to the study of development.
Meets: Three hours class, three hours lab. Prerequisite: BIOL 250 - Formerly 22 - and CHEM 160A - Formerly 7 - Offering to be determined.

CHEM 150A - Formerly 6 - Principles of Chemistry I (4)

An introduction to the fundamental principles of chemistry as a quantitative science, including inorganic reactions, properties of gases, liquids, and solids, thermochemistry, atomic theory, and nuclear chemistry. Appropriate for those with little or no background in chemistry.
Meets: Three hours class, three hours laboratory Offered fall semester.
Fulfills: BNS, Q

See appropriate departments for the following courses

ANTH 103 - Formerly 3 - Human Evolution: Biological Anthropology and Archaeology (4)

An introduction to the study of human biological and cultural evolution using the methods and theories of biological anthropology and archaeology. The course surveys some basic principles of evolutionary theory, primatology, the hominid fossil record, origins of modern humans, their physical variation, and archaeological evidence for the evolution of symbolic behavior, agriculture, and civilization.
Offered every semester.
Fulfills: BNS

ANTH 104 - Formerly 4 - Cultural Diversity: Cultural Anthropology and Linguistics (4)

A comparative examination of the cultural diversity of humanity. Using case studies of peoples in differing contexts, the course presents theories and data on a range of topics for understanding contemporary human conditions, including subsistence strategies, political and economic systems, religion and expressive behavior, language, culture change, and the interdependence of cultures throughout the planet.
Offered every semester.
Fulfills: BSS, DIT

ANTH 400 - Formerly 199 - Senior Seminar in Anthropology (4)

An examination of anthropology as a profession. Discussion of current major issues in the discipline.
[CAP] Capstone Prerequisite: Senior standing in anthropology or behavioral science or permission of instructor Offered spring semester.

BIOL 160 - Formerly 9 - Diversity of Life: Animals, Plants, and Microbes (4)

A survey of the animals, plants, fungi, protista, and bacteria of Planet Earth, with comparative analysis of adaptations for survival, reproduction, development, and metabolism. Laboratory emphasizes experimental methods of science as well as morphology and physiology of the major phyla.
Meets: Three hours class, three hours laboratory. Corequisite: Must register for Biol 9L. Offered spring semester.
Fulfills: WM, BNS

BIOL 254 - Formerly 24 - Vertebrate Anatomy and Physiology (4)

An examination of the structure and function of various physiological systems, such as circulation, respiration, and reproduction. How organs and organ systems evolved, how they function at a biochemical and biophysical level, how they are regulated, and how the functions of multiple systems are interconnected and coordinated within the whole organism. Laboratory will include the exploration of the dynamic function and regulation of human physiological systems and the study of anatomy through dissection of animal specimens.
Meets: Three hours class, three hours laboratory. Prerequisite: BIOL 160 - Formerly 9 - , BIOL 250 - Formerly 22 - and CHEM 160A - Formerly 7 - . Offered spring semester.

BIOL 312 - Formerly 166 - Evolutionary Genetics (4)

An exploration of major concepts in evolutionary biology. Topics include population genetics, quantitative genetics, natural selection, molecular evolution, speciation, systematics, and paleobiology. Although the primary emphasis will be on theoretical concepts, students will be introduced to the methods used to test evolutionary hypotheses in both lecture and lab. Fulfills laboratory requirement for major.
Meets: Three hours class, three hours laboratory Prerequisite: BIOL 150 - Formerly 7 - , 9, and 22, or permission of instructor. Offered spring semester in even-numbered years.

BIOL 314 - Formerly 167 - Animal Behavior (4)

An investigation of the behavior of animals from an evolutionary perspective Topics to be covered include foraging, vigilance, social behavior, mating strategies, animal communication, and more. Lectures and discussions will focus on theoretical principles supported by empirical examples from organisms such as dung beetles, striped plateau lizards, song sparrows, and various primate species. Laboratories will be focused on experimental design and learning the techniques of conducting animal behavior research. Fulfills laboratory requirement for major.
Meets: Three hours class, three hours laboratory Prerequisite: BIOL 150 - Formerly 7 - and 9, or permission of instructor Offered spring semester in odd-numbered years.

BIOL 394 - Formerly 195 - Independent Study in Biology: Literature Research (2-4)

An in-depth study through literature research and written literature review on a topic in biology selected by individual students in conjunction with a faculty member, who will supervise the research. A 35-minute weekly research seminar meeting is required, where students present work in progress and receive logistical guidance.
Course may be repeated. Signature of instructor required for registration. Prerequisite: minimum GPA of 2.00 in the major. Offered every semester.

BIOL 396 - Formerly 196 - Research in Biology (2-4)

An opportunity for upper-level students to design and execute an independent project in biology, including laboratory or field research, under the supervision of biology, neurosciences, or RISE faculty. A one hour weekly research seminar meeting is required, where students present work in progress and receive logistical guidance. Interested students should meet with a faculty member to plan the project and establish the amount of credit before registration. Students normally enroll for two credits, especially when beginning a new project. Students conducting honors research in biology should register for this course at the four-credit level rather than registering for HON 410 - Formerly 109 - and 110. Two semesters of BIOL 396 - Formerly 196 - satisfy one laboratory course requirement toward the major.
May be repeated for credit but at most eight credits of BIOL 394 - Formerly 195 - and 16 may be counted toward requirements for the biology major. Signature of instructor required for registration. Signature of instructor required for registration. Prerequisite: BIOL 150 - Formerly 7 - , 9, and 22, and a minimum GPA of 2.00 in the major. Offered every semester.

CHEM 160A - Formerly 7 - Principles of Chemistry II (4)

A continuation of CHEM 6/6A covering the structure of solids, kinetics, thermodynamics, equilibria, electrochemistry, and the principles of descriptive inorganic chemistry, including the transition metals.
Meets: Three hours class, three hours laboratory Prerequisite: CHEM 6/6A Corequisite: CHEM 160A - Formerly 7 - LüCHEM 160A - Formerly 7 - AL Offered spring semester.
Fulfills: BNS, Q

MATH 117 - Formerly 3 - Introductory Statistics (4)

This course is designed to enable you to use statistics for data analysis and to understand the use of statistics in the media. The course makes use of SPSS, a widely-used statistics package for the computer. Course topics include graphical and tabular presentation of data, measures of central tendency, dispersion, and shape, linear transformations of data, correlation, regression, basic probability and the normal probability model, sampling, t-tests, and one-way analysis of variance.
Meets: 150 minutes weekly, with an additional weekly 50-minute recitation Offered every semester. Same as: MAT 861 - Formerly 861 -
Fulfills: Q