Essentials of Biological Anthropology Anthropology 260PH311 Professor: Kate Pechenkina, Ph. D. office: Powdermaker Hall 312A telephone: (718) 997-5529 e-mail: office hours: Wednesday |
This course is an in-depth overview of the method and theory of biological anthropology, in which we aim to solidify student understanding of the discipline's key concepts via in-class discussions and hands-on exercises. During the first half of the semester, we will focus on the fundamentals of evolutionary theory and genetics as background material, as well as on the evolutionary factors that define biological and genetic variation among modern humans. Thereafter, we will focus on the principles of macroevolution and modern approaches to animal classification,
examining how they apply to the origins and diversity of the Primate order, as well as to human evolution. |
Lecture Quiz/Exam Schedule | |||
Problem-sets, labs, participation | 40 % | (assignments will be distributed in class on a regular basis) | |
Midterm | 10/14 | 30 % | covers weeks 1-8 |
Final | TBA | 30 % | covers weeks 9-15 |
Electronic Devices This is a computation intensive class. You will need to bring a calculator on a regular basis, especially during the first half of the semester. However, the use of other electronic devices, including computers, is not allowed. In a small classroom we cannot accommodate multiple laptops; incessant key-tapping during class is distracting. Use pen or pencil and paper to take notes. You will often need to sketch diagrams and copy charts. I will NOT be posting my notes on line, so it is YOUR responsibility to have good notes.
|
Syllabus
week |
dates |
Topics |
Readings |
1 |
8/26 |
Introduction: Biological Anthropology |
Ch 1 (ALL) |
2 |
8/31 9/2 |
The Biological Basis of Life: the cell, proteins Central Dogma of Molecular Biology: DNA, RNA Movies: |
Ch 2: 31-39 Assignment 1 |
3 |
9/7 9/9 |
Cell Division/ Mendelian Genetics of simple traits No class |
Ch
2: 40-50/52-54; Fig 2:18,19 Ch
14: 359-360 |
4 |
9/14 9/16 |
No class – Friday schedule Mendelian Genetics continued, polygenic traits |
Ch
2: 50-52; Ch 14:364366 Ch
15: 394-396 |
5 |
9/21 9/23 |
Population genetics: introduction |
Ch 3:65-70 Table 3.1, |
6 |
9/28 9/30 |
The forces of evolution: mutations, natural
selection |
Ch 3: 70-76; Ch 15: 388-403 |
7 |
10/5 10/7 |
The forces of evolution: Genetic drift |
Ch
3: 76-81; Ch 14:371-377 Ch
3:81-84, Ch 15:381-388 |
8 |
10/12 10/14 |
Review Midterm |
|
9 |
10/19 10/21 |
Human Adaptations Macroevolution/Principles of classification |
Ch
16 Ch
4 All |
10 |
10/26 10/28 |
Primates: introduction, cladistic vs. gradistic classification the Monkeys |
Ch
5 113-131 Ch
5 131-134, Ch 9: 233-234 |
11 |
11/2 11/4 |
Primates continued, Lab exercise Allometry |
Ch
6 All Ch 9:235-242 p
152; Ch 7:178-179 |
12 |
11/9 11/11 |
Overview of Human Evolution: Miocene/Pliocene Genera: Australopithecus,
Paranthropus, Homo |
Ch
10:247-263 Ch
10: 263-276 |
13 |
11/16 11/18 |
Lab exercise: australopiths early Homo; out of Africa |
Ch
11 All |
14 |
11/23 11/25 |
Homo sapiens, Homo heidelbergensis, Homo neanderthalensis Thanksgiving recess |
Ch
12 All |
15 |
11/30 12/2 |
Models of modern human origins; Lab exercise: genus
Homo Review |
Ch
13 All |
FINAL EXAM: During the week of finals (12/14-12/21), date/ time TBA |