Natural Science 0123 - Human Biological Variation

This course focuses on the science of human genetic and biological variation. How does variation come about in evolution? What is the evolutionary explanation, distribution, and significance of human variation in, for example, sickle cell anemia, skin color, and sports performance? We will read primary literature and consider how individuals placed in group, how are differences studied, and to what purpose. This semester we will focus on the idea of race as a genetic construct versus a lived, social reality. How did the idea of "natural" races arise, and how and why, despite fundamental scientific flaws, does this idea persist? Finally, we will examine health inequalities by race and class and the potential mechanisms by which racism and socioeconomic inequalities get "under the skin" and lead to health inequalities.

Physical and Biological Sciences Independent Work Quantitative Skills Writing and Research Students are generally expected to spend approximately 6-10 hours per week on preparation and work outside of class time.