Biology 351 - SEM:TOPICS IN EVOLUTIONARY BIO

Topics course. This seminar explores the evolution of humans in a geographic context.  Using principles from evolutionary genetics, we cover topics including: 1) the relationship of humans to other primates; 2) the timing and location of the origin of modern humans; 3) the geographic history of humans, and the poor correspondence between genetic data and the concept of race; and 4) implications of human genetics/genomics for healthcare.  Emphasis is on synthesizing literature from the field, mastering a specific topic for a research project, and conveying complex information in a manner that is accessible to an interested layperson. Prerequisite: BIO 152, 230, 232 or permission of the instructor.

Topic: Human Origins and Diversification Instructor permission. Not open to first-years, sophomores