Anthropology 216 - Anatomy of the Human Body

This course is designed to give the student a thorough understanding of human gross anatomy from embryological, functional and evolutionary perspectives. The course is divided into 4 Units (Thorax and Abdomen, Back and Upper Limb, Pelvis and Lower Limb, Head and Neck), each of which covers specific anatomical regions and introduces the major systems of the human body. Each unit will integrate anatomy with evolutionary and functional approaches on various aspects of anatomical complexes specific to that unit (e.g. Lower limb anatomy and bipedal locomotion, larynx and evolution of language, pelvis and evolution of rotational birth). This course is targeted at students who aim to pursue health-related professions (medical/dental graduate programs, nursing, PT/OT, PA, etc?), anthropology majors who want to build a solid background in human evolutionary anatomy into their training, as a component of the anthropology major pathways such as health & the body and Evolutionary anthropology, as well as the Culture, Health, and Science program.

Anatomy is a subject that requires a great deal of memorization and internalization of details. Visualization of anatomical details is key, as is interaction with instructor and the TA in lecture and lab. For this reason, a face to face format is crucial. However, because New England weather in February can make commuting difficult for students who live off campus, the course will follow a hybrid format as follows:

February 2-28: Lectures and labs will be all remote via zoom

March 2-May 4: Lecture will continue to be remote, but all labs will be face to face