Molecular Anthropology

Catalog description

Provides framework to understand current issues in biology, genetics, and anthropology as they relate to the evolution of our species. ANTH 461 Molecular Anthropology (3) The aim of this course is to provide students with the framework to understand current issues in biology, genetics, and anthropology as they relate to the evolution of our species. Basic methods in molecular biology, structure of the genome, molecular evolution, and human population genetics will be covered in the first part of the course. Once these tools are in place we will examine both classical and contemporary research reports on a number of topics, including the place of humans among the apes; mitochondrial Eve, DNA in forensics; Neandertal DNA and other applications of ancient DNA; reconstructing recent human evolution' the biological meaning of race; disease gene mapping; recent technological advances in genomics; skin, hair, and eye color genes; and the genetic future of our species. There will be three exams that will each count for 25% of the grade. Attendance and participation are mandatory and will count for 25% of the final grade. A portion of this participation grade is earned by presenting 10 min. summaries of particular readings. Each student will be expected to summarize a scientific paper four times during the semester. These summaries are not expected to be exhaustive reports on the material, but should reflect an effort on the part of the student to understand and discuss the material and may require some background work.