Undergraduate Program

Minor in Biological Anthropology

Advisor: Assistant Professor Zarin Machanda

The Minor in Biological Anthropology provides students with a basic understanding of how evolutionary principles can be applied to answer the question of why humans are the way we are. It allows students to explore basic concepts in evolution, human biology, primatology, behavioral ecology and paleoanthropology. This minor is especially relevant for students with an interest in both science and social science and is also attractive for those on a pre-health track.

Requirements (five courses and at least 15 SHUs):

1. ANTH 40, Introduction to Biological Anthropology
2. Three (3) additional courses related to biological anthropology, one of which may be taken in another department but must be approved by the Anthropology department.
3. Capstone project in biological anthropology. There are two options for a capstone project. First, students can opt to take an upper level seminar for which the final product is a research paper of 20+ pages. Second, students can pursue an independent study (this can either be in the Anthropology department or approved research in a lab in a different department; the project must be rooted in biological anthropology). This project must be approved by both the Anthropology department and the PI of the lab where research is being conducted. In order for the independent study to be counted towards the minor, the final paper will be evaluated by a member of the Anthropology faculty.

View courses designated to count toward the Minor in Biological Anthropology >