Syllabus: What is this course about?
Anth001L/001LH:
You are enrolled in an introductory laboratory course focusing on scientific methodology to explore
and experiment with topics from the Physical Anthropology course. We will examine the process of
genetic inheritance, mating strategies, the biological classification of ourselves and our primate
relatives, dietary patterns, human skeletal anatomy (osteology), forensic anthropology, the fossil
record of human evolution, human variation, environmental challenges to humans, environmental
impact of human behavior, and general methodologies utilized in physical anthropological research.
You will learn how to think like a physical anthropologist in the field and in the laboratory. This course
is designed to be a hands-on experience for the novice scientist. "Hands-on" currently translates to
viewing various video clips I have produced, using actual osteological and fossil cast material we
have in the Foothill Anthropology Lab. Your work will be based on concept review questions and
exercises in the lab manual. It is my hope that you leave with an expanded knowledge of what a
physical anthropologist does and that you begin to apply what you learn to the rest of the world.
Student Learning Objectives
#1: Students will practice and apply understandings of evolution in a laboratory setting.
#2: Students will learn how to critically analyze and interpret physical anthropological data.
#3: Students will apply anthropological principles for solving human problems on the local, regional
and world scales.
Return to the Syllabus (https://foothillcollege.instructure.com/courses/14813/assignments/syllabus)
