What can genetics tell us about the evolution and behavior of humans and other primates?
Offered: Spring 2007 Prerequisites: none Description: This course investigates the relationships between genetics and the human condition.We will consider how genetic approaches shed light on a variety of anthropological questions, such as the evolutionary relationships between humans and the great apes, the place of the Neanderthal in human evolution, and the initial peopling of the New World. As part of our survey of anthropological genetics, we will also discuss ancient DNA, the genetics of ethnicity, forensic genetics, genomics, hereditary diseases, and the possible genetic bases of behavior including language. Throughout the class, we will compare the insights gained from genetics with the results of paleontological, archaeological, and ethnographic investigations. Anthro Genetics Syllabus (2001 – will be updated for next offering) • Conduct and Misconduct in Science (AnthroSci 191b/291b) What cases of scientific misconduct tell us about how research really works Offered: sporadic
