Human Biology Major

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Many fields, including those in the health professions and medical social sciences, increasingly require training in both the biological sciences and the social sciences. The human biology major is designed to fill this need. Biology courses in such areas as genetics, evolution, animal behavior, neurobiology, anatomy and physiology are most appropriate, while courses in the social sciences will depend more heavily on the student’s career goals. For instance, students interested in ethnobotany might select courses in plant systematics and cultural anthropology; those interested in physical therapy would find neurophysiology appropriate; students interested in medicine and cross-cultural health and healing would take such courses as science, politics and alternative medicine; sociology of health and medicine; healers, doctors and the brain, etc. It is expected that the students will formulate a coherent program.

Requirements for the Major

Learning Outcomes of the Program in Human Biology

Students completing a major in Human Biology should also demonstrate the ability to:

Have some understanding of the origins of human structure, physiology and behavior.
Have some understanding of human interactions with each other and with their environment.

Courses required for the Human Biology major:

BIOL 043L KS , BIOL 044L KS , or BIOL 040L KS and BIOL 044L KS , or both semesters of the AISS course;
CHEM 014L KS , CHEM 015L KS (or CHEM 029L KS ), or CHEM 040L KS and CHEM 015L KS , or both semesters of the AISS course;
Four (4) additional courses in biology; at least three (3) from among courses of the following types: physiology, neurobiology, evolution, behavior, genetics, comparative anatomy, ecology. Two of the courses should have a laboratory.

Option 1: Students who are interested in Human Biology should take seven (7) courses in appropriate areas from at least two of the following three fields: anthropology, psychology, sociology. One of these seven courses must be in biological anthropology. A senior thesis in Human Biology must be completed. A course in statistics is strongly recommended. All courses are to be chosen in consultation with Human Biology faculty: Newton Copp, John Milton, and Sheryl Miller.

Option 2: Students who are interested in Medicine and Cross-Cultural Health and Healing should choose seven (7) courses in appropriate areas from at least three of the following fields: anthropology, psychology, sociology, political studies, international and intercultural studies. One appropriate practicum or internship course must be included. A senior thesis in science must be completed. A course in statistics is strongly recommended. All courses are to be chosen in consultation with Human Biology Cross-Cultural Health faculty: Sharon Snowiss, Leda Martins, Alicia Bonaparte, KaMala Thomas and John Milton.

Learning Outcomes for Cross-Cultural Health and Healing Option:

Identify, describe, understand and evaluate traditional, cultural and/or indigenous (non-allopathic) healing modalities.
Critically identify, discuss, and evaluate micro- and macro-level issues affecting medical practice in local, global, and community health settings.
Demonstrate their understanding of course material and its linkages to their participation in an internship or practicum experience.
Create and develop a comprehensive senior thesis research project that integrates their study and experience.