Course Content Description
040 – Next of Kin: Understanding the Great Apes
NS, QID, STS
Prerequisites: None.
Survey of ape (gibbons, orangutans, chimpanzees, bonobos, and gorillas) morphology, ecology and behavior. Specific topics include evolutionary history, locomotion, social interactions, mating systems, reproduction, parental care, infanticide, medicinal use of plants, cooperative hunting, alliances, warfare, conflict resolution, and cross-species measures of intelligence. Students will critically evaluate the ideas presented and assess their potential for understanding human behavior and history. Intended for non-majors.
041 - Primate Sex, Lies and Evolution
NS, STS
Prerequisites: None.
Primate biology and behavior: evolution, anatomy, ecology, reproduction, communication, biomedicine,conservation. Diversity and flexibility of primate social systems; development of primate science from species perspective; impact of observer's cultural bias. Naturalistic and experimental studies of free-ranging and captive primates. Not open to students who have taken Biological Anthropology and Anatomy 40. Intended for non-majors. Instructor: Staff
045 -- How We Once Did Things (C-L: Biology 045)
NS, STS
Prerequisites: None.
The body-machine interface in human history and prehistory. How biological factors have determined the use of tools and weapons; designed clothing, shelters, and water-craft; domesticated animals; and arranged farms and cities. Intended for non-majors and majors.
049S -- First-Year Seminar
Prerequisites: None.
Topics vary each semester offered (recent topic: Lemur Biology).
050S – FOCUS Program Special Topics
NS
Prerequisites: None.
Open only to students in the FOCUS Program.
055 – Duke-Administered Study Abroad: Special Topics in BAA
Prerequisites: None.
Topics differ by section.
093 -- Introduction to Biological Anthropology
NS, STS
Prerequisites: None.
Introduction to Biological Anthropology covers the basics of evolutionary theory (including ideas on the evolution of social behavior) and genetics, an introduction to the biology of non-human primates; human adaptations, growth and development, and population variation; primate distinguishing features, overview of major primate radiations, primate evolution (general), and human evolution (mainly morphology and lifestyles), from Australopithecines to anatomically modern humans (plant and animal domestication); and archaeology, human social behavior, and its primate roots.
093D -- Introduction to Biological Anthropology: Discussion/Laboratory Sections
NS, STS
Prerequisites: None.
Offered as a supplement to the BAA 093 lecture material. The discussion/lab sections give students the opportunity to examine for themselves primate skeletal material and fossil casts. They also offer the student a chance to spend more time on difficult topics which have been presented in lecture; for example: Dating methods, genetic drift, niche and competition, cladistics, and inclusive fitness and kin selection.
100 -- Duke-Administered Study Abroad: Advanced Special Topics in BAA
Prerequisites: None.
Topics differ by section.
101L -- Quaternary Prehistory of Southern Africa
NS, R
Prerequisites: BAA 093(D).
A combined laboratory and lecture course covering the extant fauna and flora of southern Africa, Quaternary fauna and flora (focusing on the Cornelian and Florisian Land Mammal Ages), paleoenvironmental reconstruction, MSA archeology, dating methods applicable to the Quaternary, and Quaternary geology. Taught in South Africa (summer program), with guest lectures by South African archeologists, palynologists, and geologists. Labs emphasizing work with recent and fossil faunal material and Middle Stone Age artifacts.
102L -- Paleoanthropological Field Methods
NS, R
Prerequisites: BAA 093(D).
A hands-on program of instruction covering methods of maintaining archeological provenence (grid systems, stratigraphic reconstruction, point provenencing techniques, and field recording), use of mapping technology (infrared theodolite and global positioning systems, with an overview of geographic information systems), working with topographic maps and aerial photos, recording of geological profiles, recovery and preparation of fossils, and basic identification of animal fossils and stone tools. Taught in the field in South Africa during the summer.
111 -- Dance Science: An Evolutionary Approach to Functional Anatomy
(C-L: Dance 111)
(AL) AL, NS, QID, R
Prerequisites: Consent of instructor.
This course teaches human skeletal and muscular anatomy from an evolutionary perspective. Focus on anatomy relevant to dancers and other performing artists. Taught in both studio and laboratory settings. Students participate in original research on posture and movement. (Not currently scheduled.)
132 -- Human Evolution
NS
Prerequisites: BAA 093(D) or equivalent.
The fossil and archaeological evidence for human evolution. This course provides an overview of evolutionary concepts necessary to interpret the hominid fossil evidence; a short overview of primate evolution; and a detailed treatment of hominid fossil material, from Australopithecus and early Homo, to Homo erectus and the transition into anatomically modern Homo sapiens. It also gives special consideration to historical and current controversies.
132S -- Human Evolution Seminar
NS, W
Prerequisites: BAA 093(D) or equivalent.
A writing-intensive seminar version of BAA 132.
133L -- The Human Body / Lab
NS
Prerequisites: BAA 093(D).
An introduction to human gross anatomy. The regional anatomy of the human body is studied as a series of progressively specialized deviations from a schematic typical body segment. The first half of the course covers all parts of the body except the head and neck, using lectures and dry labs. In the second half of the course, participants review the entire body using prosected cadavers demonstrated by the instructors.
134L -- Anthropology of the Skeleton
NS
Prerequisites: BAA 093(D) or BIO 025L.
An introduction to the basics of human osteological analysis. Identification and siding of all the bones of the human body and the major osteological landmarks on each bone; basics of bone histology, development, and growth; and fundamentals of anthropological analysis of human skeletal remains (archaeological treatment of burials; determination of gender, populational affinities, and stature; paleopathological analysis; mediocolegal applications).
135 -- Human Functional Anatomy
NS
Prerequisites: BAA 093(D) and 133L or 134L.
The basics of functional morphology (including elementary biomechanics), an overview of connective tissue structure and mechanics, and an overview of human anatomy from a functional perspective. Emphasis on connective and other tissues involved in functioning of the musculoskeletal system (primarily bone, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, and muscle).
136 -- Human Biology
NS
Prerequisites: BAA 093(D) or BIO 025L.
Introduction to human biology from an evolutionary perspective. The focus will be on biological variability and its genetic and ecological underpinnings, with an emphasis on modern human variation and adaptation. The principles of heredity, development, evolution, adaptation, population growth and regulation, and epidemics will be discussed and examples from various human populations will be presented.
137 -- Ecology and Adaptation of Hunters and Gatherers
CCI, NS
Prerequisites: BAA 093(D) or BIO 025L.
The ecology of extant and extinct foraging societies; focus on human behavioral solutions to subsistence problems associated with different environments (tropical/neotropical forest, boreal forest, coastal, arctic, grassland/savannah, desert). Topics include edible resource distribution in varied environments and its relationship to mobility and subsistence strategies in modern hunter-gatherers; and the archaeological and fossil evidence for the evolution of human subsistence behavior.
143 -- Primate Ecology
NS, QID, R
Prerequisites: BAA 093(D), or consent of instructor.
An introduction to the biology of living primates (prosimians, monkeys, apes, and humans) and to primate ecology. Materials include an overview of the primate radiations, and their biological and ecological features; primate biogeography; primate life history and ecology; socioecology; synecology; and coevolution.
144L -- Primate Field Biology
NS, QID, R, W
Prerequisites: BAA 093(D) or BIO 025L.
Survey of field methods used to document primate behavior; development of research project; data analysis and writing of formal research article; lab includes observations of free-ranging primates at the DUPC. Students work outside and need a TB test and current tetanus vaccination. Transportation is provided.
146 – Sociobiology
NS, STS
Prerequisites: BAA 093(D).
The principles of behavioral ecology and sociobiology applied to primates and humans. The first part is a survey of major ideas of sociobiology, the evolutionary approach to social behavior; many, but by no means all, examples refer to primates. We review ideas on competition and cooperation, and sex and sexual selection. In the second part, these ideas are applied to (the evolution of) human social behavior.
146S – Sociobiology Seminar
NS, STS
Prerequisites: BAA 093(D).
This course is a writing-intensive seminar version of BAA 146.
147 – Bodies of Evidence: Intro. to Forensic Anthropology
QID, NS, STS
Prerequisites: Not open to students who have taken BAA 47.
An introduction to medicolegal anthropology and death investigation. Topics include crime scene protocol and body recovery, basics of osteology, determining time of death, making personal ID, determining the manner and mode of death, post-mortem modification of skeletal remains, protocols for mass disasters, human rights applications, and courtroom testimony.
151 -- Anatomy of the Lower Extremities
NS
Prerequisites: Consent of instructor.
This course is designed to provide the student with an introduction to the functional anatomy of the lower extremity. Students will have the opportunity to locate, identify, and dissect all major muscular, nervous, vascular, bony, and soft tissue structures using cadaveric specimens. Supplemental learning opportunities will be provided through media presentations and self-learning material placed on reserve at the Duke University Medical Center Library.
171 – Primate Sexuality
(C-L: Biology 171)
NS, STS
Prerequisites: BAA 093(D) or BIO 025L.
A comparative and integrative study of primate sex and reproduction. The material is presented in three sections: The first focuses on primate social organization, mating systems, and reproductive strategies; the second focuses on the endocrine system and behavioral endocrinology; and, the third focuses on sexual differentiation of morphology, brain, and behavior. In each section, this course places human sexuality within the broader context of the primate order.
172L -- Primate Anatomy
NS, W
Prerequisites: BAA 093(D).
A survey of the anatomical diversity of living and fossil primates. This course consists of both lecture and laboratory sessions. The approach is systemic rather than taxonomic -- the functional anatomy and evolution of various organ systems is presented with reference to locomotor and positional behavior, diet, reproduction, and social behavior. Each system is interpreted from the perspective of growth and adaptation. Special attention is given to anatomical systems that have left a fossil record. Opportunity is provided for laboratory study of human and non-human anatomy, primarily from prosected specimens and anatomical models.
173L – The Primate Skeleton
NS, QID, R
Prerequisites: BAA 093(D).
The osteology of modern and fossil primates. The focus is on skeletal anatomy relevant to primate evolution: Primate systematics, the anatomy of bone, the primate fossil record, and the comparative method.
180, 180L, & 180S -- Current Issues in BAA
NS
Prerequisites: None.
Surveys of new developments in the field of biological anthropology and anatomy that are not covered by currently scheduled courses. BAA 180L is laboratory format and BAA 180S is seminar format.
182S -- Origins Of Human Tool Use (C-L: PSY 144S)
NS, SS, R, STS
Prerequisites: PSY 91, 92 or 97 or equivalent
Tool use is the culmination of enormous evolutionary and cognitive advances both across species and within an individual’s development. Indeed, tool use has been used as evidence for a variety of complex psychological capacities in a range of species from crows to chimpanzees to humans. In this seminar, we will explore various literatures to understand how tool use in humans has
evolved, how understanding of tool function develops and changes over time, how it compares with tool use by other species, how other psychological processes such as social cognition and visual perception impact on understanding tool function, and how concepts of function and design interface with engineering and innovation.
183S -- Primate Social Complexity and the Evolution of Intelligence
NS, R
Prerequisites: None.
Intelligence as an evolutionary response to social challenges. This course will cover social complexity, social communication (including “ape language”), and social cognition in order to evaluate the proposition that primate intelligence has evolved above all to solve complex social problems. The alternative, ecological model is also examined.
184S -- Primate Conservation
NS, EI, STS
Prerequisites: None.
Concepts, practice and ethics of conservation biology, both at the species and community level. Relevant aspects of biogeography, ecology, behavior, and demography; human impact, conservation strategies/policies; impact on cultural, political, ethical considerations on primate conservation.
PRI 186S -- Research Internship in Primatology
NS, R
Prerequisites: Senior status and must be enrolled in the Primatology Program,
consent of instructor, and BAA 093(D).
First course in the two-course sequence PRI 186S - PRI 187S and is usually taken in the Fall Semester of the senior year. The course is an opportunity to work as a research apprentice in an on-going research program.
PRI 187S -- Senior Seminar in Primatology
NS, R
Prerequisites: Consent of instructor, BAA 093(D), and PRI 186S.
See Primatology Program for a description of these courses. Contact Dr. Kenneth Glander for more information.
192 – Tutorial in Biological Anthropology
Prerequisites: Consent of instructor and DUS.
Directed reading, tutorial, or individual project in a field of special interest. Typically involves substantial library research, regular discussion with the faculty supervisor, and the production of a review paper that seeks to thoughtfully analyze, critique, and synthesize the literature on a previously approved topic. Before being given permission to register, students must submit to the faculty advisor and DUS a written proposal outlining the area of study and listing the goals and meeting schedule.
193 – Research Independent Study
R
Prerequisites: Consent of instructor and DUS.
Directed reading and research culminating in a written report. Open to qualified students, who, before being given permission to register, must submit to the faculty advisor and DUS a written proposal outlining the area of study and listing the goals and meeting schedule.
195S & 196S -- Senior Seminar
Prerequisites: BAA 093(D), a BAA 100-level course, and consent of DUS.
208S - An Introduction to Human Embryology
(C-L: Biology 208S)
NS, STS (pending)
Prerequisites: Bio 108L or BAA 133L or equivalent.
Introduction to the development of the mammalian embryo; emphasis on human embryology, discussion of the origin of major human teratology and birth defects as well as ethical and social issues of reproductive biology, aspects of comparative vertebrate development, the evolution and molecular mechanisms of development. Some sessions will be in lab format.
238S -- Functional & Evolutionary Morphology of Primates
NS
Prerequisites: a 100-level anatomy course & consent of instructor.
Interpreting primate evolution from the perspective of adaptation. The course examines the concept of adaptation and nature of adaptive explanations, different approaches, and potential difficulties arising out of conflicting adaptive explanations and alternative non-adaptive explanations. The second part discusses case studies of adaptationist hypotheses about primate and human evolution.
239L – Radiology and Pathophysiology of Sports-Related Injury
NS, W
Prerequisites: None.
Anatomy of joints, muscle and bone in reference to commonly encountered sports injuries of the upper and lower extremeties. Radiographic studies of sports-related injuries. Case study format.
240S -- Hominid Socioecology
NS, R
Prerequisites: BAA 093(D) and 132.
Analysis of how socioecological studies of human foragers and non-human primates can inform the interpretation of the hominid fossil/archaeological record. Summary of documented historical changes during hominid evolution, and identification of approaches required to develop testable reconstructions. Models for the evolution in hominids of bipedalism, ranging and foraging, hunting, food sharing, intersexual relationships and sexual division of labor, communication, culture, technology, life history, parental care, and social organization, as well as their mutual relationships.
243S – Comparative Primate Ecology
NS, R
Prerequisites: BAA 093(D), required; BAA 143, recommended.
Advanced readings and discussion of current papers and monographs in primate ecology with special emphasis on comparative studies.
244L – Methods in Primate Field Ecology
NS, QID, R
Prerequisites: BAA 093(D), required; BAA 143, recommended.
Primate taxa as ecologically adaptive radiations. Survey of field methods used in the study of primate ecology, including the habitat assessment, mapping, and behavioral observations using computer technology. Laboratory includes observations of primates at the Duke University Primate Center.
245S -- Primate Social Evolution
NS, R
Prerequisites: BAA 093(D) and BAA 143 or 144L or 146;
or consent of instructor.
The effects of ecological conditions and biological constraints on the social systems of primate species. Examines classifications
of social systems and extracts their relevant features; uncovers the social rules underlying the dynamics of social relationships and societies; examines the determinants of social relationships and applies this approach to social evolution in hominids.
246 – The Primate Fossil Record
NS
Prerequisites: BAA 093(D) or consent of instructor.
A survey of fossil primates including early humans. The diversity, anatomy, and behavior of primates as related to the origin and spread of past primates. Slides, casts, and fossils illustrate the radiation of each main group of primates in the succession leading to humans. Topics include geochemical dating, timing of molecular clocks, and various procedures for classifying primates.
247 -- Hominid Fossil Record
NS
Prerequisites: BAA 093(D) and 132, or consent of instructor.
Origin and successive stages of development of the human family tree. Reviews hominid ancestors; examines the Australopithecus group and the question of the appearance of the earliest species of Homo among this group; defines and describes the three successive species of genus Homo; examines the timing and nature of the spread of humans out of Africa; and discusses the nature and appearance of bipedal walking, human sexuality, human language, and the origin of art and symbolism.
248S -- Evolution of Mammals
NS
Prerequisites: None.
The origin, adaptive radiation, and phylogenetic relations of mammals, as inferred from the fossil record. The format includes lectures, student-led discussions of issues in mammalian paleontology, and lab exercises focusing on identification and analysis of bones and teeth of recent and fossil mammals.
249S -- Microevolution and Sociobiology
NS
Prerequisites: BAA 093(D) or BIO 025L.
BIO 120 recommended.
The relationship between resource distribution, social structure, and rate and direction of evolutionary change, including speciation. Mating systems, dispersal patterns, and mechanisms of new social group formation examined from the perspective of their effects on the genetic structure of populations and species radiations.
250 – Biometry
(QR) M, QID
Prerequisites: Consent of instructor and one of the following: MTH 136, PSY 117,
SOC 133, STA 101, 102, 103, 110, 112, 114, 213, or equivalent.
The statistical analysis of biological data. The aim of the course is to achieve a knowledge of basic methods of biometric analyses and their inherent assumptions, limitations, and common uses (and misuses!); the ability to logically design experiments and research projects; and the ability to understand and critically evaluate statistical analyses in the literature. The course contains three sections: (1) probability distributions, descriptive statistics, hypothesis testing, and experimental design; (2) parametric and non-parametric methods of statistical analysis, including analysis of variance, correlation analysis, linear regression, and frequency analysis; and (3) using computers for data entry and analysis, and graphic representation of data.
280L & 281L -- Special Topics Laboratory
NS
Prerequisites: Consent of instructor.
Special topics in methodology, theory, or area.
280S & 281S -- Seminar in Selected Topics
NS
Prerequisites: Consent of instructor.
Special topics in methodology, theory, or area.
287S – Macroevolution
(C-L: Biology 287S)
NS
Prerequisites: BIO 025L or equivalent.
Evolutionary patterns and processes at and above the species level, and species concepts, speciation, diversification, extinction, ontogeny and phylogeny, rates of evolution, and alternative explanations for adaptation and evolutionary trends.
289L -- Comparative Mammalian Anatomy
(C-L: Biology 290)
NS
Prerequisites: Consent of instructor.
A survey of the anatomical diversity of mammals. This practical survey takes a comparative and functional approach, and weighs the taxonomic value of the various anatomical traits. Extensive dissections of lemur, goat, dog, bat, rat, rabbit, and opossum (varies, depending on availability).
292S -- Topics in Morphology and Evolution
Prerequisites: Consent of instructor.
Various aspects of vertebrate morphology and evolution, including major historical approaches to the interpretation of morphology; the evolution, development, and function of specific morphological structures; and patterns of vertebrate evolution.
293 & 294 -- Evolutionary Theory
Prerequisites: TBA.
Courses currently unscheduled.