The course covers basic evolutionary theory at a level comparable with the evolutionary theory students get in Biology 102. However, the emphasis is different and the amount of overlap is minimal. The main focus of the course is on how human beings evolved. Topics discussed include stone tool use, effects of the Pleistocene glaciers on human evolution, the neanderthals and the australopithecines, and the rise of human culture, among other things. Students get 3-4 days of lab experience working with casts of the important fossils.
Attendance is required at all exams.
Attendance at all other times is recommended but not required. Open to all students, but most appropriately taken during the sophomore or junior year. Every Fall semester. The laboratory is devoted primarily to the collection of field data in both terrestrial and aquatic habitats. All students assist in the collection of the data, while groups of 2-3 students will analyze and present both oral and written reports on one of the laboratory exercises.