Biological Anthropology allows students with interests in evolutionary biology, human biology, or human health to add an anthropological perspective to their studies. Many students are interested in specific topics covered by Biological Anthropology, such as Human Evolution, the Evolution of Human Behavior, Primate Behavior and Ecology, Nutrition and Adaptation, and Human Genetics.
Biological Anthropology is a scientific discipline that seeks to answer fundamental biological questions about humans, our close primate relatives, and our ancestors. At Michigan, biological anthropologists conduct research on 1) human biology, behavior, and genetics; 2) paleoanthropology; and 3) primatology at field sites around the globe and in state-of-the-art laboratories on campus. Our diverse research projects share the common goal of advancing biological understanding of humans and are unified by their firm rooting in evolutionary theory.
Human Origins, Biology, and Behavior Major
The Human Origins, Biology, and Behavior major combines anthropological and biological perspectives in the study of humans and related species and is particularly appropriate for students planning to continue in the health sciences and for students interested in “whole organism” biology and ecology. Thus, many students in this program are training for medical school, while others are planning to pursue careers in natural resource management, conservation, animal behavior, and other fields.
This major is very flexible and provides the opportunity to fulfill requirements using courses from the departments of Anthropology; Earth and Environmental Sciences; Ecology and Evolutionary Biology; Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology; and Psychology; as well as the School for Environment and Sustainability.
