This class will explore the role of evolution in shaping human body, its anatomy and physiology. We will study the scientific theory of evolution, with a focus on our own species’ history in relation to its environment. What is the relationship between living organisms with their environment? How do organisms adapt to the changes in the environment to survive and thrive? How do we view health and disease considering the presence of constant evolution pressure on our species? Are there consequences of our cultural environment on our biological body? What is the future of human species given the environmental challenges we are facing? We will study fundamentals of human biology. We will examine current environmental challenges affecting our health, through close reading, viewing, research and discussions in order to answer some of the questions. We will build connections between health and environment, in our exploration of the history of human body.
This class will provide foundational information for students who have career interest in education, consulting, human services and health policy and equity.
Course Objectives: Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:
- Gain insight of evolution as a scientific theory as well as its foundational role in shaping human anatomy and physiology.
- Understand the intrinsic link between evolution and environmental change.
- Employ knowledge of human biology as a means of communicating ideas of health and disease.
Required Texts:
Daniel E. Lieberman (2013), The story of the Human Body-Evolution, Health, and Disease, Vintage Books, NY, ISBN 978-0-307-74180-6
Concepts of Biology, Openstax online free access
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Academic Details
Health and wellness, education, consulting, human services and health policy and equity