ANTHROPOLOGY

UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS: PHYSICAL ANTHROPOLOGY

Physical Anthropology

The undergraduate major in physcial anthropology deals with the biolgical nature of humans past and present. As a physical anthropologist, you will look beyond purely biological phenomena to understand how biology, behavior, and environment interact.

Paleoanthropology documents the biological history of humans and analyzes those relationships for past humans, in conjunction with archaeology. In order to understand those relationships further, human biology studies physiology, genetics, nutrition, and epidemiology in modern human populations throughout the world.

Three physical anthropologists in the Anthropology Department and two in the Department of Anatomy of the School of Medicine offer courses regularly. You will also have the opportunity to conduct independent projects at other institutions, including the Cleveland Museum of Natural History and the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo.

Why Emphasize in Physical Anthropology?

This concentration will provide you with an excellent overview of general anthropology and an introduction to the subfield of physical anthropology. You will gain a biocultural perspective on human biology and culture, as well as the ability to analyze data, interpret findings, and communicate those findings to others. These skills will prepare you for further graduate study or for professional study in the medical sciences with the addition of necessary prerequisites.