BIO 121IN - Human Biology and Evolution

1. Utilize scientific methods to formulate and answer questions.
2. Apply biological principles to current issues.

1. Demonstrate basic scientific literacy.        
2. Explain fundamental principles of molecular biology.         
3. Explain fundamental principles of evolutionary biology.      
4. Describe what is known about human evolution.
5. Apply principles of molecular and evolutionary biology to the study of human morphology.
6. Apply principles of molecular and evolutionary biology to the study of human behavior.
7. Apply principles of molecular and evolutionary biology to the study of human health.
8. Examine current topics of societal interest through the lens of human evolutionary biology.

1. Demonstrate Basic Scientific Literacy
   1. Define science and apply the scientific method
   2. Define hypothesis
   3. Define scientific theory
   4. Contrast science with non-science and pseudo-science
   5. Practice data interpretation
   6. Critically evaluate evidence
2. Explain Molecular Biology Fundamental Principles
   1. Describe ways in which genetic variation is produced
   2. Define gene and allele
   3. Describe genetic inheritance
   4. Describe gene expression
   5. Describe gene-by-environment interactions
   6. Apply principles of molecular biology to a human example
3. Explain Evolutionary Biology Fundamental Principles
   1. Discuss species definitions as applied to fossils and extant biodiversity
   2. Identify the necessary and sufficient conditions for Natural Selection
   3. Evaluate evidence for evolution
   4. Define adaptation
   5. Describe the influence of path dependence on the evolutionary process
   6. Describe the influence of trade-offs on the evolutionary process
4. Describe Human Evolution
   1. Primate dietary and locomotor adaptations
   2. Family tree: hominoid to human
   3. Identify signatures of bipedalism in the skeleton
   4. Contrast social versus biological concepts of human race
5. Apply Molecular and Evolutionary Biology Principles to the Study of Human Morphology
   1. Explore patterns of human genetic and phenotypic variation
   2. Consider the impacts of path dependence and trade-offs during the evolution of human phenotypes
   3. Describe heterozygote advantage
6. Apply Molecular and Evolutionary Biology Principles to the Study of Human Behavior
   1. Consider the impact of anisogamy on human behavioral patterns
   2. Consider ecological influences on human behavioral patterns
7. Apply Molecular and Evolutionary Biology Principles to the Study of Human Health
   1. Social determinants of health
   2. Mismatch
   3. Sex differences in disease susceptibility
8. Examine Current Topics of Societal Interest through the Lens of Human Evolutionary Biology
   1. Choice of topics motivated by student and instructor interest
   2. Critically think about a topic and evaluate current scientific evidence