Module Code and Title:        AFD106 Human Variation and Adaptation 

Programme:                          BA in Anthropology

Credit:                                    12

Module Tutor:                       Abigail Lalnuneng (Coordinator), Tashi Choden 

General Objective: In this module, students will learn how geographical and cultural contexts shape human variation. The interplay between the science of human biological variation and the cultural context will be explored with a few examples of human adaptation. This module will also explore the fundamentals of genetics and biocultural anthropology, the biocultural aspects of health and diseases, anthropological demography, human growth and development, and applied Biological Anthropology.

Learning outcomes: On completion of this module, students will be able to:

1. Identify the basics of genetic inheritance
2. Assess the theoretical framework and approaches of Biocultural Anthropology
3. Identify examples of the impact of the forces of evolution on variation within the human species
4. Compare the multiple ways humans have adapted 
5. Interpret demographic phenomena in current and past populations.
6. Examine the critical dialogues concerning human variation and adaptation, 
7. Critically evaluate human growth and development and its application in Anthropology
8. Recognize the non- academic contexts which use insights from biological anthropology. 

Learning and Teaching Approach:

Assessment Approach:

1. In-class exercises: 15%

The tutor will conduct 5 in-class exercises during the semester. These in-class exercises led by the tutor will help students to apply the scientific method to understanding topics in biological anthropology. For each exercise, students will work either individually or in small groups (2-3 students) complete a worksheet that guides them through developing a hypothesis, collecting data, describing their findings, and answering questions about the meaning of their findings. Exercises may last a whole class period or extend over multiple classes. The in-class exercises will be evaluated on criteria suitable for each mode of exercise. For example, one possible allocation for worksheets is as follows:

2    Clear and testable hypotheses

4    Accurate collection and clear record keeping of their data

4    Clear and accurate presentation and description of their findings including appropriate use of graphs and tables

5    Answering worksheet questions to test what the findings mean

2. Report on recent findings related to human biological variation: 10%

Using a reputable journalistic or popular science periodical, students will individually write an 800 to 1000 word report about a recent finding relevant to human biological variation. Students will be expected to summarize the subject of the finding. Students will also be expected to use concepts and knowledge learned in class to explain the significance of the finding. The tutor will provide a list of approved periodicals. Essays will be evaluated on:

1    Quality of the source used

5    Accuracy and completeness of summary 

3    Insightful use of class material to explain the significance of the finding

1    Language, Organization and Referencing

3. Class Tests: 10%

Students will undertake a class test twice during the semester; once before mid-term and once after mid-term (5% each). The written tests will be conducted within the class for a duration of 40-50 min and cover 2-4 weeks of material.

4. Class participation and preparedness: 5%

Students will be expected to participate substantially in class discussions, with contributions reflecting adequate preparation for topics under discussion. 2.5% of class participation and preparedness will be assessed before midterm, and the remaining 2.5% post midterm.

5. Midterm Examination: 10%

Students will take a written exam of 1.5 hr duration covering topics up to the mid-point of the semester.

6. Semester-end Examination: 40%

Students will take a written exam of 2.5 hr duration encompassing all the subject matter covered in the semester. The assessment is comprehensive and summative in nature, and will comprise structured questions from all levels of Bloom’s Taxonomy.

Overview of assessment approaches and weighting

Pre-requisites: AFD101: Introduction to Anthropology 

Subject Matter:

1. Unit I: The basics of genetic inheritance 
   1. Meaning and scope of Human Genetics 
   2. Concept and function of gene, DNA and RNA 
   3. Process by which genes are passed on 
      1. Mitosis and Meiosis
      2. A brief overview of reproduction 
      3. The relationship between genotype and phenotype 
   4. Patterns of inheritance 
      1. Human genetic variation 
      2. Methods of studying heredity 
      3. Causes of genetic variation between and within human populations 
   5. Conceptual overview of population genetics and the Hardy – Weinberg equilibrium 
2. Unit II: Biocultural Anthropology 
   1. Definition and scope of bio-cultural approaches in Anthropology 
   2. Human adaptations – definition and examples 
   3. Anthropological Demography 
      1. Factors influencing fecundity, fertility and mortality 
      2. Bio-cultural approaches to aging 
   4. The concept of “race” 
3. Unit III: Bio-cultural aspects of health and disease 
   1. Health and disease in relation to culture
   2. Coevolution of humans and disease
   3. Reproduction and child health 
   4. Biocultural aspects of genetic diseases
   5. Emerging Diseases 
4. Unit IV: Human Growth and Development 
   1. Concepts and stages of growth and development 
   2. Methods for studying growth and development 
   3. Human nutritional needs 
   4. Physiology and body composition 
5. Unit V: Applied Biological Anthropology 
   1. Defining the nature and scope of Applied Biological Anthropology
   2. Overview of use of biological anthropology in medical fields such as dentistry and human anatomy 
   3. Introduction to use of biological anthropology in sports and nutrition 
   4. Introduction to real-work applications of Forensic Anthropology 
   5. Overviews of non-academic applications of Genetics 

List of practical work:

1. Use Punnett squares to prejudice offspring
2. Apply disease sorting of emerging diseases  
3. Practice using basic anthropometric measures and tools
4. Use a virtual forensic anthropology lab to solve a crime

Reading List

Essential Reading

Adams, B. J. (2007). Forensic Anthropology. Infobase publishing. 

Brown, D. E (2020). Human Biological Diversity. Routledge 

Additional Readings

Aemelagos, G. J., Ryan, M., & Leatherman, T. (1990). Evolution of infectious disease: A biocultural analysis of AIDS. American Journal of Human Biology, 2(4), 353-363.  https://doi.org/10.1002/ajhb.1310020404

Antonarakis, S.E., & Motulsky, A.G. (2010). Vogel and Motulsky’s human genetics: problems and approaches. (Fourth Edition). Springer. 

Beall, C. M. (2014). Adaptation to high altitude: phenotypes and genotypes. Annual Review of Anthropology, 43, 251-272. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-anthro-102313-030000

Cameron, N., & Bogin, B. (2012). Human growth and development. Academic press.

Crawford, M. H. (2006). Anthropological Genetics: theory methods and applications. Cambridge University press.

Eaton, S. B., Konner, M., & Shostak, M. (1988). Stone agers in the fast lane: chronic degenerative diseases in evolutionary perspectives. The American Journal of Medicine, 84(4), 739-749. https://doi.org/10.1016/0002-9343(88)90113-1

Fuentes, A. (2012). Race, monogamy, and other lies they told you: Busting myths about human nature. University of California Press.

Holmes, E. C., Dudas, G., Rambaut, A., & Andersen, K. G. (2016). The evolution of Ebola virus: Insights from the 2013–2016 epidemic. Nature, 538(7624), 193–200. https://doi.org/10.1038/nature19790 

Irish, J. D., & Nelson, G.C. (2008). Technique and application in dental Anthropology. Cambridge University Press. 

Lewis, B., Jurmain, R., & Kilgore, L. (2013). Understanding humans: An introduction to physical anthropology and archaeology (Eleventh Edition). Cengage Learning.

Ulijaszek, S.J., & Mascie-Tylor, C.G.N. (1994). Anthropometry: the individual and the population. Cambridge University Press. 

Zukerman, M. K., & Martin, D.L. (2016). New directions in biocultural anthropology. John Wiley & Sons. 

Date: March 2023