Teaching

ANTH 895: Methods and Research in Molecular Anthropology I

A two-part practical introduction to molecular analyses of anthropological questions. In the first term, students learn a range of basic tools for laboratory-based genetic analyses and bioinformatics. In the second term, students design and carry out independent laboratory projects that were developed in the first term.

Also listed as ANTH 395: Methods and Research in Molecular Anthropology II

The second part of a two-term practical introduction to molecular analysis of anthropological questions. Design and execution of laboratory projects developed in ANTH 394. Research involves at least ten hours per week in the laboratory. Results are presented in a formal seminar at the end of the term.

ANTH 894: Methods and Research in Molecular Anthropology I

A two-part practical introduction to molecular analyses of anthropological questions. In the first term, students learn a range of basic tools for laboratory-based genetic analyses and bioinformatics. In the second term, students design and carry out independent laboratory projects that were developed in the first term.

Also listed as ANTH 394: Methods and Research in Molecular Anthropology I

The first part of a two-term practical introduction to molecular analysis of anthropological questions. Discussion of genetics and molecular evolution, particularly as they address issues in anthropology, combined with laboratory sessions on basic tools for genetic analysis and bioinformatics. Development of research projects to be carried out in ANTH 395.

ANTH 895: Methods and Research in Molecular Anthropology I

A two-part practical introduction to molecular analyses of anthropological questions. In the first term, students learn a range of basic tools for laboratory-based genetic analyses and bioinformatics. In the second term, students design and carry out independent laboratory projects that were developed in the first term.

Also listed as ANTH 395: Methods and Research in Molecular Anthropology II

The second part of a two-term practical introduction to molecular analysis of anthropological questions. Design and execution of laboratory projects developed in ANTH 394. Research involves at least ten hours per week in the laboratory. Results are presented in a formal seminar at the end of the term.

ANTH 204: Molecular Anthropology

This course is a perfect introduction for anyone interested in understanding how genetics can help us answer fundamental questions in human evolution and population history. The course is a series of lectures on basic principles of population genetics, molecular evolution, and genetic data analysis. Topics include DNA and human origins, human migrations, genetic adaptation, ancient DNA, and Neandertals. By the end of this course, students learn about the processes that generate and shape genetic variation, as well as the molecular and statistical tools used to reconstruct human evolutionary history.

ANTH 812: Current Topics in Anthropological Genetics

This course is a series of seminars on cutting-edge topics in the field of anthropological genetics. Topics include the use of modern and ancient DNA as powerful tools for studying human evolution, population history, and adaptation. The course also explores ethical and social implications of human genetic research and direct-to-consumer genetic testing. Students actively work through these topics, using readings, presentations, and class discussions. Students learn how genetic data can help us unlock our evolutionary past, how to interpret and communicate human genetic variation, and how to assess issues and challenges of conducting anthropological genetic research.