ANTH*1120: Biological Anthropology – Fall 2025
Instructor Information
Dr. E. Finnis
Email: efinnis@uoguelph.ca
Phone: 519 824 4120 ext. 53234
Office: MACK 613
Office hours: TBD
Course Overview
Anthropology is the study of humanity in all its contemporary and historical facets. This course is an introduction to concepts and issues explored within the sub-field of biological/physical anthropology. We will examine a range of issues including hominin evolution, nutrition and diet in contemporary and past populations, forensic anthropology, trauma and disease in past and present populations, primatology, and adaptations and contemporary human variation.
By the end of this course, you will have:
1 – Developed an introductory understanding of key concepts in biological anthropology and the range of issues and questions studied by biological anthropologists.
2 – Acquired an understanding of hominin evolution and the place of humanity in nature from an anthropological perspective.
3 – Gained a critical understanding of biological variation in contemporary human populations.
Please note: AI program assistance for any aspect of this class is not permitted. Recording of the course (video, audio, photographs) is not permitted unless related to an SAS accommodation.
Calendar Description
ANTH*1120 Biological Anthropology Fall and Winter (LEC: 3) [0.50]
In this course students will be introduced to the central concepts of biological anthropology. Potential topics to be explored include hominid evolution, contemporary human diversity, primatology, nutrition and diet, and an introduction to forensic anthropology and paleopathology.
Restriction(s): This is a Priority Access Course. Enrolment may be restricted to particular programs or specializations. Please see the departmental website.
Department(s): Department of Sociology and Anthropology
Textbook – Final title TBD. You will need to purchase a textbook for this course.
Evaluation Scheme – TBD but will include (but is not necessarily limited to) a final exam and in-class assessments.