Evolutionary Medicine

3 credits

ANTHRO-4580

Anthropology
College of Arts and Science

(cross-leveled with ANTHRO 7580). Evolutionary processes and human evolutionary history have profound implications in the way in which we respond and are susceptible to disease. Unlike many of the short-term biomedical understandings of human health, evolution can better inform on the ultimate causes and consequences of topics such as infection and inflammation, allergy, parasites, diabetes and cardiovascular disease, aging, cancer, reproductive issues, and mental disorders. As part of this class, students will use evolution to critically evaluate human health, and explore how natural selection can shape behaviors and physiological responses. Recommended: lower level course in Biology or Biological Anthropology, junior or senior standing.