The University of New Mexico (UNM) announced the introduction of a Human Biology Undergraduate Concentration, offered by the Anthropology Department. This program allows students to delve into various aspects of the human species, including evolutionary history, genetics, anatomy, physiology, development, and behavior, according to a press release by UNM.
The curriculum encompasses a diverse range of courses such as Human Biology: Evolution, Life History, and Health, Human Genetics, Human Evolution. Furthermore, students can engage in research labs like the Human Physical Activity Lab, Human Evolutionary Genetics and the Comparative Human and Chimp Physiology Center (CHmPP), providing hands-on experience and an interdisciplinary approach to human biology studies according to a press release by UNM.
“Our coursework and research opportunities focus on humans. Course offerings include Human Physiology and Anatomy, Human Physical Activity, Human Genetics,” said Nelson according to a press release by UNM. He further added “Our research laboratories offer many opportunities for undergraduates to engage in hands-on research including a Human Physical Activity Lab.”
UNM outlined that the major requires students to undertake a minor in Biology, Psychology, Population Health or Chemistry or a distributed minor across these departments offering students flexibility in customizing the program according to their unique interests according to a press release by UNM.
"In discussions with Pre-Health Student Development we recognize that students do not associate Anthropology with STEM," said Nelson according to a press release by UNM. He went on "The new degree will better reflect the STEM nature of the program and provide students with better opportunities for professional development. Once it officially becomes a B.S. in Human Biology we will remove the human biology concentration within Anthropology."
