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ANTHROPOLOGY 301
PHYSICAL ANTHROPOLOGY LAB
Curtis Nelson
Classroom: ARC-Davies Hall-202
E-Mail: nelsonc@arc.losrios.edu / curtnel65@hotmail.com
Phone: 916-568-3100 Ext: 12109 or 916-521-4799
Time and Days: Fall 2011, 5:30-6:45 MW Section: 10742
Office Hours: Monday 4:15-5:00 pm or By Appointment
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course will provide a hands-on experience concerning the many aspects of
physical anthropology. We will explore human origins by stressing the evolution of
the human body and human behavior. We will discuss evolutionary principles,
genetics, the fossil record, and primates. There will be a focus on comparing the
anatomy and behavior of nonhuman and human primates.
STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES:
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- formulate and test simple hypotheses using scientific method
- describe the sources of biological variation
- identify the bones, and important markings of the human skeleton
- calculate sex-related, age-related, and race-related variation present in
human populations
- differentiate the skeletons of prosimians, monkeys, apes, and humans
- identify and date the significant anthropoid, hominoid, and hominid
fossils
- evaluate problems in interpreting the fossil evidence
COURSE FORMAT:
This course will combine lecture, audio-visual and hands-on participation.
Students will be asked to participate in group discussions and group laboratory
projects.
COURSE MATERIALS:
Required: Lab Manual & Workbook for Physical
Anthropology, 2008, By Dr. Hens
COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
Tests (4) 50 points a piece 200 points
Laboratory Worksheets (4 sets) 50 points per set 200 points
Zoo Report (1) 70 points 70 points
Attendance & Participation 1 point/class meeting 30 points
Total Points 500 points
Each test will cover a unit of material to include sections on 1) human osteology, 2)
human genetics, 3) primatology, and 4) human evolution. Each test, except the human
genetics test, will be a lab practical, which involves identification of specimens or
their characteristics. Missed tests can be made up for legitimate reasons. Student
must have a written excuse. Student will contact me immediately for scheduling
the make-up exam. The zoo report format and requirements are outlined in an
attachment to this syllabus. You will be provided with a discount zoo pass to the
Sacramento Zoo.
Grades are based on a straight scale (No Curve is applied).
A=450-500, B=400-449, C=350-399, D=300-349, F=299 or less
Grades are available on D2L for students to monitor. If a student falls into the D
or F grade range, the student will receive a D2L e-mail notification. The student
should then contact the instructor to discuss options.
LATE WORK:
There will be a turn in date for each lab work and assignment. I will accept work late,
but the following rule applies: Any late work will automatically be dropped one
letter grade (In other words, you start with a B), then the work will be graded for
total points on that assignment.
EXTRA CREDIT:
You have several opportunities to earn extra credit for this course. You can earn
a total of 30 points of extra credit that can be applied to your final grade. Outlined
below are the methods for obtaining extra credit points:
1) Zoo Report Extra Credit--- You can earn 15 points extra credit by following
the extra credit guidelines outlined in the extra credit section of the zoo
report attached to this syllabus.
2) Hominid Poster --- you can earn 15 points extra credit by completing a
hominid poster as outlined in the poster attachment to this syllabus. Only
one poster will be accepted per student.
3) Physical Anthropology Articles --- You can earn 3 points per article for
each article you read, post to Extra Credit Journal, and write an abstract
about. This must be a current article (within last 2 years) and must apply to
some aspect of physical anthropology. The abstract must be at least ½ page
long single-spaced. Please attach the cover or first page of article to your
abstract. *
4) Anthropology Film or TV Production --- You can earn 3 points for each
film you watch and write a one page (double-spaced) critical review on. The
write-up should include the name of film, outline of subject covered, and
what you thought of how the subject was presented. (Movies Pre-approved)
*
5) Guest Lecturer --- You can earn 3 points for attending a lecture on some
anthropological subject and writing a one page (double-spaced) critical
review on the lecture. (Lectures should be pre-approved) *
* These extra credit should be placed in your Extra Credit Journal and
turned in by the extra credit due date.
ATTENDANCE & PARTICIPATION:
Attendance will be taken each class period. You will receive 1 point for each
class you attend. There are two free classes for each student. Attendance and
participation are a part of the final grade. If you fail to attend (without notification)
three classes in a roll, you will be dropped. This includes no shows at the beginning of
the term.
Academic Assistance:
If you need assistance because of a learning disability, please contact the
instructor as soon as possible. Also, make sure you have proper paperwork from the
agency on campus providing your assistance.
ACADEMIC HONESTY:
If a student is found cheating on any assignment or exam, the student will
receive a zero for that assignment or exam, and your name will be given to the
Disciplinary Officer. In your writing assignments, do not take credit for someone’s
writing. Make the proper citing of other people’s work. If you plagiarize on your zoo
report, you will receive a zero grade on the report and your name will be submitted to
the Disciplinary Officer. Attached to the syllabus is a “Review of the Act of
Plagiarism”. You are responsible to read the material on the web site referenced,
then answer and submit your answers as part of your Genetic Section Lab Work.
CLASSROOM CONDUCT:
Cell phones should be felt not heard. Text messaging and surfing the internet
are not allowed in class. Computers are to be used for note taking only. Please show
respect for fellow class members and the instructor by acting in a professional manner
in both word and deed.
CLASS SCHEDULE
WEEK DAY TOPIC READING_____________
1 8/22 Class Introduction
1 8/24 Scientific Method Manual Chap 1_______
2 8/29 Cell Structure/DNA Manual Chap 2
2 8/31 Protein Synthesis/Cell Div. Manual Chap 2_______
___3______9/05________HOLIDAY______________________________________
3 9/07 Mendel’s Laws Manual Chap 3
4 9/12 Pedigree Analysis Manual Chap 4
4 9/14 Blood Genetics Manual Chap 4
5 9/19 Population Genetics Manual Chap 5
5 9/21 TEST ONE TURN IN LAB WORK
6 9/26 Bone Structure/Dentition Manual Chap 6
6 9/28 Human Skull Manual Chap 8
7 10/03 Axial Skeleton Manual Chap 8
7 10/05 Appendicular Skeleton Manual Chap 7
8 10/10 Osteometry Manual Chap 9
8 10/12 Whole skeleton Review Chapters 6-9
9 10/17 TEST TURN IN LAB WORK
9 10/19 Primate Behavior Movie and Handouts
10 10/24 Primate Classification Manual Chap 10
10 10/26 Primate Dentition Manual Chap 11
11 10/31 Primate Locomotion____________ Manual Chap 11______
11 11/02 Primates Comparisons__________Manual Chap 10______
12 11/07 Living Primates________________Manual Chap 12______
12 11/09 TEST TURN IN LAB WORK
13 11/14 Intro to Hominids/Define Hominid Movie
13 11/16 Mosaic Evolution Manual Chap 13
14 11/21 Bipedalism Manual Chap 13
14 11/21 ZOO REPORT IS DUE
14 11/23 Australopithecines Manual Chap 13
15 11/28 Homo Groups Manual Chap 14
15 11/30 Sexing and Aging Manual Chap 09
16 12/05 Hominid Review ALL EXTRA CREDIT DUE
16 12/07 TEST TURN IN LAB WORK
ZOO REPORT DUE: NOV 21, 2011
POSTERS DUE: DEC 05, 2011
NO EXTRA CREDIT WILL BE ACCEPTED AFTER DEC 05, 2011
Desire 2 Learn (D2L): Assignments and announcements for this class will be
available on D2L. You should have computer access to D2L and check the site on
a regular basis. Your grades will be posted throughout the term. The instructor
will notify students about which content will be posted to this site.
Extra Credit Assignment- Hominid Poster Presentation
This is an optional assignment. You can earn a total of 15 points for this assignment.
Guidelines
1. Use standard sized poster board or heavy-duty construction paper for the poster. The dimensions
should be 28" X 22".
2. The information on the poster should be either a focus on one fossil hominid, ex. (robust
australopithecine), or an entire group (all australopithecines). Pick a group of interest to you.
3. Information that should be included on the poster is: dates of existence, sites, morphology,
behavior, environment, and tools.
Parts of the poster
1. A Title
2, Text must describe the hominid. All text should be computer generated. Title should be bold and
large and text should be at least 16 font.
3. Use of pictures, tables, maps and/or graphs
4. Your name and class time on back
5. In lower right corner of back site all references used.
6. It should look attractive, informative and professional
REVIEW OF THE ACT OF PLAGIARISM
FOR ANTHROPOLOGY 301 AT
AMERICAN RIVER COLLEGE
As a part of the genetic section of your lab, you will answer the following questions concerning the
act of plagiarism. I have provided a link to a site at the American River College Library to help you
form answers to these questions. Follow the series of steps to get to the site:
1. Go to American River College Home page.
2. Under-Academics-click on “Library”
3. Then on library page-click on “get Help”
4. Under term- avoiding plagiarism-click on “Resources for avoiding
Plagiarism”
5. Under- other resources—Click on “University of California, Davis’
site.
6. Use the information on this site: http://sja.ucdavis.edu/files/plagiarism.pdf to answer the
following questions:
What is the definition of plagiarism?
Why be concerned about plagiarism? Give 3 answers.
What are guidelines to avoiding plagiarism? Give 3 methods
Copy a short passage from print or internet, then show how you
would write and cite that passage without plagiarizing.
These answers will be a part of your grade for the first section on Genetics. You will include it in
your package that you turn in for a grade.
Anthropology 301 - Lab
Primate Research Project (Zoo Report)
Purpose: This assignment will familiarize you with: a) the methods primatologists use in studying
primates; b) the variety of Primates associated with the zoo; c) the classification of living primates;
and d) the distinctions between behaviors in natural vs. captive environments.
The pass: The pass allows you repeat visits to the Sacramento Zoo for a discount price. The pass is
good for weekdays or before 11:00 AM on weekends and holidays. Present pass at gate and sign
research log. The zoo is located at 3930 w. Land Park Drive. You must present your school ID
along with the pass.
Zoo Report Paper: The format for the paper is Cover Sheet/ Body of Report/ References/
Classification and Taxonomy Sheets/ Behavior Observation Sheet/ Extra Credit Observation Sheet.
Cover Sheet:
Anthropology 301
Zoo Report
Date, Name, Section #
Body of Report:
Introduction should include zoo attended, conditions of the day, purpose of the
paper, and brief discussion of primate observed.
Body should answer in this order the following questions:
- compare the habitat of zoo and natural settings for observed primate
- compare the food of zoo and natural settings for observed primate
- compare the locomotion of zoo and natural settings for observed primate
- compare the social structure of zoo and natural settings for observed primate
- compare the home range of zoo and natural settings for observed primate
- discuss any unique behaviors for primate
- discuss your opinion of educational value of zoo experience
- if doing extra credit, add a paragraph comparing the physical and behavioral
differences between two primates you observed
- make your locomotion hypothesis statement for each photo provided*
- determine through observation the true locomotion pattern for each primate*
References: Any references you use from books, articles, or the Internet should be cited.
Examples for references:
1. Dawson, C. 1990. Why I’m Not Guilty of the Piltdown Fraud. In Nature,
1233:24-48. ( journal)
2. Woodward, A. 1947. The Earliest Englishman. (Barnes and Noble, NY.) (book)
3. http//www.zooproject.net (internet)
Classification and Taxonomy Sheet: You must complete a taxonomic survey of two different
species. Complete the Classification, Morphology and Locomotion chart provided by the instructor
or in your lab manual (pg 175) by using references and zoo information. Answer all questions
although some species may not have all the taxonomy levels on the sheet. Select one of these
species from your sheets for your detailed observation. Your classification and taxonomy sheets
must be on primates found at the zoo.
Behavior Observation Sheet: You can either do a scan sampling observation of this species or
choose a focal animal observation. You should observe the group/individual for at least 20 minutes.
Also, be careful to choose either a 30-second interval or one-minute interval for your observation.
The five minute interval is too long when you are only observing for 20 minutes. The professor will
provide the scan sampling (handout) and focal sampling charts (pg 174) for your observations. You
should read the section on primate behavior in your manual (chapter 12) before going to the zoo. If
the primate is not active, move on to another primate.
Don't use this report to express your opinions and/or emotions on zoo conditions for animals.
*Locomotion Section of Body of Report Instructions: This section consists of two parts. The first
part is to look at three primate photographs that are provided in the contents section of SacCT or
D2L under Primate Locomotion Photographs, then based on the photos make a general hypothesis
statement on the primary locomotion pattern of the three primates.
Chimpanzee—locomotion hypothesis statement
Lemur-locomotion hypothesis statement
Gibbon-locomotion hypothesis statement
The second part of this section consists of observing these three primates at the zoo for their true
locomotion pattern. Write a brief statement concerning the types of locomotion used by each
primate, and then make a determination of their Primary Locomotion pattern. You should then
make a statement as to whether your hypothesis statement for each primate was correct or not based
on your observations.
Chimpanzee-observed locomotion, primary locomotion, hypothesis true or not
Lemur-observed locomotion, primary locomotion, hypothesis true or not
Gibbon-observed locomotion, primary locomotion, hypothesis true or not
Extra Credit:
If you decide to use the zoo report for 15 points of extra credit, you must do the following
extra work on the zoo report.
You must do an observation of one more species, by using either the scan sampling or
focal animal method. You are to use the opposite observation technique to the technique
used in your original report. The observation has to be on a primate you completed a
classification sheet on.
In the report section of the zoo report, add a paragraph about the additional species
observed by comparing its similarities and differences in behavior from the species of
your report.
Zoo Report Grading Rubric: This section outlines the requirements and the grading for the zoo
report. The total points you can earn is 70 points. The following is how those seventy points are
divided:
I. Format (3 points): For placing the zoo report in the following format-Cover Sheet, Body of
Report, References, Classification Sheets, Observation Sheet, and Extra Credit
Observation Sheet.
II. Body of Report (24 points): For including all sections (a through d) listed below and
answering each question:
a. Introduction
b. Comparison Questions-1) habitat, 2) food, 3) group size, 4) locomotion, 5) home
range
c. Unique Behaviors: Can use any primate observed to answer
d. Educational Benefits of zoo visit
III. Extra Credit Only-Body of Report (5 points): For properly comparing the extra credit and
zoo report primates you observed.
IV. Body of Report (12 points): For proper completion of locomotion hypothesis section of
zoo report.
a. Locomotion Hypothesis Statement (6 points): Two points for each primate hypothesis
statement.
b. Recording True Locomotion Statement (6 points): Two points for recording true
locomotion for each primate and for making a statement on hypothesis.
V. Reference Page (3 points): For proper format and use of references.
VI. Classification Sheets (12 points): There are two classification sheets required, each must
be completed for all questions.
VII. Observation Sheets ( 10 points): For completing 20 minutes of primate observation and
recording the observation correctly.
VIII. Writing Skills (6 points): Demonstrates correct punctuation, spelling, and sentence
structure.
IX. Extra Credit Only-Observation Sheet (10 points): Completed 20 minutes of observation
and recorded properly on opposite observation type.
