What is Biological Anthropology?
Biological anthropology deals with the evolution of humans and primates, our closest relatives, their variability and how they have adapted to different environments. One of the major characteristics of biological anthropology is its strong evolutionary perspective. There are different areas of focus within biological anthropology.
- Paleanthropology (study of fossils within the human lineage)
- Primatology (study of primates)
- Skeletal biology (study of the anatomy of modern humans)
- Human biology (study growth and development, human physiology)
- Molecular Anthropology (using molecular evidence to understand human evolution)
Are you are interested in biology, genetics, health care, research, evolution, or primatology? Consider a focus in biological anthropology at UTM.
Career areas include:
- Health sector (Hospitals, public health agencies)
- Government agencies
- Private industries
- Independent consulting
- Environment and Natural Resources
- Journalism
- Zoos
- Academia
- Museums
"...the socio-cultural and biological anthropology courses I took helped give me a greater understanding of forensic science that helped me during my masters."
-Monique Johnson: Research Technologist at the Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids)
Undergraduate programs
UTM undergraduate students who focus in biological anthropology normally enrol in one of the following programs:
- Specialist Program in Anthropology (Science) ERSPE0105
- Major Program in Anthropology (Science) ERMAJ0105
Learn about Anthropology programs at UTM
Undergraduate courses
Most of our recommended upper-level courses for a focus in biological anthropology are anthropology science credits.
Teaching and Research Specialties
At UTM, our faculty teaching and research specialties in biological anthropology include:
- Molecular anthropology and genetics
- Health
- Human osteology
- Paleoanthropology
- Evolutionary anthropology
- Forensics
Regions of interest include:
- Americas
- East Africa
- East Asia
- Europe
- Northern Canada
- South Africa
- South Asia