The HB program offers a strong foundation in biological sciences, within the context of a Theme composed of interdisciplinary selections. There are AB and ScB options within the Human Biology program. The AB program requirements are below; ScB requirements follow.
1. Prerequisite courses: MA 9; CH 33; BI 20 (or equivalents).
2. Biology: Five courses including:
a. BI 47 (Genetics); or, BI 48 (Evolution) plus either BI 50 (Cell Biology) or BI 51 (Microbiology).
b. One course in structure, development and physiology such as BI 19 Sec. 7, 31, 32, 40, 44, 80, 131, 188; BN 1.
c. One course in organismal and population biology, such as 39, 41, 42, 43, 45, 46, 48, 188.
d. Two biology (BI or BN) courses relating to the chosen theme (see below). At least one of these biology courses must be above 100-level.
3. Methods: One course in statistics or methods. Examples: PY 9 (CG9); SO 110; AM 165; BC 203, 212, 213; AN 160.
4. Theme: Concentrators must also choose one of the following four themes and take four courses that form a coherent grouping therein (with advisor's approval).
a. Ecology and Evolution: BI, CG, and AN courses in comparative biology, development and evolution; PY courses dealing with animal behavior and communication; and ES courses concerning the interrelationships between humans and the environment; GE courses.
b. Human Health and Disease: BI and BN courses dealing with structure, function, health and disease of humans and their cells, tissues, organs, organ systems and populations; PY courses focusing on normal and abnormal psychology; AC, AN, BC, HI, SO, and UC courses dealing with health and disease in the context of culture, history, gender, and environmental issues.
c. Race and Gender: BI courses focusing on gender, evolution and comparative biology; AA, AC, AN, BC, BI, CG, ED, HI, PB, PY, SO, and UC courses concerned with issues of culture, gender, history, and race.
d. Brain and Behavior: BI courses dealing with behavioral ecology; BN courses; appropriate courses in anthropology (e.g., AN 20) and cognitive and linguistic sciences; PY courses (physiologic, developmental, social and experimental).
5. Senior capstone activity: May be fulfilled by an independent activity such as Directed Research (BI 195, 196) project, or an appropriate advanced course or seminar; or an internship in an area relating to the program's theme. The appropriate activity will be developed or selected with consultation and approval of the concentration advisor. Honors in Human Biology is based on a thesis and presentation resulting from the Directed Research.
The ScB program offers a strong foundation in biological sciences, within the context of a Theme composed of interdisciplinary selections. It includes all the requirements for the AB, plus an additional Chemistry, Biology, and Theme course, as well as independent research. It is for students who wish a more extensive science basis as well as more advanced work in the theme. These areas are then brought to further focus with the senior capstone research project.
Requirements for the ScB program include all of the requirements for the AB program as well as the following:
One additional course in Biology, at the advanced-level, and related to the theme;
One additional advanced-level Theme course;
The Capstone must be a research project:
At least one semester (two are strongly recommended) of Directed Research (BI 195, 196; or analogous courses in another Department). This will constitute a senior level capstone project to be carried out under the guidance of a faculty member. The research should reflect the thematic course selections established within the individual's program. Project is subject to approval by the concentration advisor. These courses are above and beyond the course work listed in categories one-four above.
Honors in Human Biology (AB or ScB): The research project must generate a thesis and oral presentation and be approved by the research advisor, second reader, concentration and Honors advisor. See information at http://bms.brown.edu/bug/ugres/html
Advisors by theme are as follows: Human Ecology and Evolution—Marjorie_Thompson, 3-3814; Human Health and Disease—Lundy_Braun, 3-3308, Sharon_Swartz, 3-1582, Marjorie_Thompson, Peter_Heywood, 3-3415, Wayne_Bowen, 3-3253; Race and Gender—Anne_Fausto-Sterling, 3-2109; Brain and Behavior—Robert_Patrick, 3-2630, Wayne_Bowen, 3-3253.
Page last updated in April, 2006.