Denné N Reed

 This course is an introduction to the principles and the methods of physical anthropology.  Physical anthropology is the study of human beings in a biological context, and seeks to explain our relationship to other primates and to the rest of the natural world.  In other words, who are we? how are we unique? how, why, an when did we come to be the way we are?The study of physical anthropology requires many different types of knowledge.  Throughout the course, we will examine anatomical, behavioral, and genetic similarities and differences among living primates, learn the basic mechanisms of the evolutionary process, and trace a pathway of human evolution as reconstructed from the fossil record.  The main goal of the course is to obtain a clear understanding of our place in nature.

This course surveys archeological and paleontological applications of remotely sensed data such as aerial photography and satellite imagery for use in locating field sites, planning field logistics and conducting landscape analysis. The remote sensing component of the course covers remote sensing data acquisition, image georectification, image processing and classification.

The GIS component of the course builds on the remote sensing component and adds to it the analysis of map features stored in databases. The course introduces databases theory and practice, and moves through the various stages of GIS workflow: the planning and design of GIS projects, building geospatial datasets, various methods of geospatial analysis and a short introduction to map layouts and reports.

This course covers GIS and remote sensing from an applied perspective and students are expected to invest lab time in completing tutorials on GIS and RS methods as well as applying these methods to individual projects. 

This course surveys archeological and paleontological applications of remotely sensed data such as aer- ial photography and satellite imagery for use in locating field sites, planning field logistics and conducting landscape analysis. The remote sensing component of the course covers remote sensing data acquisition, image georectifica- tion, image processing and classification.

The GIS component of the course builds on the remote sensing component and adds to it the analysis of map fea- tures stored in databases. The course introduces databases theory and practice, and moves through the various stages of GIS workflow: the planning and design of GIS projects, building geospatial datasets, various methods of geospa- tial analysis and a short introduction to map layouts and reports.

This course covers GIS and remote sensing from an applied perspective and students are expected to invest lab time in completing tutorials on GIS and RS methods as well as applying these methods to individual projects. 

 This course is an introduction to the principles and the methods of physical anthropology.  Physical anthropology is the study of human beings in a biological context, and seeks to explain our relationship to other primates and to the rest of the natural world.  In other words, who are we? how are we unique? how, why, an when did we come to be the way we are?The study of physical anthropology requires many different types of knowledge.  Throughout the course, we will examine anatomical, behavioral, and genetic similarities and differences among living primates, learn the basic mechanisms of the evolutionary process, and trace a pathway of human evolution as reconstructed from the fossil record.  The main goal of the course is to obtain a clear understanding of our place in nature.

Research in the historical sciences rely ever more on geospatial data and analysis. This course is designed to give upper level majors in the fields of archaeology, physical anthropology and paleontology a basic working foundation in the use of geographical information systems (GIS) and the analysis of remotely sensed data from satellites and aerial photographs. The course introduces students to the workflow of processing remote sensing data, starting with data acquisition and moving on to image georeferencing, image enhancement and filtering, and image classification. The GIS component of the class instructs students in the design, construction and maintenance of geodatabases and GIS coverages. It goes on to cover spatial analysis, and geospatial statistics. The course is designed to give students hands-on experience and a solid foundation for utilizing GIS and Remote Sensing in research applications.

 This course examines the early stages of human evolution in Africa starting from the last common great-ape ancestor up through the origin of the Genus Homo. We will examine closely the fossil record of the earliest hominins, which has benefited from many recent discoveries, looking at the behavioral and morphological adaptations that characterize the earliest stages of human evolution. We’ll approach these adaptations from the perspective of paleoecology, looking at the possible interplay between paleoclimatic change, paleoenvironment and human evolution. The seminar will integrate aspects of human anatomy, functional morphology, systematics, biogeography, and climate change, along with evolutionary and behavioral ecology.

This course is an introduction to the principles and the methods of physical anthropology.  Physical anthropology is the study of human beings in a biological context, and seeks to explain our relationship to other primates and to the rest of the natural world.  In other words, who are we? how are we unique? how, why, an when did we come to be the way we are?The study of physical anthropology requires many different types of knowledge.  Throughout the course, we will examine anatomical, behavioral, and genetic similarities and differences among living primates, learn the basic mechanisms of the evolutionary process, and trace a pathway of human evolution as reconstructed from the fossil record.  The main goal of the course is to obtain a clear understanding of our place in nature.

In addition to lecture, students must register for a lab section.  This course is an introduction to the principles and the methods of physical anthropology.  Physical anthropology is the study of human beings in a biological context, and seeks to explain our relationship to other primates and to the rest of the natural world.  In other words, who are we? how are we unique? how, why, an when did we come to be the way we are?The study of physical anthropology requires many different types of knowledge.  Throughout the course, we will examine anatomical, behavioral, and genetic similarities and differences among living primates, learn the basic mechanisms of the evolutionary process, and trace a pathway of human evolution as reconstructed from the fossil record.  The main goal of the course is to obtain a clear understanding of our place in nature.

Research in the historical sciences rely ever more on geospatial data and analysis. This course is designed to give upper level majors in the fields of archaeology, physical anthropology and paleontology a basic working foundation in the use of geographical information systems (GIS) and the analysis of remotely sensed data from satellites and aerial photographs. The course introduces students to the workflow of processing remote sensing data, starting with data acquisition and moving on to image georeferencing, image enhancement and filtering, and image classification. The GIS component of the class instructs students in the design, construction and maintenance of geodatabases and GIS coverages. It goes on to cover spatial analysis, and geospatial statistics. The course is designed to give students hands-on experience and a solid foundation for utilizing GIS and Remote Sensing in research applications.

This course provides an overview of applied data analysis, geared toward research questions in physical
anthropology and ecology. The course is designed to give students hands-on training in the conventional
scientific workflow that follows data collection, including database management, exploratory data analysis and
visualization, statistical analysis and interpretation. Statistical topics will focus on advanced techniques that are
rarely covered in introductory statistics courses, but frequently used by biologists. Topics will include
univariate and multivariate hypothesis testing, general linear models, likelihood and Bayesian estimation,
structural equation modeling, as well as more specific tools suited to student interests. The course focuses on
the practical side of implementing these techniques, using the statistical programming language R, while also
introducing students to other useful software tools (e.g., SQLite, Unix shell). Throughout, emphasis will be
placed on when and how to use these methods in practice, and students are encouraged to use their own datasets
in the course.

GIS/Remote Sensing for Archeology and Paleontology

Overview: This course surveys archeological and paleontological applications of remotely sensed data such as aerial photography and satellite imagery for use in locating field sites, planning field logistics and conducting landscape analysis. The remote sensing component of the course covers remote sensing data acquisition, image georectification, image processing and classification.

The GIS component of the course builds on the remote sensing component and adds to it the analysis of map features stored in databases. The course introduces databases theory and practice, and moves through the various stages of GIS workflow: the planning and design of GIS projects, building geospatial datasets, various methods of geospatial analysis and a short introduction to map layouts and reports.

This course covers GIS and remote sensing from an applied perspective and students are expected to invest lab time in completing tutorials on GIS and RS methods as well as applying these methods to individual projects.

Prerequisites and Expectations: This course is designed to compliment ANT 324L Digital Data Systems in Archeology, which has a greater emphasis on data acquisition and field methods.  This is NOT an introductory course in GIS and remote sensing. This is an accelerated course is GIS and RS fundamentals. There are no enforced prerequisites, but students should have a comfortable working knowledge of computers and an introductory GIS course is definitely beneficial.

Required textbooks:

Bolstad, P (2008) GIS Fundamentals: A first text on geographic Information systems 3ed., Eider Press: White Bear Lake, MN.

Lillesand, TM, Kiefer R, Chipman J (2008) Remote Sensing and Image Interpretation 6ed. Wiley and Sons: New York.

Recommended Textbooks:

The following book is recommended for those who are brand new to GIS using ESRI software:

Ornsby T et al. (2004) Getting to Know ArcGIS Desktop: Basics of ArcView, ArcEditor and ArcInfo. ESRI Press: Redlands, CA.

Lectures meet on Monday from 3-4 PM in EPS 2.136. Labs are held from 4-6 PM in GRG 206. In the labs we will be using ESRI ArcGIS software and Leica ERDAS Imagine software for remote sensing. Each student will have access to their own GIS/RS workstation.

Grades for this course are assessed from lab work, and two practical exams. Weekly Labs 10 x 6% = 60%, Midterm Exam 20%, Second Exam 20%.

Syllabus: This is a tentative syllabus and is subject to change throughout the semester.

Schedule

Introduction to Physical Anthropology
ANT 301 Fall 2009

Unique numbers: 30160, 30165, 30170, 30175, 30180, 30185, 30190, 30195, 30200, 30210

INSTRUCTORS

Denné Reed - Professor
office hours: M 1-2; T 4-5
office: EPS 1.102; Lab 4.146
e-mail: reedd@mail.utexas.edu
phone: 471-7529   

Amber Heard - Head TA
office hours: Th 4-5
office: EPS 2.104
e-mail: anheard@mail.utexas.edu
phone: 232-3905   

Matthew Chimera - TA
office hours: W 1-2
office: EPS 4.146
e-mail: mdc5027@psu.edu
phone: 232-6380

Krista Church - TA
office hours: F 1-2
office: EPS 4.146
e-mail: krista.church@mail.utexas.edu
phone: 232-6380   

Kelsey Ellis office hours: T 11-12 office: 2.104
e-mail: kelso21@hotmail.com
phone: 232-3905


Lectures: Mondays and Wednesdays, 2-3 in UTC 2.112A

Laboratory Sections: Each student enrolls in one two-hour lab section that meets each week in EPS 2.102.

Grading: Grading in this course is based on three exams and lab work. The three exams combined will count for 70% of your grade and the labs for 30%. Lab grades are based on a combination of class participation, problem sets, and lab practical exams.

Course Textbook: Boyd, R and Silk J. (2006) How Humans Evolved. Fifth Ed. Los Angeles: University of California Press.

Web Site: http://courses.utexas.edu. To use the course Blackboard site, go to the link at left and select the login button located in the upper left portion of the screen. Once you have logged in you will see all of your classes listed. Simply click on ANT 301 to access the course page. In order to access the Blackboard web site, students will need their UT EID number and password  Tutorials on how to use blackboard are available at http://www.utexas.edu/cc/blackboard/tutorials/student/.

Labs: Students are required to attend the lab section in which they are enrolled. Excused absences from lab require appropriate WRITTEN documentation (e.g. doctor’s note) and arrangements should be made with the TA to attend another section. Contact your TA during the week of the missed lab in order to attend an alternate lab, otherwise credit for the lab will be lost. Students are expected to bring printed copies of the lab materials with them to class. Lab assignments are available in pdf format from the course blackboard website under the assignments section).

Academic Honesty: The University of Texas at Austin Standard of Student Conduct requires its students to maintain absolute integrity and a high standard of individual honor in scholastic work and to observe standards of conduct appropriate for a community of scholars. In accordance with these principles, any student found cheating on an exam will receive a grade of zero for the test and will be referred to the dean’s office for further disciplinary action. On exam days, students will be allowed to take only a writing implement to their seat. All backpacks, book bags, purses, etc. must be left on the dais at the front of the auditorium.

Classroom Protocol: Civil and courteous behavior is expected during lectures and labs (It’s a good idea outside of class too). Cell phone ringers must be turned off prior to the beginning of lecture.

Special Accommodations: If you require special accommodations for exams (e.g., a reduced-distraction environment or extra time), you MUST contact your instructor and teaching assistant in ADVANCE in order to discuss the necessary arrangements. There will be no exceptions to this rule. Proof of qualification for accommodations from the UT Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) office must be provided.

Schedule
Aug.    26    Course Introduction    Boyd & Silk: Prolog
                   NO LAB   
           31    Introduction to Evolution    Boyd & Silk: Chap. 1
Sept.    2    Mendalian Genetics    Boyd & Silk: Chap. 2 pp. 24-36
                  LAB 1 Scientific Method   
            7    LABOR DAY    
            9    Molecular Genetics    Boyd & Silk: Chap. 2 pp. 37-52
                  NO LAB   
           14    Population Genetics    Boyd & Silk: Chap. 3 pp. 53-68
           16    Microevolution    Boyd & Silk: Chap. 3 pp. 68-84
                   Lab 2 Genetics   
           21    Speciation    Boyd & Silk: Chap. 4 pp. 85-99
           23    Phylogenetic Systematics    Boyd & Silk: Chap. 4 pp. 99-113
                   Lab 3 Systematics   
           28    Human Variation    Boyd & Silk: Chap. 14
           30    Primate Diversity    Boyd & Silk: Chap. 5 pp. 116-135
                   LAB REVIEW   
Oct.    5    FIRST EXAM   
          7    Ecology: FOOD    Boyd & Silk: Chap. 5 pp. 135-147
                Lab 4 Primate Behavior   
          12    Female Reproductive Strategies: SEX    Boyd & Silk: Chap. 6 pp. 148-161
          14    Male Reproductive Strategies: MORE SEX    Boyd & Silk: Chap. 6 pp. 161-175
                 Lab 5 Primate Diets   
          19    Sociality    Boyd & Silk: Chap. 7
          21    Life History and Intelligence    Boyd & Silk: Chap. 8
                LAB REVIEW   
          26    SECOND EXAM   
          28    Introduction to Paleobiology    Boyd & Silk: Chap. 9 pp. 218-227
                Lab 6 Functional Morphology   
Nov.    2    Primate Evolution    Boyd & Silk: Chap. 9 pp. 228-245
          4    Earliest Hominins    Boyd & Silk: Chap. 10 pp. 246-254
               Lab 7 Primate Evolution   
           9    Australopithecines    Boyd & Silk: Chap. 10 pp. 255-281
          11    Hominin Lifeways    Boyd & Silk: Chap. 11
               Lab 8 Fossil Record of Australopithecus   
          16    Origin of the Genus Homo    Boyd & Silk: Chap. 12 pp. 305-322
          18    Later Homo    Boyd & Silk: Chap. 12 pp. 322-341
                Lab 9 Fossil Record of Homo   
          23    Upper Paleolithic Revolution?    Boyd & Silk: Chap. 10 pp. 342-358
          25    Homo sapiens    Boyd & Silk: Chap. 10 pp. 358-384
              Lab 10 MP and UP Behavior   
          30    Closing Remarks   
Dec    2    THIRD EXAM

 This course is an introduction to the principles and the methods of physical anthropology.  Physical anthropology is the study of human beings in a biological context, and seeks to explain our relationship to other primates and to the rest of the natural world.  In other words, who are we? how are we unique? how, why, an when did we come to be the way we are?The study of physical anthropology requires many different types of knowledge.  Throughout the course, we will examine anatomical, behavioral, and genetic similarities and differences among living primates, learn the basic mechanisms of the evolutionary process, and trace a pathway of human evolution as reconstructed from the fossil record.  The main goal of the course is to obtain a clear understanding of our place in nature.

 This course is an introduction to the principles and the methods of physical anthropology.  Physical anthropology is the study of human beings in a biological context, and seeks to explain our relationship to other primates and to the rest of the natural world.  In other words, who are we? how are we unique? how, why, an when did we come to be the way we are?The study of physical anthropology requires many different types of knowledge.  Throughout the course, we will examine anatomical, behavioral, and genetic similarities and differences among living primates, learn the basic mechanisms of the evolutionary process, and trace a pathway of human evolution as reconstructed from the fossil record.  The main goal of the course is to obtain a clear understanding of our place in nature.