Program Overview

Genetics, Evolution, and Human Health

Course Description

The course "Genetics, Evolution, and Human Health" explores what science can tell us about what it means to be human and why humans get sick. It delves into cutting-edge genetic and evolutionary biology research conducted at Rutgers, examining the mismatch between the environments in which humans evolved and those in which they now live. The course discusses why certain diseases, such as diabetes, obesity, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases, have become prevalent, and why evolution has failed to make humans immune to these diseases.

Course Details

• Semester Offered: Fall 2013
• Course Code: 01:119:156
• Professor(s): Terry McGuire
• Department: Biological Sciences

Course Objectives and Recommendations

This course is particularly recommended for students who intend to pursue majors or minors in anthropology, criminal justice, ecology, geography, history, philosophy, political science, psychology, public health, public policy, and sociology. It is also of interest to students in the biological sciences and chemistry. The course can be used to meet the new SAS Core Curriculum goals in 21st Century Challenges [21C] and Natural Sciences [NS].

Specialized Courses and Programs

Other specialized courses and programs available include:

• Academic Success Seminar (ASSP)
• Career Explorations in the Arts and Sciences
• Honors
• Minicourses
• Retention Programs
• Signature Courses (Current)
• Signature Courses (Previous)
• Students in Transition Seminar (STS)