Department of Biological Anthropology
MASTER OF PHILOSOPHY*
IN BIOLOGICAL ANTHROPOLOGY
APPLIED BIOLOGICAL ANTHROPOLOGY
SYLLABUS & GUIDE
2009-2010
Department of Biological Anthropology
Pembroke Street
Cambridge, CB2 3QY
*In 2009-2010, both taught ABA MPhil students and MPhils by Research
will attend the Multidisciplinary course in the Michaelmas Term.
Master of Philosophy
Applied Biological Anthropology
CONTENTS
I.
Introduction
3
II.
Course Structure
5
III.
Core Course
6
IV.
Thesis
10
V.
Assessment
13
VI.
Schedule and Deadlines
17
VII.
Information about the Department
19
VIII. Other Useful Websites
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I. INTRODUCTION
I.1 Educational Aims of the Course
The MPhil in Applied Biological Anthropology is a one year interdisciplinary
course, with core teaching in human nutritional ecology, growth and
development, epidemiology and disease, reproductive ecology and molecular
genetics. There are strong biostatistical and laboratory elements to the course as
well as a focus on field studies. The lecturers are primarily involved in research
activities in the Human Epidemiology, Nutrition, Growth and Ecology (HENGE)
and Primate Immunogenetics and Molecular Ecology (PrIME) research groups.
This taught MPhil recruits students who are prepared for graduate work and wish
to receive interdisciplinary training, but who do not have sufficient background
in Applied Biological Anthropology to be considered for the research MPhil or
doctoral work. This is a demanding course that enables students to obtain
specialist training and knowledge in an area of Applied Biological Anthropology
over a relatively short time frame. Subject to performance in the examination, the
course prepares students to undertake an advanced degree. Students who are
interested in Applied Biological Anthropology come to the UK from various
countries throughout Europe, Asia and the Americas.
The aim of the course is to:
provide students with the opportunity to study to an advanced level
(i)
substantive issues and debates in Applied Biological Anthropology,
through lectures, seminars, and individual supervisions;
(ii)
provide students with knowledge of current research in Applied
Biological Anthropology through lectures, seminars and supervisions
provided by staff who have particular research expertise and strengths
in these areas;
(iii)
enable students to acquire critical thinking and intellectual skills
necessary for undertaking independent research in some aspect of
Applied Biological Anthropology;
(iv)
take advantage of the varied knowledge and experience that is
characteristic of the MPhil class and to encourage students to learn
from each other, particularly in seminar discussions;
(v)
prepare students for research at the doctoral level and to equip
students to be future leaders in Applied Biological Anthropology and
allied fields around the world.
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1.2 Course Management
The MPhil course is run by the Department of Biological Anthropology. Students
receive learning support from staff through lectures, seminars, practicals and in
supervisions.
The MPhil Director for Applied Biological Anthropology (Professor
Mascie-Taylor in Michaelmas Term and then Dr Leslie Knapp in Lent and Easter
Terms) is responsible for academic advice, the overall organisation and
coordination of the course, and liaising with the Degree Committee of the Faculty
of Archaeology and Anthropology and the University’s Board of Graduate
Studies.
Each student has an overall Supervisor who gives advice on planning the year’s
work, and the thesis in particular. The research is undertaken under the
direction of an appropriate Supervisor who is appointed at the start of the
academic year.
Also within the Department, students may consult with Professor Robert Foley,
the Graduate Tutor, who is responsible for the overall academic well-being of
students.
Administration for the course is coordinated from the Departmental Office,
located on Floor 1 of the Henry Wellcome Building, Fitzwilliam Street. The
Department’s Education Secretary administers the MPhil course requirements.
All questions concerning the day-to-day running of the course should be directed
to the Education Secretary in the Department Office (tel.: 01223 764 713).
In addition to Departmental affiliation, each student is a member of a College and
the Faculty of Archaeology and Anthropology. As members of their colleges,
students are supported by a Graduate Tutor, and they are entitled to use
resources of their college including the libraries and IT facilities. Students also
have access to the Haddon Library of the Faculty of Archaeology and
Anthropology. The Faculty Secretary, the Faculty Librarian and the Faculty’s
computing staff may also assist students about relevant issues. Students also
have access to University resources including the University Library (UL) and the
University’s counselling services.
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II. COURSE STRUCTURE
2.1. Course Components
There are two main components to the degree programme, each of which
contributes to the educational aims.
1) Multidisciplinary Approaches to Applied Biological Anthropology Course.
This core course is taken by all MPhil students in the Michaelmas Term only
and covers the main themes covered in applied biological anthropology. The
course is designed to provide students with a broad education in the various
areas of expertise. The combined mix of lectures, seminars and practicals
provide the student with the opportunity to engage critically with the subject.
This course, together with the required lectures (e.g., Analysis Statistics, Case
studies in Applied Biological Anthropology, Disease Ecology, Growth and
Nutrition, Comparative Genomics, Data Handling) and other options (e.g.,
Primate Behaviour, Evolution and Human Life History) taken in the
Michaelmas Term will be assessed at the beginning of the Lent Term through
the 3 timed essays. In the Lent Term, the focus will be on the two applied
elements of the course, statistical analysis and interpretation and laboratory
analysis and report writing. In addition each student will have to give an oral
presentation on their proposed dissertation topic.
2) Each student completes a thesis, of up to 20,000 words in length
(excluding tables, appendices and references). In coordination with their
Supervisor, students choose a topic within a branch of applied biological
anthropology that can be written-up in the form of a thesis in the course of the
year. Students are encouraged to focus on a topic early in the year. The thesis
title and topic are formally approved by the Supervisor and the Degree
Committee for the Faculty of Archaeology & Anthropology.
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III. CORE COURSE
3.1. Aim
The Multidisciplinary Approaches to Applied Biological Anthropology course is
taken by all MPhil students in Michaelmas Term. The course covers the main
themes in Applied Biological Anthropology and MPhil students will be given the
opportunity to explore and discuss relevant topics in the weekly meetings.
3.2 Scheduling and Coursework Content
Through a combination of lectures, seminars and practicals, students will
undertake intensive interdisciplinary training sessions.
The following table indicates the topics to be covered over 6 weeks in Michaelmas
term:
Michaelmas Term: Multidisciplinary Approaches
to Applied Biological Anthropology course, Wednesdays at 2pm
Topic
Wednesday
Coordinator
Introductory Meeting
Oct 14
Prof Mascie-Taylor,
Molly Fox & Joshua
Ward
Research Designs
Oct 21
Prof Mascie-Taylor
Hormones & Behaviour
Oct 28
Genetic Research in Biological
Nov 4
Anthropology
Food, Nutrition & Quality
Nov 11
Prof Mascie-Taylor
Control
Epidemiological Analyses
Nov 18
Prof Mascie-Taylor
INTRODUCTORY MEETING
Coordinators: Prof Mascie-Taylor & other course instructors
The first meeting will provide a brief overview of the course aims and the course
instructors will introduce themselves and provide a short summary on their
research interests and how these fit into the major themes of the course. During
this meeting, information about readings, references and background
information will be provided and a more specific timetable for the course will be
made available.
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RESEARCH DESIGNS
Coordinator: Prof Mascie-Taylor
This will explore the alternative research designs at both individual and
population levels and will discus the pros and cons of cross-sectional versus
longitudinal designs.
HORMONES & BEHAVIOUR
Coordinator: Prof Mascie-Taylor
The endocrine system is a mediating factor between the environment and human
behaviour. Not only do our interactions, experiences, activities, and physical
surroundings all affect our hormones levels, but our hormone levels affect our
actions, decisions, and disposition. Consequently, natural selection has shaped
our endocrinology in response to behavioural adaptiveness. In this seminar, we
will focus on three examples of behavioural adaptations, each directly related to a
specific hormone.
GENETIC RESEARCH IN BIOLOGICAL ANTHROPOLOGY
Coordinator: Prof Mascie-Taylor
Molecular genetic data can be used to identify individuals, determine paternity,
estimate relatedness and even make inferences about whether evolutionary forces
are affecting genetic diversity in natural populations. In this seminar, we will
review some of these approaches using examples from recently published papers.
FOOD, NUTRITION & QUALITY CONTROL
Coordinator: Prof Mascie-Taylor
In addition to the analysis of individual food diaries, we will also measure
individual height, weight and skinfold thickness and calculate of intra- and interobserver technical error of measurement and reliability.
EPIDEMIOLOGICAL ANALYSES
Coordinator: Prof Mascie-Taylor
Exercises on interpretation of tabular and graphic data on disease causation.
In the Lent Term, practical work will be the major focus for students:
Lent Term: Applied Biological Anthropology practicals,
Tuesdays & Wednesdays at 2pm
Topic
Tues & Wed Coordinator
Biostatistics
Weeks 1-4
Prof Mascie-Taylor
Molecular Genetics
Weeks 5-8
Dr Knapp
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BIOSTATISTICS
Coordinator: Prof Nick Mascie-Taylor
This is an advanced course covering multiple regression, logistic regression,
repeated measures and survival analysis.
MOLECULAR GENETICS
Coordinator: Dr Leslie Knapp
In this part of the course, you will learn how laboratory methods are used to
study human and non-human primate genetic variation through a series of
laboratory practical exercises. These exercises will prepare you to undertake a
simple independent exercise in the laboratory involving methods such as
polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and gel electrophoresis. The data that you
produce in the practicals will provide you with the raw material to answer a series
of questions about relatedness and social structure in a nonhuman primate
population.
3.3 Lectures & Option Courses
Attendance at some lectures is required for ABA MPhils (see below) and although
it is not mandatory it is highly recommended that MPhil students attend relevant
lectures and Special Subject courses offered to upper level undergraduates in the
Department. These courses provide MPhil students with additional
opportunities to improve their background knowledge and study particular
subjects related to biological anthropology, which will be beneficial to their
overall education. The following courses are on offer this academic year:
Course
BA1 (THE HUMAN ANIMAL)
Primate Behaviour
Comparative Genomics*
Evolution of the Primate Genome
Comparative Human Biology
BA3 (THE HUMAN LIFESPAN)
Human Disease Ecology*
Growth and Nutrition*
Evolution of Human Growth
Genetics of Human Adaptation
History of Human Evolutionary Thought
Humans in an Evolutionary Paradigm
Evolution and Function of the Human Brain
Evolutionary Prehistory
Ancient Molecules and Human Evolution
Evolution of Human Phenotypes &
Behaviour
Health and Disease in the Past
Evolution of Human Life History
Department of Biological Anthropology
Lecturer
Prof Bill McGrew
Dr. Toomas Kivisild
Dr. Leslie Knapp
Dr Jay Stock
Prof Nick Mascie-Taylor
Prof Nick Mascie-Taylor
Dr Lucio Vinicius
Dr Toomas Kivisild
Dr P Kjaergaard
Dr Jay Stock
Dr Lucio Vinicius
Prof Rob Foley & Dr Marta M Lahr
Dr Maru Mormina
Dr Toomas Kivisild
Dr Mercedes Okumura
Dr Andrea Migliano
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Primate Molecular Ecology
Cultural Primatology
Data Handling in Biological Anthropology*
*Required lectures for ABA MPhil Students
Applied Biological Anthropology
Dr Leslie Knapp
Professor William McGrew
Prof. Nick Mascie-Taylor
Additional information, including abstracts of course content and schedule is
available in the Part II student handbook, available from the Department Office.
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IV. THESIS
4.1. Some Thesis Guidance
Each student will complete a 20,000 word thesis, which represents a significant
research undertaking. The thesis is driven by a research question that is
independently investigated by the student. Given that most students have little
experience with formalising independent research in a written format, guidance
is provided that may be useful for planning and writing up the thesis. The
following information is guidance only, as there are no strict rules of format nor
in content of theses. Every thesis will vary somewhat depending on the research
topic. Hence, consider the following information as general advice and not as a
precise blueprint for conducting and writing up your thesis. Should the student
wish to consult other MPhil theses, past ones are available in the Haddon Library
where past dissertations are archived; otherwise, your Supervisor may be able to
provide you with an example thesis which they consider to be of good
organisation and quality.
General Content:
The thesis is a piece of research. The starting point is to identify a problem or
question which is of general scholarly interest. It is important to consider
practical issues and the resources available, especially the overall schedule for
conducting research. It is extremely important to think ahead about your thesis
topic, and to establish whether a topic is feasible or not. Hence, you need to
identify the problem, determine data sources, make necessary contacts, etc., so
that you have planned your research in advance. It is necessary to think of the
thesis as an interactive process in which the problem you wish to investigate is
tested using data that exists or can be generated; this may cause the research
problem to be modified. The following framework should be kept in mind: a) the
general area of investigation, b) the specific problem or issue that you wish to
investigate, c) the data or information that will be needed, and d) the appropriate
methods to employ (e.g., graphics; statistical tests or relationships between
variables; comparison of data). It is important to consider the overall logistics,
such as travel and subsistence, if necessary, laboratory requirements (equipment,
space, time) and data processing.
Presentation:
The thesis will be judged by the examiners primarily on its content. However, it
is also important to have a professional looking presentation as well. The student
should make the thesis scholarly, interesting and easy to read. Short words and
simple sentences often times help to convey ideas with clarity. The overall length
of the thesis must not exceed 20,000 words, excluding tables, references and
appendices.
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Typically, an arrangement for the thesis is as follows:
•
•
•
Title page (title, candidate’s name, department, date)
An abstract (usually one to two paragraphs)
Content (list of chapters, figures and page numbers)
The body of the thesis varies according to the topic and the methods to be
employed, thus there is no prescriptive outline. Typically, however, theses often
are divided into the following main parts or chapters:
•
•
•
•
•
Introduction (states the object and purpose of the investigation, the area
examined and the nature of the material studied)
Literature review
Substantive content (subdivision into chapters and sections is desirable.
Attention should be paid to argument, and a clear distinction made
between the evidence and deductions made from it)
Conclusion/discussion (a concise interpretation of the results and a brief
discussion of their special and general significance)
References
Illustrations:
Tables and figures should be clearly titled to give their content and source, and
should be numbered consecutively (e.g., Figure 1, Figure 2) for reference in the
written text.
Footnotes:
Footnotes are normally limited. If a footnote is necessary, consider carefully
whether the information could be inserted in the text with some recasting of the
sentence. If necessary, footnotes should normally be placed at the bottom of the
page.
References:
The objective of providing references is to inform the reader of the sources used.
The references also show familiarity with the relevant literature. No one style
reference has been adopted by the Department, but the formal style guidelines
employed by leading journals, such as the American Journal of Physical
Anthropology or Annals of Human Biology are typical. It is important to be
accurate in presenting references, and to use the same consistent format
throughout. It is also important to cross-check your text with your references to
ensure that all citations are in the bibliography and vice versa.
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4.2.
Applied Biological Anthropology
Examples of Previous MPhil Thesis Titles
•
Impact of maternal nutritional education and infant supplementation on
childrens’ nutritional status
•
A review of immunisation coverage data within Bangladesh and its
correlation with health provision and socio-econonomic variables
•
Welfare considerations for captive primates in zoos
•
Changing patterns of Tuberculosis in the African countries by sex and age,
over the last 10 years
•
Social structure and microsatellite variation in Japanese Macaques
•
Impact of education in improving the nutritional status of moderately
malnourished children in rural Bangladesh
•
MHC Diversity in Captive Gorilla Families
•
Immunological and immunogenetic factors in human reproductive failure:
a preliminary study of HLA similarity in a consanguineous population
•
MHC And Social Interactions In Captive Chimpanzees
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V. ASSESSMENT
5.1 Course Assessment
The course consists of two main components, coursework and a thesis.
A. Coursework
There are four parts.
1) Timed essays
In the Michaelmas Term the student will attend the Multidisciplinary Approaches
to Applied Biological Anthropology course as well as Comparative Genomics,
Human Disease Ecology, Growth and Nutrition, Statistics, Case studies in
Applied Biological Anthropology, and Data Handling in Biological Anthropology
courses. The three timed essays will be sat at the beginning of the Lent Term.
When marking the Timed essays, examiners will pay attention to the following:
•
•
•
•
Structure of argument
Quality of interpretation
Use of relevant literature
Style and presentation
2) Statistical Analysis and Interpretation
During the beginning of the Lent Term the students will undertake statistical
analysis and interpretation work under the supervision of Professor MascieTaylor. The quantitative exercise will be handed in to the Departmental Office by
26 February.
3) Laboratory Report
During the second half of the Lent Term the students will undertake laboratory
project under the supervision of Dr Knapp. The project report will be handed into
the Departmental Office on or before 12 March.
When marking the Statistical Analysis submission and Laboratory Report,
examiners will pay attention to the following:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Adherence to guidelines and instructions
Materials and methods clear, concise and reflect good experimental design
(Lab report)
Results clear, concise and well organised with appropriate presentation
(ie, tables, charts, diagrams, photos, etc)
Data analysed accurately and appropriately
Conclusions concise and consistent with scientific principles
Hypothesis clearly defined, testable and critically evaluated (Lab report)
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4) Oral Presentation
An oral presentation on the proposed dissertation topic will given in the last week
of the Lent Term.
Students will be notified whether they have passed the Course Component
approximately one week after the end of the Lent term (19 March). To proceed
to the thesis, the student must first pass the coursework, producing a mark of at
least 60 per cent on each part. In the case of failure, the student may be given
one chance to improve their work in order to pass, although this decision is at
the discretion of the MPhil Director. Informal feedback, on the performance in
the coursework will be given by the MPhil Director, or a student’s Supervisor.
B. Thesis
The MPhil thesis represents a significant contribution to knowledge on a
scientific topic through the acquisition and analysis of original data, or through
the critical analysis of a body of data. All theses are expected to include a review
of the relevant literature, quantitative analysis of data as appropriate, and
interpretation of results in the context of previous research on the subject. The
thesis should not exceed 20,000 words, excluding tables, figures, appendices and
references.
In marking the thesis, examiners will pay attention to the following:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
5.2
Identification of clear and sound objective;
Initiative and imagination in treatment of topic;
Ability to set the work in its substantive and theoretical context;
Ability to review critically appropriate literature;
Choice, development and criticism of appropriate modes of analysis;
Logical structure and argument, relevance and depth;
Clear appraisal of the outcome of research;
Quality of text and writing;
Quality and relevance of tables and figures.
Feedback
All submitted work will be evaluated by multiple internal examiners and the
External Examiner appointed by the Archaeology & Anthropology Faculty Degree
Committee. Students will receive informal feedback from the course coordinator
on the results of their statistical analysis submission and laboratory report. More
formal feedback will be provided for the timed essays and dissertation.
5.3
Marking & classing scheme
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In Applied Biological Anthropology a student’s final mark will be based on the
three timed essays (A-C), oral presentation (D), the quantitative exercise (E),
laboratory report (F) and the thesis (G). The final mark will be based on the
following:
Coursework Component = (A-D each count for 5%, E + F each count for 15%)
Total of coursework component = 50%
Thesis counts for 50%
The final classing of candidates is based on aggregate performance across all
components of assessment.
Candidates whose failure in the course component is more than marginal will
not normally be permitted to proceed further with the examination.
The MPhil is a pass or fail degree, but in the case of those wishing to continue to
the Ph.D., the Department uses the MPhil results as a guide to research potential.
Hence the distinction between Pass and High Pass, a distinction also recognised
by the Board of Graduate Studies. Students who achieve a final average mark of
all submitted work equal or above 68% allows them to apply to continue as a
graduate student of the Department. A High Pass does not guarantee acceptance
of Ph.D. candidates, which is conditional on the agreement of a potential
Supervisor among the Department’s staff and an approved research topic.
The course work is marked by at least two members of the Department and the
thesis is marked by one internal examiner and the external examiner. The
external examiner evaluates all borderline marks, all failures and distinctions and
is furnished with all scripts in all cases. A viva voce is held at the discretion of
the examiners. If a viva is called, students must be available on the date to be
specified. If required, the viva will include an oral examination on the thesis, the
general field of knowledge within which it falls, and, at the discretion of the
examiners, the other pieces of work submitted towards the degree. The oral
examination is carried out by an internal examiner and the external examiner.
Specific details about marking and classing will be provided in the
Michaelmas Term.
5.3 Warning on Plagiarism
Plagiarism is a serious academic violation that carries severe penalties.
Plagiarism has become a serious problem in academia, and the University has
responded to this problem by launching a plagiarism website to inform students
and examiners about the nature of the problem and how to deal with it.
According to the Cambridge website, plagiarism may be defined as the
unacknowledged use of the work of others as if this were your own original work.
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Plagiarism may be due to copying another person’s language or ideas as if they
are your own, or as collusion, i.e., where collaboration is concealed or expressly
forbidden in order to gain advantage.
It is strongly recommended that students understand what plagiarism is, and
how to avoid it so that there is no question as to the source of ideas and
information. It is advised that you visit the Board of Examination’s website on
plagiarism so that you understand how to properly conduct your research.
http://www.admin.cam.ac.uk/offices/exams/plagiarism
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VI.
Applied Biological Anthropology
SCHEDULE AND DEADLINES
The following table lays out the timetable of activities and requirements.
Regular Events: Wednesdays, during Full Term, Research Seminars.
Michaelmas Term:
Wednesday
General Introduction to Biological Anthropology by Head of
7 October
department and Graduate Tutor (Prof Robert Foley) 2-4pm at LCHESt
8 October
Scheduled lectures begin today
Academic Staff research presentations 2-4pm at LCHES
9 October
Post-doctoral staff & research student presentations 2-4pm at LCHES
Wednesday
Course Introduction with Prof Nick Mascie-Taylor & other course
14 October
instructors
21 October
Student Interests Statement. Two typed paragraphs with a brief
summary of educational background and interests in Applied
Biological Anthropology. Submission to the Department office,
Fitzwilliam Street, by 12 PM.
14 October –
Weekly attendance and participation in Multidisciplinary Approaches
18 November in Applied Biological Anthropology Course.
Lent Term:
12 January
Timed Essays
18 January
Submission of 500-word Research Project proposal (see 6.1) to the
Department Office, 12 PM.
1 February
Research Project Feasibility Report due to the Department office,
12PM
12 February
Formal thesis titles submitted by the Department to the Degree
Committee, Faculty of Archaeology & Anthropology, for approval.
Subsequent changes in thesis title need to be approved by the
Supervisor and requested in writing to the MPhil Director, in time to
be approved by the Degree Committee.
26 February
Submission of quantitative exercise to the Department office,
Fitzwilliam Street, 12 PM.
3 March
Research Project Progress Report due to Department office, 12PM
10 March
Oral Presentation
12 March
Submission of laboratory report to the Department office, Fitzwilliam
Street, 12 PM.
19 March
Feedback on coursework component with supervisor to discuss thesis.
Easter Term:
Beginning of
Thesis data analysis and results started
Term
End of May
First draft of thesis to Supervisor.
July
Final discussions with Supervisor. NB: This will be the final chance to
obtain feedback from your Supervisor.
30 July
Two copies of thesis due at the Department Office, Fitzwilliam Street,
12:00 PM.
Early October Results approved by the Faculty Degree Committee and the Board of
Graduate Studies.
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NB: Students are responsible for submitting work on time and on
schedule. Submission deadlines are final. Submission deadlines can only
be altered with strong supporting documentation from the Supervisor,
College Tutor or Medical practitioner. Submission in electronic form is not
acceptable and will not be considered to be submission by the deadline. If
deadlines are not met, severe penalties will be placed on late work, which
may include failure in the course and reduction of marks on submitted
work. Penalties and all other decisions are made by the MPhil Director and
are final.
6.1 Research Project Feasibility Report
Each student and his/her Supervisor should have decided on a project that can be
completed during a one-year M.Phil. The Feasibility Report is a brief (500
words) outline of your project. The Feasibility Report should contain a short
background to the project, a statement of your objectives and the programme for
research. The requirements for the research should be discussed; space,
equipment, animals, consumables, field facilities and finance, etc. Discussion of
how these issues will be sorted out should be provided. A general timetable,
including local arrangements for any work to be done away from Cambridge,
should be included. The main purpose of the Feasibility Report is to demonstrate
that you have looked into the problem and have planned a viable research
programme.
6.2 Research Project Progress Report
The Progress Report should include an introduction of aims and objectives of the
MPhil thesis, an outline of your achievements to date, a detailed timetable and
schedule for each element of future research, and a specific plan for the
completion of your dissertation. The Progress Report should be no more than
1,000 words in length.
Please remember that these exercises are for your benefit, so write the reports in
a manner that will help your future work and the production of your dissertation.
At the discretion of the MPhil Director, the Progress Report will be reviewed and
considered by other members of the Academic Staff.
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VII. INFORMATION ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT
7.1 The Department
The Department is housed on two sites. The Applied Biological Anthropology
MPhil is taught by staff in Pembroke Street. The other site in Fitzwilliam Street,
the Leverhulme Centre for Human Evolutionary Studies (LCHES) runs the other
MPhil course. Between the two sites there are a total of 10 academic staff and
about 31 PhD students.
To learn more about Departmental research programmes and the activities of
staff members, visit:
http://www.henge.cam.ac.uk/
http://www-prime.bioanth.cam.ac.uk/
http://www.human-evol.cam.ac.uk/
7.2 Academic, Research and Administrative Staff
Academic Staff in Pembroke Street
Professor C G Nicholas Mascie-Taylor, Professor of Human Population Biology
and Health, Fellow of Churchill College
Dr Leslie Knapp, Senior Lecturer in Primate Genetics, Fellow of Emmanuel
College
Academic Staff in the Leverhulme Centre for Human Evolutionary
Studies, Fitzwilliam Street
Prof Robert A. Foley, Head of Department, Professor of Human Evolution and
Director of the Leverhulme Centre for Human Evolutionary Studies (LCHES),
Fellow of King’s College
Dr Marta Mirazón Lahr, Reader in Human Evolutionary Biology and Director of
the Duckworth Laboratory, Fellow of Clare College
Dr Jay T. Stock, Lecturer in Human Evolution and Development, Fellow of
Downing College
Professor William C. McGrew, Professor of Evolutionary Primatology, Fellow of
Corpus Christi College
Dr Toomas Kivisild, Lecturer in Human Evolutionary Genetics
Dr Maru Mormina, RCUK Fellow in Palaeogenetics
Dr Mercedes M. Okumura, Curator of the Duckworth Laboratory
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Dr Lucio Vinicius, Associated Lecturer and Leverhulme Fellow
Technical Staff in the Leverhulme Centre for Human Evolutionary
Studies, Fitzwilliam Street
Ms Maggie Bellatti, Technical Staff
Mr Fabio Lahr, Computer Researcher and IT Support
The Department has a friendly research environment. Once here you will have
the opportunity to converse and share your ideas with other students and staff.
The Department’s academic staff and students often go to a pub after the weekly
seminars, which is a good chance to meet speakers and discuss ideas.
7.3 Some Practical Information
E-mail
The Department conducts an increasing amount of its correspondence by
electronic mail, so make sure you check your e-mail regularly, as this is one way
that we will contact you. The Department also puts all our students’ e-mail
addresses on the graduate students list, which we use for disseminating general
information. The MPhil Director, on occasion, will contact MPhil students
concerning critical information. Students will also likely interact with their
Supervisors through email, though this should be communicated with each
individual Supervisor as preferences vary. Emails to Supervisors must be kept to
a minimum as the inboxes of Academic Staff are usually overloaded. In general,
it is good policy to keep emails to a minimum, only sending important
information to others. While email is an efficient mode of communication, this
privilege can also be abused. If inappropriate information is disseminated by
individuals, they will be contacted by Department or University authorities.
Pigeonholes
Should a staff member request that you leave hard copies of any written material,
it should be brought to the Receptionist in LCHES on Fitzwilliam Street for
delivery. Otherwise, if requested by the staff member, students may leave
material at the Office in Pembroke Street, Room 37.
Queries about the MPhil Programme:
Leverhulme Centre for Human Evolutionary Studies, Henry Wellcome Building,
Fitzwilliam Street, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 1QH, UK
Tel: +44(0)1223 764711 / FAX: +44(0)1223 764710
Email: education.secretary@bioanth.cam.ac.uk
Department of Biological Anthropology
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Master of Philosophy
Applied Biological Anthropology
VIII. OTHER USEFUL WEB SITES
Department of Biological Anthropology:
http://www.bioanth.cam.ac.uk/
The Department of Biological Anthropology is thriving, and highly
interdisciplinary. Its academic staff carry out research in a wide range of areas,
from animal behaviour, to primate and human genetics, to human population
biology and ecology.
Faculty of Archaeology & Anthropology:
http://www.archanth.cam.ac.uk/
The Faculty's teaching and research facilities are outstanding, and the breadth of
our teaching and research global. The departments regularly welcome colleagues
and scholars from all around the world, and the teaching and research
atmosphere is truly international with regular lectures and seminars presented by
distinguished researchers from every part of the globe.
The Haddon Library:
http://haddon.archanth.cam.ac.uk/
The Haddon Library is a major source of anthropological material. It has a
voluminous collection of anthropological books and it houses many periodicals
that are not found on-line.
Department of Biological Anthropology
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