Anthropology investigates human evolution from the angle of evolutionary biology. Two main fields are covered at the University of Zurich. Evolutionary behavioral sciences looks into the development and tradition of behavioral characteristics in humans and their closest relatives in both laboratory and field studies and also employs theoretical sociobiological models. Paleoanthropology addresses the physical fundamentals and functional morphology aspects of human evolution and especially the fossil record of the hominids and the non-human primates.

MASTER'S DEGREE COURSE

The Master’s program in anthropology comprises lectures and block courses on phylogeny, morphology, the behavior and genetics of humans and other primates and the mathematical modeling of these, plus the history of anthropology. Students can combine these modules with a broad range of courses from other Master's programs, including human biology, systematics and evolution, behavioral sciences, paleontology and genetics.

GUIDELINES

Specifications for planning the Master’s program:
Students wishing to take this Master’s program should discuss their choice of course and lecture modules and, where appropriate, research project modules, with the supervisor of their Master’s thesis and submit their proposed learning agreement, in writing, to the Master’s coordinator for approval, enclosing a declaration of consent from their supervisor.

Compulsory module: BIO 217 Advanced Topics in Biological Anthropology (2 ECTS)

Master’s thesis in Anthropology: Module BIO 508.

RESEARCH GROUPS

• Prof. Dr. Michael Krützen
• Prof. Dr. Andrea Migliano
• Prof. Dr. Hans Konrad Schmutz
• Prof. Dr. Christoph Zollikofer
• Prof. Dr. Judith Burkhart
• Dr. Kathelijne Koops
• Dr. Marcia Ponce de León
• Dr. Lucio Vinicius
• Dr. Tony Weingrill
• Dr. Erik Willems

ADVANCED STUDIES COURSE OFFERINGS IN ANTHROPOLOGY

The module BIO338 Introduction to Scientific Writing (0 ECTS, one day in September or February) is mandatory for all Biology Master’s students. The module should be taken before writing the Master’s Thesis.

Current list of courses: see the Guide to the Biology Curriculum