The unique educational opportunities available to undergraduate students at Duke are unparalleled. Students are often found out in the natural habitat enclosures trailing their study subjects or in a laboratory setting discovering secrets long-held by these endangered species. Below is a listing of just a few of the courses currently offered through Duke’s Evolutionary Anthropology and Biology Departments that partner with the DLC:
EVANTH 344L – Primate Field Biology
Survey of field methods used to document primate behavior; development of research project; data analysis and writing of formal research articles. Laboratory includes observations of free-ranging and captive primates at the Duke Lemur Center. Students work outside and need a current TB test. Transportation is provided.
EVANTH 393 – Research Independent Study
Individual research under the supervision of a faculty member resulting in a substantive paper or written report. Projects typically include background research, formulation of hypotheses and predictions, data collection, data analysis and interpretation of results. Area of study must be connected to discipline of Evolutionary Anthropology. Open to qualified students, who, before being given permission to register, must submit to the faculty advisor a written proposal outlining the area of study and listing the goals and meeting schedule. Consent of instructor and director of undergraduate studies required.
EVANTH 495S – Advanced Research in EvAnth
Advanced research in Evolutionary Anthropology topic, typically leading to Graduation with Distinction. Course includes a one-hour weekly seminar on topics such as hypothesis testing, writing proposals, research design, data analysis with a strong emphasis on writing. Students will complete the introduction (literature review) and methods of their thesis along with a tentative results. Students are also expected to work with a faculty mentor conducting original research equivalent to a research independent study. Instructor consent required.
EVANTH 544L – Methods in Primate Field Ecology
200+-level course in behavior or ecology. Primate taxa as ecologically adaptive radiations. Survey of field methods used in the study of primate ecology, including the habitat assessment, mapping, and behavioral observations using computer technology. Laboratory includes observations of primates at the Duke Lemur Center.
Click here for more information on student research funding opportunities!
