Human Biology Lecture Notes

Overview of Human Biology

• Study of human organism evolution, genetics, ecology, anatomy, physiology, development, anthropology, nutrition.
• Important for medicine, healthcare (physicians, therapists, pharmacists, dentists, optometrists), and research.

Biology vs Human Biology

• Biology: Study of all living organisms (biochemistry, microbiology, ecology). Encompasses life at cells, tissues, organs, systems level in plants, animals, bacteria.
• Human Biology: Focuses on human-specific questions about existence, function, environmental role.

Careers in Human Biology

Research

• Fundamental and applied research.
• Careers: Research Assistant, Laboratory Technician, Clinical Researcher, Project Manager, Biostatistician.

Health Care

• Medical school, public health.
• Careers: Dentist, Health Communications Specialist, Physician, Program Manager, Public Health Analyst.

Forensic Science

• Work with law enforcement to solve crimes.
• Careers: Forensic Scientist, Forensic Technician, Polygraph Examiner.

Public Policy

• Science advising for legislation/regulations on healthcare, research, environment.
• Careers: Epidemiologist, Legislative Analyst, Policy Analyst.

Biotechnology

• Develop/improve products in agriculture, food, medicine.
• Careers: Business Development Manager, Field Application Scientist, Product Manager.

Business and Industry

• Work in product development, testing, marketing, sales with drug/science companies.
• Careers: Pharmaceutical Sales Rep, Medical Device Sales Rep, Business Analyst.

Education

• Teaching in various settings, creating teaching materials.
• Careers: Biology Professor, Biology Teacher, Educational Program Manager.

Communications/Writer

• Writing in science communication, hospital communications.
• Careers: Grant Writer, Technical Writer, Public Relations.

Salary Information

• Various salaries for different roles like Cardiologist ($432,490), Dentist ($196,100), Dietitian ($74,770), Forensic Technician ($75,260), etc.

Future of Human Biology

• Bright job prospects in high-growth areas.
• Growth and rankings for jobs like Physician Assistant, Epidemiologist, Veterinarian, etc.
• Starting roles in technician positions; potential for advancement with experience or further education.

Skills Required for Human Biologists

Investigative Skills

• Data gathering, problem identification, risk assessment.

Research/Quantitative Skills

• Problem definition, experiment design, statistical analysis.

Analytical Skills

• Logical reasoning, data categorization, idea organization.

Communication Skills

• Effective communication of research findings.

Additional Skills for Medical Professionals

• Acceptance, empathy, emotional intelligence, teamwork.

Human Biology Curriculum

• Courses in basic sciences (biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics).
• Advanced study in anatomy, physiology, genetics, nutrition, ecology.
• Electives in microbiology, cancer biology, molecular diagnostics, etc.

Augmenting Studies

• Job Shadowing: Professional observation.
• Direct Patient Care: Hands-on experience in clinical settings.
• Research Opportunities: Participate in extensive research projects.

Human Biology at Michigan Tech

Undergraduate Research Opportunities

• Participate in hands-on research projects with options for funding.
• Programs: Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF), Undergraduate Research Internship Program.

Real-World Experience

• H-STEM Enterprise Team: Interdisciplinary projects.
• Shadowing: Observing health professionals.
• Emergency Medical Service (EMS): Volunteer EMT experience.

Preparing for Graduate Study

• Prepares students for advanced studies or pre-professional health programs.
• Pathways to MS, PhD, or professional degrees in biological sciences or related fields.