Evolution & Human Health JanTerm 2014 George M. Diggs, Jr. Department of Biology and Center for Environmental Studies Austin College, Sherman, Texas & Research Associate, Botanical Research Institute of Texas (BRIT)

To Contact Dr. Diggs:

Austin College Phone: (903) 813-2246, Home Phone (903) 868-1642
Office: 317 Moody Science
Mailing Address: Department of Biology, Austin College, Sherman, TX 75090
AC Suite 61564
e-mail: gdiggs@austincollege.edu
Home page: http://artemis.austincollege.edu/acad/bio/gdiggs/diggs.html
Office Hours: During JanTerm, office hours are by appointment.

Evolution & Human Health -- Course Synopsis

Humans evolved under very different conditions than those faced by people living today. The modern environment includes unlimited quantities of industrially prepared foods, exposure to toxins and pollution, radically different lifestyles, high levels of stress, the widespread use of antibiotics, and a separation from nature.  As a result of these and other changes, many diseases and health problems are dramatically more common now than in our hunter-gatherer ancestors.  Obesity, diabetes, heart disease, cancer, near-sightedness, asthma, and allergies are just a few examples of these “Diseases of Civilization.”  We will focus on how the modern environment is affecting us and and consider how we can match our lifestyles, particularly our diets, with our “hunter-gatherer genes.”  We will also examine implications of current human behaviors on the future of our species. A number of laboratory sessions are planned including several outdoor labs.

For further information about this course, please contact:

Dr. George Diggs, Professor Department of Biology Austin College 900 N. Grand Ave. Sherman, TX 75090 903-813-2246 Fax: 903-813-3199 gdiggs@austincollege.edu

All text and images on this page copyright 2014, George M. Diggs, Jr.