Anthropology

Anthropology is an integral scientific discipline, the Science of Man, studying mankind from its origins until the present. In contrast to scientific disciplines which specially focus on a detailed study of particular areas of human life, anthropology concentrates primarily on the usually ignored connections between biological, social and cultural aspects of human nature. Anthropology regards these bio-socio-cultural interactions as the core for the unique human evolution, as the substance of groundbreaking turns in history and also as a chance for our kind to survive in the future. Anthropology studies the origins and mechanisms of the variations of human biological, social and cultural forms and their relationships in the process of adaptation of Man to the changing environment. The mission of the study program of Anthropology is to prepare highly qualified specialists in the field of integral anthropology, adhering to the above stated concepts.

“Nature through culture.”

The study program is suitable for students driven to searching for the essence of Man; students with a wide perspective, with versatile abilities and dedication to intensive study. During the three-year Bachelor's program students are educated in the main anthropological concepts, they acquaint themselves in great detail with the structure and functions of the human body and obtain insight and understanding of the mankind’s socio-cultural evolution from the prehistory until the modern era. Students also gain proficiency in standard methods in the sub-fields of biological anthropology and archeology and in basic procedures of elaboration and presentation of results. Anthropology is a global discipline, therefore one of the goals of the study program is to make the students acquainted with English terminology basics. Some lectures in selected courses are presented in English. Practical training forms an integral part of the studies allowing students to acquire experience in realistic work-duty conditions at potential employers’ facilities. Students apply the acquired theoretical and practical skills in the preparation of their Bachelor's theses to wrap up their studies.

Students of this program should gain orientation in the topics of anthropology, acquire extensive systematic knowledge of human biology, society and culture and learn to apply it to completing anthropological assignments. Theoretical and practical knowledge obtained within the Bachelor's study program represents the foundation for the follow-up in the Master's degree program in Anthropology.

Practical training

Practical training is an obligatory part of the curriculum in the extent of six weeks during this Bachelor's study program - commonly two weeks per academic year. After completing (and/or being in the process of completing) their practical training assignments, students enroll in a mandatory course Bi6502 On-site Training during the spring semester in the 3rd year of their studies for which they receive credits.

Practical training tuition is centered on archeological excavations of skeletal burial grounds provided by the Department of Anthropology. There, under expert supervision, students acquire hands-on experience of the entire scientific research procedure – a preliminary prospection and localization of the site, excavations of skeletal remains and artifacts, their written, measured and photographic documentations, reconstruction and analysis of the uncovered remnants, interpretation of results and finally formulation of conclusions in the final report. The final stages of the procedure are performed in the laboratory. The Bachelor's program students are primarily trained in basic on-site techniques of burial site (grave) preparation and schematic drawing documentation. At least one week of this on-site training is obligatory during their Bachelor's studies. The remaining practical training can be carried out at other selected workplaces (archeological institutions, scientific departments, museums, hospitals, Police of the Czech Republic departments, etc.) where anthropology-oriented activities take place. Such practical training allows students to establish professional contacts with potential employers. The relevance of the practical training to student's study program is assessed by a guarantor. The certification of completion for the practical training (Bi6502 On-site Training) with a credit value is based on the consensus of the subject teacher and the head of the research (and/or of the organization where the practical training took place).

Further information

Web pages of the Department of Anthropology:

http://www.sci.muni.cz/anthrop/

Web pages of the the Laboratory of Morphology and Forensic Anthropology:

http://www.sci.muni.cz/lamorfa

The graduates of Anthropology Bachelor's study program at the Faculty of Science can find employment as staff with expertise in anatomy, human biology and anthropology, especially at biology- and medicine-centered academic institutions, in museums and archeological institutions. Graduates can offer their potential future employers the following: detailed and extensive knowledge of the human body structures and their complex organization, a vast socio-cultural perspective and experience with experimental data evaluation. The educational process at the Faculty of Science MU in the Anthropology program introduces a vast range of situations and prepares students to face the possibility of uncommon tasks, which require searching for new solutions. The major part of graduates is expected to follow their studies in the Master's study program where they will extend their knowledge in synthesizing courses and expand their practical skills by gaining proficiency in additional special methods.

The part of admission process is a written test, which includes a Learning Potential Test and a Special Test of Biology with Basics of History and Social Sciences. Can be used any TSP done on every faculty of MU. (Czech only)

Criteria for evaluation

Results of the Learning Potential Test and of the Special Test of Biology with Basics of History and Social Sciences

Recommended literature

The knowledge required to pass the Learning Potential Test is not obtained by studying specific information sources. Examples of previous years' tests can be found on http://www.muni.cz/study/admission/tsp For succesful passing of the special test is enough to have knowledges of grammar school curriculum of the subject.

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Minimum score and numbers of accepted applicants in past years

After completing the Bachelor’s study program, students can follow their studies in any Master’s study program (the students must comply with admission criteria of the particular program). There is a direct follow-up Master’s study program in Anthropology.