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Undergraduate Programs
Explore the programs offered by this organization.
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The Program in Human Biology is a dynamic, interdisciplinary undergraduate program that approaches the study of human beings through a holistic integration of biological, behavioral, social, and cultural perspectives.
By connecting scientific discovery with social inquiry, the program teaches students to analyze how human biology and behavior intersect with complex societal and environmental challenges. Our students develop a multifaceted understanding of humanity, learning to apply their knowledge to formulate and evaluate health, environmental, and other policies and practices that directly influence human welfare.
The Program in Human Biology offers robust, highly customizable academic pathways designed to build a strong foundation in the sciences while allowing students to design their own educational journeys:
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and Bachelor of Science (B.S.): Established on a sequence of common core courses that deliver a comprehensive and rigorous introduction to the biological and behavioral sciences. Beyond this foundational core, each student drafts an individualized course of study, selecting courses from across the university to reflect their unique academic interests.
Human Biology Minor: Providing students who major in other disciplines with a structured, integrated understanding of biological and behavioral sciences and their interrelationships.
Honors Program: Offering qualified undergraduate students the opportunity to conduct advanced, independent research and complete a scholarly honors thesis.
Human Biology at Stanford bridges classroom learning with hands-on research, policy analysis, and professional development through dedicated program initiatives:
Research Exploration (HB-REX): Supporting and promoting undergraduate research opportunities, enabling students to engage directly in scientific and behavioral inquiry.The Human Biology Research Exploration (HB-REX) program is an opportunity for declared Human Biology majors to work in research groups with experienced mentors, during the summer following their sophomore year. This work often builds towards an Honors thesis.
Capstones Opportunities: The Capstone is a summative part of the Human Biology major, which aims to meet the individual needs of our students and provide a space for both reflecting on the undergraduate journey and preparing for the future. Many build their Capstone experience on research, service learning or other work they’ve pursued during their time as undergraduates, allowing them to explore their academic interests more deeply.
Instructional Support: The HumBio Core instructional team supports students beginning in the sophomore-year through faculty office hours, CTL tutoring, and year-round Course Associate (CA) support. Students can later contribute to this community by serving as Undergraduate Teaching Aides. From the HumBio Core in sophomore year through graduation, HumBio majors are supported by engaged faculty and an ethos of student-centered instruction. Full time Course Associates guide students through the Core, and undergraduate Teaching Aides provide extra student support in many advanced courses.
Advising Team: The HumBio advising team brings together peer student advisors and HumBio staff to help students craft an individualized course of study and navigate degree requirements. The team also fosters connections with faculty and peers through community events.
Alumni Mentoring: The HumBio alumni network connects students with diverse and accomplished graduates through year-round networking opportunities and career mentoring workshops. These experiences help students explore career paths and build relationships beyond the classroom.
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