Human Biology

All of our HumBio courses are continuing to be taught remotely. The Program in Human Biology team continues to operate in a virtual format and is available via email, phone, and social media.

Health and safety updates will be posted to Stanford University's health alerts page as they unfold.

Academic Year 2020 - 2021

Student Resources Faculty Resources HumBio Community About HumBio

HumBio Opportunities

Human Biology offers an interdisciplinary approach to understanding human beings from biological, behavioral, social, and cultural perspectives.

WATCH THE HUMBIO OPPORTUNITIES VIDEO

Science Communication

Because Human Biology is an interdisciplinary program with an emphasis on both empirical inquiry and applied knowledge, excellent communication skills are critical to majors.

Data Literacy

Data in the social and biological sciences are used to make observations and judgments regarding patterns of human behavior and function. These data are sometimes imperfect or incomplete, but are used nevertheless to make decisions and policies.

Scientific Literacy

Human Biology students learn to critically evaluate evidence in support of claims and write for a range of audiences, from peer-reviewed research journals to more popular science journalism.

Capstone

The Human Biology Capstone gives students a chance to reflect upon their undergraduate career alongside their broader interests and values.

Director's Message

Dear HumBio Students, Faculty, and Friends,

As we settle into summer and I reflect on this past year and a half, there are so many mixed emotions. There is a feeling of overwhelming grief for the lives lost and disrupted due to the pandemic and for the many other losses experienced by our students, who weren’t able to learn in person, be together on campus, or celebrate major milestones with friends and loved ones for such an extended period.

There is also a strong feeling of pride that we - working together as a community - made it through! Our students worked incredibly hard: engaging with their classes and doing research remotely. Our instructors also worked really hard: to build interesting online classes, to create classroom communities, and to keep students feeling valued throughout. And of course our staff worked tirelessly: to keep our courses running smoothly, to keep our students on track with regard to degree progress and declaration, and to build meaningful celebratory events, as well as really fun online get-togethers, for our students. Finally, our alumni have showed up - by connecting with students to provide job opportunities and advice and by attending our various online events, showing their support for and connectedness to this terrific program. To each and every one of you, I say, wow! Extraordinary efforts were expended to meet this time. Thank you!

There is also an overwhelming feeling of relief that, at least at Stanford, we are beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Plans for what sounds like a return to some form of normalcy are underway, with discussions of students on campus and in-person instruction in the fall. I almost can't let myself believe it somehow, but all signs point in that direction!

I look forward to so many things in the autumn: seeing students in real life :), working with the HumBio team in Building 20, teaching in a classroom and not my dining room...I am so ready to continue on our mission of providing extraordinary education to extraordinary students back on our beautiful Stanford campus, together.

All my best, Lianne