Physical anthropology is sometimes considered a "hard" science like biology and chemistry. Course descriptions usually identify topics in biology and geology, as well as animal science and geography.
Cultural anthropology explores the different manifestations of culture in human social groups. Course descriptions include language related to gender, religion, work and play, the healing arts, and family.
Anthropology laboratory courses provide hands-on activities to train students in the practical aspects of the discipline. Course descriptions often refer to "field research" and "methods."
Quantitative methods courses help students to use applied mathematics and statistics to analyze research data. Many course descriptions will identify prerequisite coursework in college algebra.
Special topics in anthropology include courses offered infrequently; the course content often reflects someone's special research. Most course descriptions for special topics courses are necessarily vague.