Module HUSS2301: EVOLUTIONARY ISSUES

Department: Anthropology (Human Sciences) [Queen's Campus, Stockton]

HUSS2301: EVOLUTIONARY ISSUES

Prerequisites

• None.

Corequisites

• None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None.

Aims

• To provide an understanding of principles of genetic inheritance, and aspects of human and primate cognition.
• To extend students’ knowledge of the evolution of modern human populations and develop their understanding of the techniques for reconstructing the biology, demography and behaviour of ancestral populations
• To extend students' understanding of humans as primates and the evolution of primate societies.
• To build on knowledge introduced in the first year modules Biological and Social Origins and Human Diversity and prepare students for Level 3 modules requiring an evolutionary perspective.

Content

• The genetic mechanisms for evolution, focusing on transcription and translation, genetic diseases and modes of inheritance.
• The evolution of human mental capacities, complex symbolic language and cultural behaviour. Important issues here include intelligence, communication, hierarchy and gender.
• Evidence used to study the evolution, biology and behaviour of modern human populations
• Primate behaviour and ecology, and current Darwinian theories about the evolution of primate societies

Learning Outcomes

• Understanding of evolutionary principles
• Knowledge of the modes of inheritance and basic structure and function of DNA
• Familiarity with various methods for the study of symbol use and thought processes
• Understanding of methods used to study the evolution, biology and behaviour of modern human populations.
• Familiarity with the diversity of primate social and mating systems
• Critical understanding of theories used by primatologists and anthropologists to understand primate socio-ecology

• Critically analyse and evaluate written and audiovisual scientific information
• Collect and interpret quantitative data from the human skeleton.
• Collect and interpret behavioural data.

• Analyse and interpret quantitative data.
• Problem solving
• Critical thinking
• Extract and integrate key concepts from primary research material
• Produce a coherent practical report

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• Lectures: cover subject-specific knowledge
• Seminars / Practicals / Classes: cover subject-specific knowledge and skills and develop key skills
• Field trip or equivalent activity: develop key skills
• Examination / Coursework: assess subject-specific knowledge, skills and key skills

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Practical exercises corrected in class Zoo research project plans submitted and returned with comments

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University