Module HUSS2331: Evolutionary Issues 2: Molecules and Morphology

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

HUSS2331: Evolutionary Issues 2: Molecules and Morphology

Prerequisites

• Biological and Social Origins, Human Diversity

Corequisites

• None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None.

Aims

• To extend students understanding of natural selection, sexual selection and kin selection.
• To provide an understanding of principles of genetic inheritance.
• To extend students’ knowledge of the evolution of modern human populations.
• To provide an understanding of the techniques for reconstructing the biology, demography and behaviour of ancestral populations, including fossil hominins.
• To build on knowledge introduced in the first year modules Biological and Social Origins and Human Diversity
• To prepare students for Level 3 modules requiring an evolutionary perspective.

Content

• Natural selection, sexual selection and kin selection.
• The genetic mechanisms for evolution, focusing on the structure of DNA, translation and transcription, DNA analysis and population genetics.
• Evidence used to study the evolution, biology and behaviour of modern human populations.
• Introduction to forensic anthropological methods.

Learning Outcomes

• An advanced understanding of evolutionary principles.
• Knowledge of the modes of inheritance and basic structure and function of DNA
• Understanding of methods used to study the evolution, biology and behaviour of modern human populations.
• A thorough knowledge of human skeletal anatomy

• Critically analyse and evaluate written and audiovisual scientific information.
• Ability to translate a DNA sequence into a protein
• Understand the main anthropological questions that can be addressed by applying various genetic techniques
• Identify the kind of genetic analysis required to answer specific historical, evolutionary or disease related questions
• Collect and interpret quantitative data from the human skeleton.
• Identify the main bones in the human skeleton.
• Implement ageing and sexing criteria to the study of bones
• To understand the main anthropological questions that can be addressed from the study of the human skeleton.

• Critical thinking.
• Ability to extract and integrate key concepts from primary research material.
• Written communication of difficult concepts.
• Capacity to write clearly and concisely under time constraints.
• Proficiency in identifying key material in the scientific literature.

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.
• Examination / Coursework assesses subject-specific knowledge, skills and key skills
• Summative assessment comprises an examination, written critique and essay.
• Formative assessed will involve a short critique written in class and an essay plan.
• The module will have its own DUO site which will ensure that students have access at all times to the course information they require.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Formative class test (practical steeplechase). Essay plan.

■ 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