Module ANTH1091: Human Evolution and Diversity

Department: Anthropology

ANTH1091: Human Evolution and Diversity

Prerequisites

• None.

Corequisites

• None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None.

Aims

• To introduce students to human evolution and diversity (both biological and cultural).
• To introduce students to the field of evolutionary/biological anthropology (both for students continuing anthropology in later years and taking this module as a one-off).

Content

• Introductory evolutionary theory and genetics
• Human variation and adaptation to diverse environments
• Introduction to human evolution and the hominin fossil record
• Introduction to non-human primate evolution and diversity
• Application of evolutionary approaches to contemporary human behaviour.

Learning Outcomes

• the basic principles and mechanisms of evolution and genetics
• the different ways in which humans adapt to their environments and the interplay between physiological, developmental, genetic, behavioural and cultural adaptations.
• how humans evolved and their place within primate and hominin phylogenies
• diversity in modern non-human primates
• how evolutionary principles can be used to understand contemporary human behaviour and culture

• locate relevant material, both electronic and other, which will further understanding of key concepts in evolutionary/biological anthropology
• read texts with a basic understanding of the purposes of evolutionary/biological anthropological research
• familiarity with basic techniques used in the study of primate, hominin and human skeletal material
• identify non-human primate species
• be able to identify the main bones in the human and non-human primate skeleton
• employ basic experimental methods in the evolutionary study of human behaviour and culture

• Competence in lab work
• Working in small groups
• Critical analysis of arguments
• Time management

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

• Lectures will provide students with the factual knowledge they require to understand key issues in evolutionary/biological anthropology at an introductory level
• Practicals will provide 'hands on' experience of methods and concepts used in evolutionary/biological anthropology relating to the subject-specific skills.
• The exam will test understanding of key theories, concepts and methods.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

1.5 hour online formative test

■ 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