LSC-30030: Human Evolution

School of Life Sciences

LSC-30030

Human Evolution

Co-ordinator:

Dr Janet Hoole Tel:33640

Teaching Team:

Mrs Janet Norton, Mrs Deborah Goodall, Dr Mirna Maarabouni, Mrs Linda Flynn, Mrs Susan Andrews, Dr Tracy Lovatt

Lecture Time:

See Timetable...

Level:

3

Credits:

15

150

School Office:

Tel: 01782 734414

Programme/Approved Electives for

Biology Major (Level 3)
Biology Minor (Level 3)
Human Biology Minor (Level 3)

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Successful completion of level 2 of the programme

Barred Combinations

None

Description

This module will look at the current evidence for the descent of man, from Hominins to Homo sapiens, and will explore early hominid ecology, the evolution of bipedalism, increased brain size and appearance of opposable thumbs. The fossil evidence from the African Rift Valley will be assessed and species from Australopithecines to Homo discussed. In addition the cultural evolution of Hominids, including the 'out of Africa' theory, early social evolution and the archeological evidence of tools, cave paintings and early agriculture will be critically evaluated, and molecular evidence and the techniques used to harvest it will be examined. There will be consideration of the evolution of speech and writing as the beginning of information transfer across generations. Although some of the content will be delivered by lectures, students will be expected to carry out research into some aspects of the module and to contribute during both lectures and tutorials. Students will have the opportunity to be involved in a workshop on making stone tools similar to those used by early hominin species.

To provide a detailed understanding of human evolution.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Describe and provide current evidence (from both primary and review sources) for the origin of Hominids, will be achieved by assessments: 1,2
Describe man&©s early cultural and social evolution and critically evaluate the relevant evidence from both primary and review sources, as found in tools, cave paintings and early agriculture will be achieved by assessments: 1,2
Understand and provide evidence for the genetic origins of the modern human species and its geographic variation. will be achieved by assessments: 1,2
Appreciate the limits of current knowledge concerning the origin of humans and use this knowledge to form appropriate arguments will be achieved by assessments: 1,2
Explain and provide evidence for the arguments in favour of the possible migration routes of Homo species out of Africa to Europe, Asia and North and South America and Australasia. will be achieved by assessments: 1,2

Lectures 18
Tutorials 8
Essay preparation and writing 20
Self-study 102
Examination 2

Description of Module Assessment

001: Essay weighted 25%

2500 word essay

002: 2 Hour Exam weighted 75%

2 hour examination, answer 2 questions from 5

Version: (1.06B) Updated: 03/Mar/2013

This document is the definitive current source of information about this module and supersedes any other information.