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, Ms Julie  Beard, Mrs Lisa  Smith, Mrs Linda  Flynn, Dr Mark  Skidmore, Mrs Susan  Andrews, Dr Tracy  Lovatt  
Lecture Time: See Timetable...  
Level: 3 Credits: 15 Study Hours: 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
Prerequisites
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.
Aims
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
Study hours
Lectures 18
Tutorials 8
Essay preparation and writing 20
Self-study 102
Examination 2
Description of Module Assessment
01: Essay weighted 30%
3000 word literature review
The student will submit a critical review of the literature with three 1000 word sections, each section relating to one aspect of the module, each worth 10% of the module mark. The literature review will be submitted and marked as one piece of work on a date close to the end of the teaching period.
02: 2 Hour Exam weighted 70%
2 hour examination, answer 2 questions from 5
Version: (1.06B) Updated: 03/Oct/2013

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