Humans are a very peculiar species of ape. In the last six million years, our evolutionary journey has taken us from a chimpanzee-like ancestor to the last survivor of a diverse lineage, once confined to Africa and now spread across the globe. This module focuses on the scientific study of that journey, from the origins of our ape ancestors, through the diversity of existing species collectively known as the hominins, to the emergence of our own species, expanding upon material covered in ANTB6250 Homo sapiens. In this module, we will examine the evidence and methods used to reconstruct the biology and behaviour of our extinct ancestors – and their evolutionary cousins – while exploring in detail the appearance of those characteristics that define us as a species – habitual bipedalism, hairlessness, large brains, complex behaviour, strong cooperative bonds. By its end, students will be familiar with the fossil record and key discoveries, have developed strong paleoanthropological laboratory skills, and acquired an advanced knowledge of human evolution. Such understanding is core to the disciplines of anthropology and human biology, whilst the informed perspective is relevant for fields such as medicine, healthcare, sports science and psychology.
Compulsory for:
BSc Anthropology
BSc Anthropology with a Year Abroad/Year in Professional Practice
Optional for:
BSc Human Biology and Behaviour
BSc Human Biology and Behaviour with a Year Abroad/Year in Professional Practice
Poster 30%
Poster Presentation 20%
Lab work 50% *This element is pass compulsory and must be passed to achieve the learning outcomes of the module*
Reassessment: Like for like
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The most up to date reading list for each module can be found on the university's reading list pages.
1. Competently assess evidence and articulate theories concerning the biological evolution of humans
2. Critically evaluate arguments and data in the field of palaeoanthropology
3. Summarise and compare the key stages in the pattern of human anatomical and behavioural evolution
4. Identify and describe how palaeoanthropologists reconstruct hominin behaviour
5. Critically evaluate scientific papers in palaeoanthropology
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