This module is not currently running in 2022 to 2023.
The skeletons of living primates are adapted to the functional requirements of locomotor and manipulative behaviours that allow them to successfully navigate their environments. Similarly, the behaviour of extinct primates, including fossil human ancestors, can be reconstructed through comparisons to living species in concert with the biomechanical principles influencing skeletal morphology. In this module, students will learn detailed aspects of bone biology that relate to function and participate in a comparative analysis of skeletal morphology among major primate clades. This knowledge will then be applied to assessments of skeletal functional morphology in fossil human ancestors relating to both locomotion and manipulative behaviours. Module material will be reinforced through a project report interpreting a 'mystery' fossil and an in-class practical exam.
Total contact hours: 24
Private study hours: 126
Total study hours: 150
MSc Biological Anthropology
Project report (4000 words) - 80%
Seminar leadership (once) - 20%
Reassessment methods: 100% coursework
Reading list (Indicative list, current at time of publication. Reading lists will be published annually)
Aiello, L and Dean, C (1990) An Introduction to Human Evolutionary Anatomy. Academic Press, pp.596.
Biewener AA (1989) Scaling body support in mammals: limb posture and muscle mechanics. Science 245: 45-48.
Curry, J (1984) The Mechanical Adaptations of Bone. Princeton University Press, pp. 294
Jungers WL, Grabowski M, Hatala KG, Richmond BG (2016) The evolution of body size and shape in the human career. Phil Trans R Soc B 371:20150247.
Marzke MW (1997) Precision grips, hand morphology, and tools. Am J Phys Anthropol 102: 91-110.
Ward CV (2002) Interpreting the posture and locomotion of Australopithecus afarensis: Where do we stand? Yrbk Phys Anthropol. 45: 185-215.
The intended subject specific learning outcomes. On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
8.1 Demonstrate an advanced understanding of bone biology and physiology as it relates to function.
8.2 Demonstrate an advanced understanding of the biomechanical principles that influence skeletal morphology.
8.3 Demonstrate an advanced ability to summarise major anatomical differences between skeletons of different primate clades.
8.4 Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of how anatomists reconstruct locomotor and manipulative behaviour from the skeleton.
8.5 Demonstrate an advanced ability to critically evaluate scientific papers and contribute to academic discussions and debates.
The intended generic learning outcomes. On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
9.1 Demonstrate advanced critical reasoning and writing skills.
9.2 Demonstrate advanced presentation skills.
9.3 Demonstrate advanced interpersonal skills such as the ability to discuss critically and debate topics with peers
9.4 Demonstrate advanced learning and study skills as a result of independent scholarly research into particular topics.
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