The place of humans among the primates, the mechanisms of evolution, and the evolution of humans and other primates. The main part of the course details the fossil record of the evolution of the human line since its separation from other primates.

Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to:

1. Identify important fossils relevant to the study of human evolution.
2. Understand the principles of biological evolution.
3. Understand what is meant by the concept of species, and how these may be recognised in the fossil record.
4. Compare different fossils with one another, and draw phylogenetic inferences.
5. Understand the principles of geological dating and environmental reconstruction.

1. A major essay, 2500-3500 words (50%) [Learning Outcome 2-5]

2. Two short class tests, (10% each) [Learning Outcomes 1-3]

3. Tutorial presentation (30%) [Learning Outcomes 1, 3, 4, 5]

1. Major essay - to be submitted at the end of the course, analysing the fossils from a single site, or a particular phylogenetic hypothesis, or the construction of a species in palaeoanthropology.

2. Two short class tests - one in the last tutorial before the break, one in the last tutorial of semester, testing students’ ability to remember key facts about palaeoanthropology and associated theory.

3. Presentation in class - using PowerPoint and the large collection of replicas available in the laboratory. Students will take favoured topics, including fossils or fossil collections, give factual background, recite the various published hypotheses, and then evaluate them. Ability to interest the rest of the class and stimulate discussion is important.

Two hours of lectures plus one hour of tutorials per student per week. Students will be expected to spend a further seven hours per week in study, revision, and preparation.

My door is always open for assistance and advice.

12 units of 1000-level Anthropology (ANTH), Archaeology (ARCH) or Biology (BIOL) courses.

BIAN2013 Human Evolution