Human Evolution

Overview

This module will provide students with knowledge and understanding of the comparative anatomy between modern humans and our closest living relatives (the great apes). They will gain an understanding of how our current anatomy evolved since the split with the last human / chimpanzee common ancestor by considering the fossil evidence for extinct hominid species from the genera Ardipithecus, Australopithecus, Paranthropus and Homo. Particular emphasis will be given to the evolution of the limbs, pelvis, thoracic cage, cranium, brain and dentition. The genetic evidence for human evolution will also be explored. Where possible the medical significance of human evolution will be explored. Scientific writing and critical review of the scientific literature represents a major element of the module and students will apply the principles learned to reviews of current developments in our understanding of how modern humans evolved.

Learning Objectives

On completion of this module the successful student will be able to:
• Critically evaluate current scientific literature in the field of comparative anatomy and human palaeontology.
• Discuss the genetic evidence for human evolution
• Discuss the functional significance in the anatomical variation between great apes and humans.
• Discuss the development of bipedalism and brain expansion
• Discuss the role of disease as a driver of human evolution
• Discuss how common medical conditions relate to the unique human anatomical form.

Skills

On completion of this module successful students will have developed further the following skills:

• Observation skills
• Management and timekeeping skills
• Oral and written scientific communication skills
• Skills of reasoning and analysis
• Team working skills
• Critical, analytical and creative thinking
• General IT skills
• Online literature searching

Assessment

All continuous assessment elements must be submitted. Students must achieve a minimum of 40% in the combined continuous assessment elements to pass the module. To gain an equal share of the marks in a group assignment, students must give a full commitment to the group in attendance and actions. Although 100 % attendance at all classes is normally expected, a minimum of 75 % attendance will be acceptable if appropriate mitigation is provided.