Overview

This topic will give students an understanding of how our species fits into a wider evolutionary framework. We will discuss the origins and early evolutionary history of hominids, explore their spread throughout the world and identify the key evolutionary and cultural drivers that have underpinned the success of Homo sapiens … For more content click the Read More button below.

Topic availabilities

To view topic availabilities, select an availability from the drop down, towards the top right of the screen.

Tuition pattern

To view tuition patterns, select an availability from the drop down, towards the top right of the screen.

Aims

This topic aims to provide students with the opportunity to:

  • Gain understanding of the evolutionary history of our species and its relatives
  • Gain an appreciation of the evolutionary and cultural drivers that have led to the pre-eminence of modern humans
  • Develop skills in identifying and assessing differences in elements of the human skeleton
  • Gain an understanding of the anatomy and function of the skeleton of hominins
  • Use information in the fossil and archaeological records to identify and interpret major factors in the development of Homo sapiens

Learning outcomes

On completion of this topic you will be expected to be able to:
1.
Distinguish between the various bones comprising the human skeleton
2.
Have a good understanding of the factors influencing the evolution of hominids
3.
Understand the ecological impacts of the global spread of humans
4.
Have an appreciation of the ways in which we can extract information from the fossil record

Assessments

To view assessment information, select an availability from the drop down, towards the top right of the screen.