Human Evolution

Description

The module will cover differing but complementary aspects of modern thinking about human evolution.

Students will learn about the theories for the development of some of the most important features of human evolution, such as bipedalism, as well as considering aspects of behavioural evolution including the evolution of language, society and racism.

The module will also address what our rapidly expanding knowledge of the human genome and population genetics can tell us about human evolution.

The module will also consider to what extent human evolution is still occurring and what influences this.

This component will include aspects of evolutionary pressure between humans and their pathogens and to what extent modern medicine interferes with these processes.

Assessment

• Coursework 
• Group presentation
• Examination