Hominins – the array of species of which ours is the only living representative – provide the clues to our own origins. In this module, the methods and evidence used to reconstruct their biology and behaviour are discussed. This module will provide students with an advanced knowledge of human evolution, as well as techniques used in the examination of behaviour and cognition in fossil hominins. Emphasis is placed on the study of both the fossil and archaeological evidence for human evolution. By the end of the module, students will be able to assess the importance of an evolutionary perspective to the human sciences.
Private Study: 110
Contact Hours: 40
Total: 150
Final year only for the following courses:
• BSc Biological Anthropology and associated programmes
• BSc Human Biology and Behaviour and associated programmes
• BSc Anthropology and associated programmes
Also available as an elective module
Poster (40%)
Poster presentation (20%)
Practical assessment – Lab (45 mins) (40%)
Reassessment Instrument: Like for like
The University is committed to ensuring that core reading materials are in accessible electronic format in line with the Kent Inclusive Practices.
The most up to date reading list for each module can be found on the university's reading list pages.
See the library reading list for this module (Canterbury)
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1 Competently assess evidence and articulate theories concerning the biological and cultural evolution of humans
2 Critically evaluate arguments and data in the field of palaeoanthropology
3 Summarise the key stages in the pattern of human anatomical and cultural evolution
4 Understand how palaeoanthropologists reconstruct hominin behaviour
5 Critically evaluate scientific papers in paleoanthropology
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