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Modiwl BSX-3161:
Human Evolutionary Biology

Ffeithiau’r Modiwl

Rhedir gan School of Natural Sciences

20 Credyd neu 10 Credyd ECTS

Semester 2

Trefnydd: Dr Isabelle Winder

Amcanion cyffredinol

This module focuses on understanding human biology in an evolutionary context. In introduces students to the palaeontological study of hominin fossils, and to the use of genetic, comparative and palaeoenvironmental data in building up a picture of our lineage’s history. This is then used to contextualise the in-depth study of modern human evolutionary genetics, reproductive biology, life histories, health, behaviour and cognition to identify and explain the traits that link us and distinguish us from the rest of Primate order.

Cynnwys cwrs

This module will cover:

  • How to study human evolution (theory, evidence, methods and ethics);
  • Humans in primate context;
  • The human fossil record & ancient environments;
  • Modern human evolutionary biology (including genetics, reproduction/sexuality, endocrinology/physiology, diets, life histories, behavioural ecology and health & disease);
  • The archaeological evidence for human evolution;
  • The evolution of cognition;

Meini Prawf

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A threshold student (scoring 50-59%) should have a basic grasp of the major patterns in human evolution presented in the module, and some understanding of the ways in which humans differ from other animals. Written answers will demonstrate the ability to organise relevant lecture material into a clear argument and contributions in class will show some evidence of thought about the intended audience and their level of prior knowledge.

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A good student (scoring 60-69%) should have a thorough factual knowledge of all areas of the module, and be able to give examples where appropriate to back up their arguments. Written answers should demonstrate some critical thinking and evaluation of the evidence surrounding a coherent argument, and will be able to synthesise lecture material with information from the students’ wider reading. Class contributions will be considerate of the audiences’ prior knowledge and will show evidence of careful planning and reflection.

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An excellent student (scoring 70%+) should demonstrate comprehensive factual knowledge of human evolutionary biology, including evidence of significant wider reading e.g. of sources not found on the reading list. They will show a critical understanding of the theories underpinning studies of human evolution and will be able to evaluate case studies to construct and defend a convincing, coherent argument in written assignments. Contributions in class will integrate evidence from a wide range of sources and will take careful account of the audiences’ prior knowledge and the ethics of human biology.

Canlyniad dysgu

  1. Demonstrate a detailed understanding of how modern human biological systems (including locomotion, endocrinology, behaviour, diets, life histories, reproductive strategies and social systems) have evolved from the time of our last common ancestor with chimpanzees

  2. Critically assess the archaeological, genetic and comparative evidence for the evolution of human cognitive capacities and behaviours like the use of language, art and music

  3. Be able to explain their understanding of human evolutionary biology to specialists and non-specialists using appropriate language and means of presentation.

  4. Explain and critique specific theories of human evolution in the context of wider debates on evolutionary theory.

  5. Describe the history of palaeoanthropology and evaluate the significance of specific fossil discoveries, novel techniques and theories pertaining to our growing understanding of our own past

Dulliau asesu

Math Enw Disgrifiad Pwysau
GWAITH CWRS Portfolio of research-talk tasks

In our seminars, we will watch four separate research talks on human evolution subjects. Students will be given guidance on how to critique and engage with the ideas presented, and put them into the context of the wider literature. They will produce a portfolio of four critical summaries, one per talk.

 50
GWAITH CWRS Book review

Alongside attending lectures and seminars, students will select a book from a list of popular science titles in the field of human evolutionary biology. They will write a review of this book, for a general audience, in which they will summarise the book's argument and explore how it fits with work in the field and critically assess its relevance and usefulness to professional scientists and the public.

 50

Strategaeth addysgu a dysgu

Oriau
Lecture 16
Seminar 6
Practical classes and workshops 3
Private study 171
 

Drop-in office hours, to provide a chance for students to discuss their work and progress with staff and ask any specific questions they may need answers to.

 4

Sgiliau Trosglwyddadwy

  • Llythrennedd - Medrusrwydd mewn darllen ac ysgrifennu drwy amrywiaeth o gyfryngau
  • Rhifedd - Medrusrwydd wrth ddefnyddio rhifau ar lefelau priodol o gywirdeb
  • Hunanreolaeth - Gallu gweithio mewn ffordd effeithlon, prydlon a threfnus. Gallu edrych ar ganlyniadau tasgau a digwyddiadau, a barnu lefelau o ansawdd a phwysigrwydd
  • Archwilio - Gallu ymchwilio ac ystyried dewisiadau eraill
  • Adalw gwybodaeth - Gallu mynd at wahanol ac amrywiol ffynonellau gwybodaeth
  • Sgiliau Rhyngbersonol - Gallu gofyn cwestiynau, gwrando'n astud ar atebion a'u harchwilio
  • Dadansoddi Beirniadol & Datrys Problem - Gallu dadelfennu a dadansoddi problemau neu sefyllfaoedd cymhleth. Gallu canfod atebion i broblemau drwy ddadansoddiadau ac archwilio posibiliadau
  • Ymwybyddiaeth o ddiogelwch - Bod yn ymwybodol o'ch amgylchedd a hyder o ran cadw at reoliadau iechyd a diogelwch
  • Cyflwyniad - Gallu cyflwyno gwybodaeth ac esboniadau yn glir i gynulleidfa. Trwy gyfryngau ysgrifenedig neu ar lafar yn glir a hyderus.
  • Gwaith Tîm - Gallu cydweithio'n adeiladol ag eraill ar dasg gyffredin, ac/neu fod yn rhan o dîm gweithio o ddydd i ddydd
  • Dadl - Gallu cyflwyno, trafod a chyfiawnhau barn neu lwybr gweithredu, naill ai gydag unigolyn neu mewn grwˆp ehangach
  • Hunanymwybyddiaeth & Ystyried - Bod yn ymwybodol o'ch cryfderau, gwendidau, nodau ac amcanion eich hun. Gallu adolygu ,cloriannu a myfyrio'n rheolaidd ar eich perfformiad eich hun ac eraill.

Sgiliau pwnc penodol

  • Conduct fieldwork and/or laboratory work competently with awareness of appropriate risk assessment and ethical considerations
  • Recognize and apply appropriate theories and concepts from a range of disciplines.
  • Consider issues from a range of interdisciplinary perspectives.
  • Apply subject knowledge to the understanding and addressing of problems.
  • Collect, analyse and interpret primary and/or secondary data using appropriate qualitative and/or quantitative techniques.
  • Engagement with current developments in the biosciences and their application.
  • Appreciation of the complexity and diversity of life processes through the study of organisms.
  • Engage in debate and/or discussion with specialists and non-specialists using appropriate language.
  • Undertake field and/or laboratory studies of living systems.
  • Undertake practical work to ensure competence in basic experimental skills.
  • Demonstrate awareness of the importance of risk assessment and relevant legislation

Adnoddau

Goblygiadau o ran adnoddau ar gyfer myfyrwyr

None

Rhestrau Darllen Bangor (Talis)

http://readinglists.bangor.ac.uk/modules/bsx-3161.html

Rhestr ddarllen

A reading list is provided via Talis.

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