[Insert unit name here] Unit Outline
Unit Code 12647Unit Title HUMAN EVOLUTION 331
Unit Coordinator George Newland
Department of Human Biology
Faculty or School of Biomedical Science
UNIT OUTLINE
Study Period 1 2011
Page 1 of 12[Insert unit name here] Unit Outline
Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION......
What Is Human Evolution 332 All About?......
ESSENTIAL ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION......
UNIT COORDINATOR......
UNIT SYLLABUS......
LEARNING OUTCOMES......
LEARNING ACTIVITIES......
STUDENT FEEDBACK......
LEARNING RESOURCES......
ASSESSMENT DETAILS......
Assessment Summary...... 9
Assignment 1 – Practical Work...... 9
Assignment 2 – Practical Work...... 9
Assignment 3 – Essay...... 9
Referencing Style...... 10
Guidelines for Submission:...... 10
Assignment Marking...... 10
Plagiarism Monitoring - (include this section if it applies)...... 10
STUDENTS’ RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES......
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION......
Telephone and Email Contacts:......
Deferrals...... 11
UNIT STUDY CALENDAR...... 12
INTRODUCTION
What Is Human Evolution 331 All About?
Human Evolution 331 is concerned with the physical evolution of humans, and covers the subject matter often taught as Physical Anthropology or Biological Anthropology. (A companion unit in Semester 2, *Human Evolution 332, looks at the evolution of human behaviour). As such, it takes from many areas in the Life and Behavioural Sciences, including Functional Anatomy, Physiology, Anthropology, Psychology, Sociology, Genetics, and Neuroscience. It thus has a role as a “finishing course” for students in these areas, as it integrates and draws together many threads from your educational background.
*The companion unit Human Evolution 332 is designed to round out your study of Evolutionary Biology which you are beginning with this unit.
ESSENTIAL ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
Unit Title / Human Evolution 331Unit Study Package Number / 12647
Unit Coordinator / George Newland
Teaching Area / Biomedical Science
Credit Value / 25
Mode(s) of study / Internal
Co-, Pre- and Anti-requisites / entry into 3rd year of any Bachelor’s course
Additional requirements / none
Core Unit status / core unit
Result Type / Grade and Mark
Ancillary Fees and Charges / nil
Unit Website / FLECS Blackboard
Faculty or School Website /
Tuition Pattern / 5 hours per week allocated as follows: This will vary from time to time due to trips outside Curtin. See Timetable p 14.
- Lecture (10 – 12 noon)2 hours
- Tutorial/Pre Labs (1- 2 pm)1 hour
- Practical (2 – 4 pm)2hours
Study Load / a minimum of 5 hours/week additional study will be necessary
UNIT COORDINATOR
The lecturer or tutor for this unit and their contact details are below:
Insert Photo here if available / Your lecturer or tutor: / George NewlandEmail: /
Phone: / 9293 0515
Fax: / 9266 2342
Building: / 405
Room: / 229
Contact Hours: / Fri 10am – 4 pm
Your lecturer will assist you with your learning and any problems or difficulties you may be experiencing while undertaking this unit and will also mark your assignments and provide feedback in relation to your progress in this unit.
If you leave a message for the lecturer or tutor on email or telephone, allow for a response time of 1 working day maximum. If urgent, phone 9293 0515 (home) or 040 838 2445 (mob) all hours.
Note: When contacting the teaching staff, please be aware that we are on Western Standard Time (+8 GMT).
UNIT SYLLABUS
Human Evolution 331 covers three broad topics: Theories of Evolution, Early Primate Evolution, and Hominid Evolution. We first examine the evidence for evolution, then the theories put forward to account for it. The Neo-Darwinist synthesis, alternative theories and the Creationist position are critically evaluated on how well they explain the facts. Next, primates and theories about the emergence of primate characteristics are examined. The fossil record is looked at for evidence of early primates, and then early hominids and their behaviour, and the beginnings of the Genus Homo. Finally, competing theories for the origin of modern humans are posed.
Also covered is the methodology of physical anthropology: including dating methods, taphonomic processes, methods of analyzing bone, teeth, stone tools and archaeological sites in order to extract the maximum information possible from the record. Methods of classification; including Numerical Taxonomy and Cladistics are also looked at, and the use of computer software for archaeological analysis.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
This unit seeks to broaden your knowledge of yourself, and humans in general. Such self-knowledge is of use not only to yourself, but also your community. On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- discuss the current ideas on human physical evolution in terms of the paradigms of evolutionary biology
- demonstrate specific practical skills associated with analyzing and evaluating data to extract maximum information, making inferences, and techniques for classification of unknown material
- demonstrate competence in the general skills of science, i.e. the processing, display and statistical analysis of data, hypothesis testing and report writing
- display mastery of the intellectual skills associated with the retrieval of information from texts, reference, online and other sources, and the ability to evaluate and synthesize that information
LEARNING ACTIVITIES
Assignments
Assignments are based on the practical work given. They consist of analyses and reports, generally the result of cooperative class exercises, rather than individual work. However the writing up will be treated as individual work. Students will be assessed on their ability to express ideas clearly and simply, to construct logical chains of argument, and to access various types of resources, including text, journal and web-based ones. Finally presentation will be a component of the mark.
Practical Exam
A practical test will be given, based on part of the Semester’s work. It will involve materials related to the practicals.
Final Examinations
The final examination will be a 3 hour extended-answer paper based mainly on the lecture material, material, but may include theoretical aspects of the practical material. There will be some choice. It will be a closed book exam.
STUDENT FEEDBACK
We welcome your feedback as one way to keep improving this unit. Later this semester, you will be encouraged to give unit feedback through eVALUate, Curtin’s online student feedback system (see Recent changes to this unit in response to student feedback through eVALUate include:
LEARNING RESOURCES
TEXT BOOK
It is recommended that you purchase the following textbook:
*Boyd, R.and Silk J. B. (2009) How Humans Evolved, 5th ed. W. W. Norton & Company, New York, available from the Curtin University Bookshop
*Note that this book is also the recommended text for Human Evolution 332
Students will also find useful information on sections of the course in the books listed below:
ADDITIONAL REFERENCES
Aiello, L. & Dean, C. (1990) Human Evolutionary Anatomy. Academic Press, London
Aitken, M. J. (1990) Science -Based Dating in Archaeology. Longmans, London.
Berger, L. E. (2000) In The Footsteps of Eve. Adventure Press, Washington, DC W.W. Norton & Co. N.Y.
Conroy, G.C. (1997). Reconstructing Human Origins. Norton, New York.
Dawkins, R. (1986). The Blind Watch-Maker. Longmans.Eldredge, N. (1995) Reinventing Darwin: the Great Evolutionary Debate. Phoenix, London
*Feder, K. L. (1996) The Past in Perspective. Mayfield Publishing Company, Mountain View, California
Forey, P.L. , Humphries, C.J., Kitching, I.J., Scotland, R.W., Siebert, D.J. & Williams, D.M. (1992) Cladistics. A Practical Course in Systematics. Clarendon Press, Oxford.
Hildebrand, M. (1993) Analysis of Vertebrate Structure. John Wiley, New York.
Jobling, M. A., Hurles, M. & Tyler-Smith, C. (2004) Human Evolutionary Genetics. Garland Science, New York.
Jones, M. (2001) The Molecule Hunt. Penguin Books, London.
Jones, S. (1999) Almost Like A Whale. The Origin of Species Updated. Anchor, London.
Jungers, W. L. (1985) Size and Scaling in Primate Biology, Plenum Press, New York.
*Jurmain, R., et al. (2000) Introduction To Physical Anthropology. 8th ed. West/Wadsworth, Belmont, CA
Kavanagh, M. (1983). A Complete Guide to Monkeys, Apes and Other Primates. Jonathan Cape, London.
*Klein, R.G. (1989). The Human Career. Univ. of Chicago Press, Chicago.
Martin, R.G. (1990). Primate Origins and Evolution. Chapman Hall, London.
Morgan, E. (1994) The Scars of Evolution. Penguin Books, London
Oppenheimer, S. (2003)Out of Eden, Robinson. London.
Pough, F.H., J.B. Heizer & W.N. McFarland (1996) Vertebrate Life. 4th ed. Prentice-Hall.
Ridley, M. (1996) Evolution. Blackwell Scientific, London. 2nd ed.
Rogers, E. (1986) Looking At Vertebrates. Longmans, Harlow, Essex.Schick, K.D. and N.
Toth (1993). Making Silent Stones Speak. Simon & Schuster, N.Y.
Spindler, K. (1994) The Man In The Ice. Weidenfeld & Nicholson, London.
Stringer, C.and McKie R. (1996) African Exodus: The Origins of Modern Humanity. Random House, London
Tattersall, I. (1998) Becoming Human. Evolution And Human Uniqueness. Oxford University Press, Oxford.
Tattersall, I. (1995) The Last Neanderthal: The Rise, Success, and Mysterious Extinction of Our Closest Human Relatives. Macmillan, USA, New York
*Turnbaugh, W. A., et al. (1999) Understanding Physical Anthropology & Archaeology. 7th ed. West/Wadsworth, Belmont, CA
Walker, A. and P. Shipman (1996) The Wisdom of Bones. Weidenfeld & Nicholson, London.
Weiner, J. (1995) The Beak of the Finch, Vintage, London.
Weiner, J. S. (2003) The Piltdown Forgery.5th Anniversary Edition edn, Oxford University Press, London.
Weins, J. J. (2000) Phylogenetic Analysis of Morphological Data. Smithsonian Institution Press, Washington, DC.
Wells, S. (2002) The Journey of Man: A Genetic Odessey. Penguin Books, London.
Zimmer, C. (2001) Evolution. HarperCollins, New York.
*The ones marked with asterisks are useful general texts, and may be placed on Reserve, depending on the demand
Additional material specific to the assignments will be provided, and will be available from the Reserve Collection, as electronic documents. In addition, a collection of TV documentaries on human evolution is available for viewing.
It is expected of students that they take advantage of the wide variety of sources available, and show some knowledge outside of, and additional to, the lecture material. Below are some resources you may find available at your local Library or elsewhere.
JOURNALS/MAGAZINES
Some Journals/Magazines frequently quoted are listed. These can be accessed through the Online resources of the Library Catalogue.
ArchaeologyArchaeology in Oceania
American Journal of Physical Anthropology
American Scientist
Current Anthropology
Discover
Human Biology
Journal of Human Evolution
Journal of World Prehistory
Mankind
National Geographic
Nature
Natural History
New Scientist
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
Science Weekly
Science News Online
Scientific American
Yearbook of Physical Anthropology
VIDEOS
A selection of these will be shown in class as appropriate
“Dating The Dreamtine” (ABC) Application of dating methods to Australia
“The Blind Watchmaker” Richard Dawkins on his view of evolution.
“This View of Life” In contrast Steven Jay Gould on his
“Evolution” (6-part BBC Series) very good
“Living In The Trees” (David Attenborough/BBC series “Life On Earth”)
“Some Like It Hot” (BBC Horizon) About the first hominids and the problems they faced.
“The Making of Mankind” (Richard Leakey/6-part BBC Series) Old but good.“In The Beginning” “One Small Step” “A Human Way” “Beyond Africa” “A New Era”
“In Search of Our Ancestors (Donald Johanson/3-part HorizonSeries)
This series does not quite have the depth of the BBC one, but is more up-to-date (1998). “Lucy” “Survival” “Homo sapiens
“The Human Journey” (3-part ABC Series) This Australian-made series is excellent, and right up-to-date (1999). “In Search of Human Origins”, “Tale of Two Species”, “The Creative Explosion”
“The Fate of Neandertal Man” (2-part BBC/Horizon Series)“The Mammoth Hunters” and “The Last Neandertal”
“Neandertal” (2-part BBC/Horizon)A different series, very up-to-date (March 2001) and technically superior as a production (it has the first credible-looking Neandertals so far!). This series is about “lifestyle”, i.e. it is not like an archaeological documentary, but runs more like a fictional work, as in the manner of recent dinosaur films.
“The Mystery Of The Human Hobbit” (ABC) Documentary on the latest astonishing discovery from Flores, Indonesia.
TV Documentaries
Both the ABC and SBS run the latest documentaries on human evolution, of which the above are a sample. Also check out “Catalyst” (ABC) each week.
Radio National Check out the Radio National Science Show site at ww
w.abc.net.au/rn/science/ss/index.htm
Web Sites
There are many, many web sites devoted to human evolution. It is pointless to give a list as they change frequently and are often not updated. The more reliable ones will be associated with academic institutions.
WEB-BASED RESOURCES AT CURTIN
Course notes can be accessed using FLECS-Blackboard. The site is password-protected and you will be asked to enter a username and password. You will be provided with these during the first week of semester.
You may also find some of the information available through the School of Biomedical Sciences Home Page useful. From here, you can find out about the School of Biomedical Sciences, its courses and its staff. The URL for the School of Biomedical Sciences Home Page at Curtin is:
The URL for the School of Biomedical Sciences Home Page at Curtin is:
It is expected of students that they take advantage of the wide variety of sources available, and show some knowledge outside of, and additional to, the lecture material.
ASSESSMENT DETAILS
Assessment Summary
The assessment for this unit consists of the following items.
Assessment Tasks / Worth / Due / Unit Learning Outcome AssessedAssignments / 30 / 3, 4
Practical Exam / 20 / 2
Theory Exam / 50 / 1
TOTAL / 100%
Assignment 1 – Practical Work
Worth: 10 %
Due: 5pm Friday of Week 6
Based on practical work “Primate Evolution”
Assignment 1 Marking Criteria
Accuracy of observations and analysis
Assignment 2 – Practical Work
Worth: 10 %
Due: 5pm Friday of Week 10
Based on practical work “Diet and Teeth”
Assignment 2 Marking Criteria
Accuracy of observations and analysis
Assignment 3 – Essay
Worth: 10 %
Due: 5pm Friday of Week 14
Classification of unknown specimens
Assignment 3 Marking Criteria
Depth and breadth of research and synthesis of material
Referencing Style
Students should use the Curtin Library Chicago Author-Date referencing style when preparing assignments. More information can be found on this style from the Library web site:
Guidelines for Submission:
All assignments must be accompanied by an Assignment Attachment Form (or cover page).
All assignments must be received by 5pm on the Friday of the week due.
Assignment Marking
Students should allow a 2 week marking turnaround for written assignments.
Plagiarism Monitoring
Some (or all) assessments in this unit may be monitored for plagiarism using Turnitin plagiarism detection service (see Students who do not want assignments retained in the Turnitin database, must lodge a special request prior to the submission date. For further advice see
STUDENTS’ RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
It is the responsibility of every student to be aware of all relevant legislation, policies and procedures relating to their rights and responsibilities as a student. These include:
- the Student Charter,
- the University’s Guiding Ethical Principles,
- the University’s policy and statements on plagiarism and academic integrity,
- copyright principles and responsibilities,
- the University’s policies on appropriate use of software and computer facilities,
- students’ responsibility to check enrolment,
- deadlines, appeals, and grievance resolution,
- student feedback,
- other policies and procedures
- electronic communication with students
See for comprehensive information on all of the above.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Telephone and Email Contacts:
If you have a query relating to administrative matters such as:-
- requests for deferment of study
- difficulties with accessing online study materials
- obtaining assessment results
Please contact your Unit Coordinator or the Faculty administrator on
9293 0515 or Email
Deferrals
Deferment of an examination is not automatic. Students may be permitted by the relevant Board of Examiners to defer an examination or other assessment where circumstances outside their control have arisen. However, a student's overall performance may be taken into account in granting permission to defer an examination.
Applications for deferment on health grounds or as a result of extenuating circumstances must be submitted not later than seven (7) days after the end of the relevant examination period or assessment date during the semester. Detailed medical certificates should be attached to the application where appropriate.
The prescribed application form may be obtained either from Admission and Student Records, or the Course Administrator. Completed forms must be submitted to the Course Administrator. This includes applications for deferred assessment for units in your course of study conducted by other Schools.
Mobile Phones
As a courtesy to both lecturers and other students, if you have a mobile phone, please ensure that it is TURNED OFF during lecture, tutorial and practical sessions. Students who do not comply with this request can be asked to leave the class.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
"Do I have to pass all the components of the assessment to pass the unit?"
You must pass both the theory and practical portions of the assessment
“Do I have to attend all the labs and lectures?
Attendance at labs is essential, as you cannot complete all the assignment questions unless you do. If for some reason you have to miss a lab, make sure you inform the lecturer. Attendance at lectures is recommended as much is often discussed outside of the web materials.
“Can I send in assignments by Email?”
Hard copies are the norm, because of difficulties translating between differing platforms (Mac and PC). These will be marked and given back. Electronic copies must also be submitted via Email, so I have a record of work done.
HE 331 STUDY CALENDARSemester 1, 2011
AM = Lecture PM = Practical
Week / Class Date / Pre-reading / 10 – 12 AM / 1 – 4 PM / Ass’nDue
1 / 4 Mar / Lect 1 / Dating Methods / LAB1 Skeletal Anatomy
2. / 11 Mar / Lect 2 / Theories of Evolution / LAB2 *W. A. Museum
3. / 18 Mar / Lect 3 / Primates / LAB43 #Zoo
4. / 25 Mar / Lect 4 / Primate Evolution / LAB4 Primate Fossil Record / Ass 1
5. / 1 Apr / Lect 5 / Early Hominids / LAB5 Age, Sex, Stature
6. / 8 Apr / Lect 6 / Hominid Behaviour / LAB6 Diet & Teeth
7. / 15 Apr / Lect7 / Out From Africa / LAB7 Upright Posture / Ass 2
8. / 22 Apr / EASTER FRIDAY
9. / 29 Apr / Tuition Free Week
10. / 6 May / Lect 8 / Into Europe / LAB8 The Hominid Gallery
11. / 13 May / Lect 9 / Modern Humans / LAB9 Constructing Phylogenies
12. / 20 May / Lect 10 / The Last Frontiers / LAB10 Character Analysis for Hominid Groups
13. / 27 May / Overview / Exam Revision / Ass 3
14. / 30 May – 3 Jun / Study Week
15. / 6 - 10 Jun / Exams Week 1
16. / 13 – 17 Jun / Exams Week 2
Human Evolution Exam Fri 17 June
*W.A. Museum
#Entry to the Zoo will be paid by Human Biology. Student ID cards must be presented at the gate to obtain a concession.
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