Human Evolution and Diversity

• • Natural Selection and Evolution
  • Human among primates
  • Early hominids and bipedalism
  • Genus homo: brain and dietary change
  • Sex and reproduction
  • The first technology
  • Language origins and development
  • Modern human origins and dispersal
  • Food domestication and urbanisation
  • Human variation
  • The end of human evolution?

• Study resources

  • Instructional methods

    • Discussion forum/Discussion Board
    • Online Quizzes/Tests
    • Online assignment submission
    • Standard Media

  • Online materials

    • Resources and Links

Equivalent subjects

You cannot enrol in this subject if you have successfully completed any of the following subject(s) because they are considered academically equivalent:

• MAQ-ANT151
• MAQ-ANTX151-Human Evolution and Diversity

Special requirements

• OtherDetails -

  Students who have an Academic Standing of Suspension or Exclusion under Macquarie University's Academic Progression Policy are not permitted to enrol in OUA units offered by Macquarie University. Students with an Academic Standing of Suspension or Exclusion who have enrolled in units through OUA will be withdrawn.

This subject was previously known as ANT151, ANTX151 Human Evolution and Diversity.

This subject explores the evolution of our species, what makes humans distinct, and how we have developed the biological, cultural and technological diversity we now see around us. The subject examines new research, highlighting the most recent discoveries and theoretical breakthroughs, encouraging students to learn more about the major debates, key discoveries, and important theories in the study of human evolution. Specifically, the subject provides students with a background in evolutionary theory, genetics, anthropology, paleoarchaeology, and comparative primatology in order to address a number of topics: the development of the human brain; bipedalism; language; families; social life; sexuality; reproduction; hunting; diet; clothing; art; stone tools and technology; domesticated plants and animals; cities; and the first civilisations. The subject also demonstrates how an evolutionary perspective offers new insights into modern human diversity, including both cultural and biological differences among us. The subject does not require a background in the biological or evolutionary sciences. It provides an excellent foundation for understanding and evaluating important contemporary issues such as whether sexuality is hardwired, how technology affects us, if genetic racial differences are significant, what makes our species distinct, and how humans might look in the future.

• Essay (35%)
• Non-Invigilated Exam (20%)
• Non-Invigilated Mid Term Exam (20%)
• Quiz (5%)
• Review (20%)