Warning! This unit contains mature content and may not be suitable for some students. Any student under the age of 16 who would like to enrol in this unit must first complete a Parental Consent Form.

Undergraduate MAQ-ANTX1051-2022

Human Evolution and Diversity

Previously MAQ-ANTX2051

Evolve your thinking on human development and biological and cultural diversity. Study Darwin's breakthroughs alongside the most recent evolutionary research. Examine language origins. Join in ongoing debates about the study of human evolution.

Duration

18 weeks

Study method

100% Online

Available loans

HECS-HELP
FEE-HELP

Assessments

100% online

Prior study

Not required

This research-intensive university in north-western Sydney offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. With over 30,000 current students, Macquarie has a strong reputation for welcoming international students and embracing flexible and convenient study options, including its partnership with Open Universities Australia.

QS RANKING 2022

Times Higher Education Ranking 2022

2022

Subject details

What you'll learn

At the completion of this subject students will be able to:

understand certain key concepts and theories in the study of human evolution including the most important debates and new developments in the field.
have a clear sense of how paleoanthropologists conduct research and draw conclusions about extinct species and ways of life from material evidence.
understand, evaluate, and employ evolution-based explanations for contemporary features of human life, anatomy, and behaviour, including the limits on those explanations.
employ theoretical concepts, evidence, and analysis in general by specifically exercising these abilities on the materials covered in this unit.
actively participate in discussions and examinations of material related to human evolution (such as facsimile remains, site surveys, and material culture)
analyse and express judgments about significant debates in the study of human evolution.

Topics covered

- A week-by-week guide to the topics you will explore in this subject will be provided in your study materials.

Entry requirements

Equivalent subjects

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

MAQ-ANTX2051-Human Evolution and Diversity (No longer available)

Additional requirements

Other requirements -
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.

Description

This unit 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 unit 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 unit 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; art; stone tools and technology; language; domesticated plants and animals; cities; and the first civilisations. The unit also demonstrates how an evolutionary perspective offers new insights into modern human diversity, including both cultural and biological differences among us. The unit does not require a background in the biological or evolutionary sciences. It provides an excellent foundation for understanding and evaluating important contemporary issues.

Assessments

Week 3 Quiz (5%)
Literature Review (20%)
Mid-term Exam (20%)
Final Exam (20%)
Online Essay (35%)

Textbooks