This unit contains mature or sensitive content and may not be suitable for some students.
Human Evolution and Diversity
UndergraduateMAQ-ANTX10512025
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.
Enrol today with instant approval and no entry requirements
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Enrol by
- 7 Dec 2025
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR needed, No prior study
- Duration
- 13 weeks
- Start dates
- 24 Feb 2025,
- 15 Dec 2025
- Price from
- $2,160
- Upfront cost
- $0
- Loan available
- HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP available
Human Evolution and Diversity
About this subject
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.
- A week-by-week guide to the topics you will explore in this subject will be provided in your study materials.
Please note: This subject is available in Macquarie Session 3, which is an intensive semester that spans only 5 intensive teaching weeks, plus a mid-semester recess and an assessment period. Students are advised to enrol in only one or two subjects in Session 3. Students who would prefer to take the unit over 13 teaching weeks should enrol in the Session 1 offering.
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.
- Discussion questions (10%)
- Literature Review (20%)
- Weekly online quizzes (20%)
- Final Online Exam (25%)
- Argument outline (25%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
This research-intensive university in north-western Sydney offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. With over 44,000 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.
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- 11
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- 10
Entry requirements
No 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 (Not currently 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.
Study load
- 0.125 EFTSL
- This is in the range of 10 to 12 hours of study each week.
Equivalent full time study load (EFTSL) is one way to calculate your study load. One (1.0) EFTSL is equivalent to a full-time study load for one year.
Find out more information on Commonwealth Loans to understand what this means to your eligibility for financial support.
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UndergraduateMAQ-ART-DEG
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