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LSC-30030 - Module Specification
School of Life Sciences
Faculty of Natural Sciences

For academic year: 2024/25 Last Updated: 04 March 2025

LSC-30030 - Human Evolution
Coordinator: David Hulse Room: HUX204B Tel: +44 1782 7 33640
Lecture Time: See Timetable...
Level: Level 6
Credits: 15
Study Hours: 150
School Office: 01782 734414

Programme/Approved Electives for 2024/25

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None


Description for 2024/25

The human evolution module will look at the current evidence for the descent of man, from early ancestors to Homo sapiens, and will explore hominid behavioural ecology. You will learn about the origin of humans and explore the evolution of the human genome. The module will also address the cultural evolution of hominids, including the archaeological evidence of tools, mating system, language, early agriculture, and evolutionary medicine. In this module, you will be given an opportunity to carry out research into aspects of the module and engage with your peers during both workshops and tutorials. We are also often able to give you an opportunity to take part in a workshop on making stone tools similar to those used by early hominin species.

Aims
The module aims to provide a detailed understanding of human evolution and present both historical and current issues in the study of human evolution.

Talis Aspire Reading List
Any reading lists will be provided by the start of the course.
http://lists.lib.keele.ac.uk/modules/lsc-30030/lists

Intended Learning Outcomes

Produce a synopsis of the historical and current understanding of human evolution: 1
Explain the evidence of the origin of hominins, and use this knowledge to form appropriate arguments: 2
Compile and evaluate evidence for the differences between modern and ancient humans and the other great apes: 2
Critically evaluate the relevant evidence that considers the impact of culture on human evolution
: 2

Study hours

Active learning:
9x 2hr: In-situ tutorials, seminars, debate, and discussion
2x 1hr: In-situ tutorials, seminars, debate, and discussion
1x 3 hr: workshop
2x 1 hrs: Timetabled group work for the formative assessment
1x 2hr: In-situ peer assessment for the formative assessment
10x 5 hrs: engagement with asynchronously delivered sessions
Independent study
10x 2 hrs: reflection from tutorials, workshops, and seminars
12 hrs: completion of assessment 1
41 hrs: completion of assessment 2

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Assignment weighted 25%
Flow diagram


2: Literature Review weighted 75%
3000 word literature review


The University undertakes a continuous review of its teaching and research provision to ensure programmes are of a high quality and changes may be made to modules where it is necessary and reasonable to do so. Please be aware that minor changes to modules, such as a change to an individual assessment, can occur up until enrolment, although we endeavour to give you as much notice as possible of any changes. Details about the circumstance in which changes are made to programmes can be found in the Student Agreement, available at: https://www.keele.ac.uk/legalgovernancecompliance/governance/actcharterstatutesordinancesandregulations/studenttermsconditions/

Last Updated: 04 March 2025