Current course offerings

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Course description

We live in a unique phase of human evolutionary history, where we represent the only remaining human species (hominin) of many that once co-existed on earth. In Human Evolution (ARCS3168) we will draw upon a diverse range of scientific evidence for understanding the evolution of humans and our fossil relatives. This course includes an introduction to evolutionary theory, an overview of the hominin fossil record and what that record teaches us about our place in nature. The course investigates current ideas on human biological and behavioural evolution over the last ~6 million years, ranging from the earliest hominins to the emergence of modern humans (ourselves) and the now-extinct archaic hominins they met as they expanded across the globe. ARCS3168 draws upon the many fields that contribute to our understanding of human evolution, including archaeology, palaeontology, geology, geochronology, biology, systematics, and genetics. It discusses the key data and theories explaining the emergence, diversification, and dispersal of humankind, including the colonisation of southeast Asia and Sahul (Pleistocene Australia and New Guinea). The course is taught via lectures and weekly laboratory classes in which students will learn some of the practical skills used in the identification of hominin fossil remains, past environments and technology. An essential component of this course involves handling casts of original fossil discoveries, as well as primate and human skeletal replicas. Although no real human remains will be handled, you should contact the course coordinator if you have concerns about handling the casts or viewing images of human remains.

Archived offerings