Unit Code 12647
Unit Title HUMAN EVOLUTION 331
Unit Coordinator
George Newland
Department of Human Biology
Faculty or School of Biomedical Science
UNIT OUTLINE
Study Period 1 2011
CRICOS (Perth - 00301J) (Sydney - 02637B)
Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................. 3
What Is Human Evolution 332 All About? .................................................................................... 3
ESSENTIAL ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION ........................................................................... 3
UNIT COORDINATOR .................................................................................................................... 4
UNIT SYLLABUS ............................................................................................................................. 4
LEARNING OUTCOMES ................................................................................................................ 5
LEARNING ACTIVITIES .................................................................................................................. 5
STUDENT FEEDBACK ................................................................................................................... 5
LEARNING RESOURCES .............................................................................................................. 6
ASSESSMENT DETAILS ................................................................................................................ 9
Assessment Summary ................................................................................................................. 9
Assignment 1 – Practical Work .................................................................................................... 9
Assignment 2 – Practical Work .................................................................................................... 9
Assignment 3 – Essay ................................................................................................................. 9
Referencing Style ....................................................................................................................... 10
Guidelines for Submission: ........................................................................................................ 10
Assignment Marking................................................................................................................... 10
Plagiarism Monitoring - (include this section if it applies) .......................................................... 10
STUDENTS’ RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES ......................................................................... 10
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ....................................................................................................... 11
Telephone and Email Contacts: ................................................................................................. 11
Deferrals ..................................................................................................................................... 11
UNIT STUDY CALENDAR ............................................................................................................ 12
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[Insert unit name here] Unit Outline
INTRODUCTION
What Is Human Evolution 331 All About?
Human Evolution 331 is concerned with the physical evolution of humans, and covers the
subject matter often taught as Physical Anthropology or Biological Anthropology. (A
companion unit in Semester 2, *Human Evolution 332, looks at the evolution of human
behaviour). As such, it takes from many areas in the Life and Behavioural Sciences,
including Functional Anatomy, Physiology, Anthropology, Psychology, Sociology, Genetics, and
Neuroscience. It thus has a role as a “finishing course” for students in these areas, as it
integrates and draws together many threads from your educational background.
*The companion unit Human Evolution 332 is designed to round out your study of
Evolutionary Biology which you are beginning with this unit.
ESSENTIAL ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
Unit Title
Human Evolution 331
Unit Study Package Number
12647
Unit Coordinator
George Newland
Teaching Area
Biomedical Science
Credit Value
25
Mode(s) of study
Internal
Co-, Pre- and Anti-requisites
entry into 3rd year of any Bachelor’s course
Additional requirements
none
Core Unit status
core unit
Result Type
Grade and Mark
Ancillary Fees and Charges
nil
Unit Website
FLECS Blackboard
Faculty or School Website
http://wbiomed.curtin.edu.au/
Tuition Pattern
5 hours per week allocated as follows: This will vary from time
to time due to trips outside Curtin. See Timetable p 14.
 Lecture (10 – 12 noon)
2 hours
 Tutorial/Pre Labs (1- 2 pm)
1 hour
 Practical (2 – 4 pm)
2hours
Study Load
a minimum of 5 hours/week additional study will be necessary
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UNIT COORDINATOR
The lecturer or tutor for this unit and their contact details are below:
Insert Photo here
if available
Your lecturer or
tutor:
George Newland
Email:
G.Newland@curtin.edu.au
Phone:
9293 0515
Fax:
9266 2342
Building:
405
Room:
229
Contact Hours:
Fri 10am – 4 pm
Your lecturer will assist you with your learning and any problems or difficulties you may be
experiencing while undertaking this unit and will also mark your assignments and provide
feedback in relation to your progress in this unit.
If you leave a message for the lecturer or tutor on email or telephone, allow for a response time of
1 working day maximum. If urgent, phone 9293 0515 (home) or 040 838 2445 (mob) all hours.
Note: When contacting the teaching staff, please be aware that we are on Western Standard
Time (+8 GMT).
UNIT SYLLABUS
Human Evolution 331 covers three broad topics: Theories of Evolution, Early Primate
Evolution, and Hominid Evolution. We first examine the evidence for evolution, then the
theories put forward to account for it. The Neo-Darwinist synthesis, alternative theories
and the Creationist position are critically evaluated on how well they explain the facts.
Next, primates and theories about the emergence of primate characteristics are examined.
The fossil record is looked at for evidence of early primates, and then early hominids and
their behaviour, and the beginnings of the Genus Homo. Finally, competing theories for the
origin of modern humans are posed.
Also covered is the methodology of physical anthropology: including dating methods,
taphonomic processes, methods of analyzing bone, teeth, stone tools and archaeological
sites in order to extract the maximum information possible from the record. Methods of
classification; including Numerical Taxonomy and Cladistics are also looked at, and the use
of computer software for archaeological analysis.
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LEARNING OUTCOMES
This unit seeks to broaden your knowledge of yourself, and humans in general. Such selfknowledge is of use not only to yourself, but also your community. On successful completion
of this unit you will be able to:
1.
discuss the current ideas on human physical evolution in terms of the paradigms of
evolutionary biology
2. demonstrate specific practical skills associated with analyzing and evaluating data
to extract maximum information, making inferences, and techniques for
classification of unknown material
3. demonstrate competence in the general skills of science, i.e. the processing, display
and statistical analysis of data, hypothesis testing and report writing
4. display mastery of the intellectual skills associated with the retrieval of information
from texts, reference, online and other sources, and the ability to evaluate and
synthesize that information
LEARNING ACTIVITIES
Assignments
Assignments are based on the practical work given. They consist of analyses and reports,
generally the result of cooperative class exercises, rather than individual work. However
the writing up will be treated as individual work. Students will be assessed on their ability
to express ideas clearly and simply, to construct logical chains of argument, and to
access various types of resources, including text, journal and web-based ones. Finally
presentation will be a component of the mark.
Practical Exam
A practical test will be given, based on part of the Semester’s work. It will involve materials
related to the practicals.
Final Examinations
The final examination will be a 3 hour extended-answer paper based mainly on the lecture
material, material, but may include theoretical aspects of the practical material. There will
be some choice. It will be a closed book exam.
STUDENT FEEDBACK
For Semester 2, eVALUate is open for student feedback:
till 22nd August
For other study periods see
http://evaluate.curtin.edu.au/info/dates_2009.cfm
We welcome your feedback as one
way to keep improving this unit. Later this semester, you
http://evaluate.curtin.edu.au/info/dates_2009.cfm
will be encouraged to give unit feedback through eVALUate, Curtin’s online student feedback
system (see http://evaluate.curtin.edu.au/info/ ). Recent changes to this unit in response to
student feedback through eVALUate include:
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LEARNING RESOURCES
TEXT BOOK
It is recommended that you purchase the following textbook:
*Boyd, R.and Silk J. B. (2009) How Humans Evolved, 5th ed. W. W. Norton & Company,
New York, available from the Curtin University Bookshop
*Note that this book is also the recommended text for Human Evolution 332
Students will also find useful information on sections of the course in the books listed
below:
ADDITIONAL REFERENCES
Aiello, L. & Dean, C. (1990) Human Evolutionary Anatomy. Academic Press, London
Aitken, M. J. (1990) Science -Based Dating in Archaeology. Longmans, London.
Berger, L. E. (2000) In The Footsteps of Eve. Adventure Press, Washington, DC W.W.
Norton & Co. N.Y.
Conroy, G.C. (1997). Reconstructing Human Origins. Norton, New York.
Dawkins, R. (1986). The Blind Watch-Maker. Longmans.Eldredge, N. (1995) Reinventing
Darwin: the Great Evolutionary Debate. Phoenix, London
*Feder, K. L. (1996) The Past in Perspective. Mayfield Publishing Company, Mountain View,
California
Forey, P.L. , Humphries, C.J., Kitching, I.J., Scotland, R.W., Siebert, D.J. & Williams, D.M.
(1992) Cladistics. A Practical Course in Systematics. Clarendon Press, Oxford.
Hildebrand, M. (1993) Analysis of Vertebrate Structure. John Wiley, New York.
Jobling, M. A., Hurles, M. & Tyler-Smith, C. (2004) Human Evolutionary Genetics. Garland
Science, New York.
Jones, M. (2001) The Molecule Hunt. Penguin Books, London.
Jones, S. (1999) Almost Like A Whale. The Origin of Species Updated. Anchor, London.
Jungers, W. L. (1985) Size and Scaling in Primate Biology, Plenum Press, New York.
*Jurmain, R., et al. (2000) Introduction To Physical Anthropology. 8th ed.
West/Wadsworth, Belmont, CA
Kavanagh, M. (1983). A Complete Guide to Monkeys, Apes and Other Primates. Jonathan
Cape, London.
*Klein, R.G. (1989). The Human Career. Univ. of Chicago Press, Chicago.
Martin, R.G. (1990). Primate Origins and Evolution. Chapman Hall, London.
Morgan, E. (1994) The Scars of Evolution. Penguin Books, London
Oppenheimer, S. (2003) Out of Eden, Robinson. London.
Pough, F.H., J.B. Heizer & W.N. McFarland (1996) Vertebrate Life. 4th ed. Prentice-Hall.
Ridley, M. (1996) Evolution. Blackwell Scientific, London. 2nd ed.
Rogers, E. (1986) Looking At Vertebrates. Longmans, Harlow, Essex.Schick, K.D. and N.
Toth (1993). Making Silent Stones Speak. Simon & Schuster, N.Y.
Spindler, K. (1994) The Man In The Ice. Weidenfeld & Nicholson, London.
Stringer, C.and McKie R. (1996) African Exodus: The Origins of Modern Humanity.
Random House, London
Tattersall, I. (1998) Becoming Human. Evolution And Human Uniqueness. Oxford
University Press, Oxford.
Tattersall, I. (1995) The Last Neanderthal: The Rise, Success, and Mysterious
Extinction of Our Closest Human Relatives. Macmillan, USA, New York
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*Turnbaugh, W. A., et al. (1999) Understanding Physical Anthropology & Archaeology. 7th
ed. West/Wadsworth, Belmont, CA
Walker, A. and P. Shipman (1996) The Wisdom of Bones. Weidenfeld & Nicholson,
London.
Weiner, J. (1995) The Beak of the Finch, Vintage, London.
Weiner, J. S. (2003) The Piltdown Forgery. 5th Anniversary Edition edn, Oxford
University Press, London.
Weins, J. J. (2000) Phylogenetic Analysis of Morphological Data. Smithsonian
Institution Press, Washington, DC.
Wells, S. (2002) The Journey of Man: A Genetic Odessey. Penguin Books, London.
Zimmer, C. (2001) Evolution. HarperCollins, New York.
*The ones marked with asterisks are useful general texts, and may be placed on Reserve,
depending on the demand
Additional material specific to the assignments will be provided, and will be available
from the Reserve Collection, as electronic documents. In addition, a collection of TV
documentaries on human evolution is available for viewing.
It is expected of students that they take advantage of the wide variety of sources
available, and show some knowledge outside of, and additional to, the lecture material.
Below are some resources you may find available at your local Library or elsewhere.
JOURNALS/MAGAZINES
Some Journals/Magazines frequently quoted are listed. These can be accessed through the
Online resources of the Library Catalogue.
ArchaeologyArchaeology in Oceania
American Journal of Physical Anthropology
American Scientist
Current Anthropology
Discover
Human Biology
Journal of Human Evolution
Journal of World Prehistory
Mankind
National Geographic
Nature
Natural History
New Scientist
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
Science Weekly
Science News Online
Scientific American
Yearbook of Physical Anthropology
VIDEOS
A selection of these will be shown in class as appropriate
“Dating The Dreamtine” (ABC) Application of dating methods to Australia
“The Blind Watchmaker” Richard Dawkins on his view of evolution.
“This View of Life” In contrast Steven Jay Gould on his
“Evolution” (6-part BBC Series) very good
“Living In The Trees” (David Attenborough/BBC series “Life On Earth”)
“Some Like It Hot” (BBC Horizon) About the first hominids and the problems they
faced.
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“The Making of Mankind” (Richard Leakey/6-part BBC Series) Old but good.“In The
Beginning” “One Small Step” “A Human Way” “Beyond Africa” “A New Era”
“In Search of Our Ancestors (Donald Johanson/3-part HorizonSeries)
This series does not quite have the depth of the BBC one, but is more up-to-date (1998).
“Lucy” “Survival” “Homo sapiens
“The Human Journey” (3-part ABC Series) This Australian-made series is excellent, and
right up-to-date (1999). “In Search of Human Origins”, “Tale of Two Species”, “The
Creative Explosion”
“The Fate of Neandertal Man” (2-part BBC/Horizon Series) “The Mammoth Hunters”
and “The Last Neandertal”
“Neandertal” (2-part BBC/Horizon)A different series, very up-to-date (March 2001) and
technically superior as a production (it has the first credible-looking Neandertals so far!).
This series is about “lifestyle”, i.e. it is not like an archaeological documentary, but runs
more like a fictional work, as in the manner of recent dinosaur films.
“The Mystery Of The Human Hobbit” (ABC) Documentary on the latest astonishing
discovery from Flores, Indonesia.
TV Documentaries
Both the ABC and SBS run the latest documentaries on human evolution, of which the above
are a sample. Also check out “Catalyst” (ABC) each week.
Radio National Check out the Radio National Science Show site at ww
w.abc.net.au/rn/science/ss/index.htm
Web Sites
There are many, many web sites devoted to human evolution. It is pointless to give a list as
they change frequently and are often not updated. The more reliable ones will be
associated with academic institutions.
WEB-BASED RESOURCES AT CURTIN
Course notes can be accessed using FLECS-Blackboard. The site is password-protected and
you will be asked to enter a username and password. You will be provided with these during
the first week of semester.
You may also find some of the information available through the School of Biomedical
Sciences Home Page useful. From here, you can find out about the School of Biomedical
Sciences, its courses and its staff. The URL for the School of Biomedical Sciences Home
Page at Curtin is:
http://lms.curtin.edu.au/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp
The URL for the School of Biomedical Sciences Home Page at Curtin is:
http://wbiomed.curtin.edu.au/
It is expected of students that they take advantage of the wide variety of sources available, and
show some knowledge outside of, and additional to, the lecture material.
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ASSESSMENT DETAILS
Assessment Summary
The assessment for this unit consists of the following items.
Assessment Tasks
Worth
Assignments
Practical Exam
Theory Exam
TOTAL
Due
Unit Learning
Outcome Assessed
30
3, 4
20
2
50
1
100%
Assignment 1 – Practical Work
Worth: 10 %
Due: 5pm Friday of Week 6
Based on practical work “Primate Evolution”
Assignment 1 Marking Criteria
Accuracy of observations and analysis
Assignment 2 – Practical Work
Worth: 10 %
Due: 5pm Friday of Week 10
Based on practical work “Diet and Teeth”
Assignment 2 Marking Criteria
Accuracy of observations and analysis
Assignment 3 – Essay
Worth: 10 %
Due: 5pm Friday of Week 14
Classification of unknown specimens
Assignment 3 Marking Criteria
Depth and breadth of research and synthesis of material
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Referencing Style
Students should use the Curtin Library Chicago Author-Date referencing style when preparing
assignments. More information can be found on this style from the Library web site:
http://library.curtin.edu.au/research_and_information_skills/referencing/index.html
Guidelines for Submission:
All assignments must be accompanied by an Assignment Attachment Form (or cover page).
All assignments must be received by 5pm on the Friday of the week due.
Assignment Marking
Students should allow a 2 week marking turnaround for written assignments.
Plagiarism Monitoring
Some (or all) assessments in this unit may be monitored for plagiarism using Turnitin plagiarism
detection service (see http://turnitin.com). Students who do not want assignments retained in the
Turnitin database, must lodge a special request prior to the submission date. For further advice
see http://academicintegrity.curtin.edu.au/studentsturnitin.html.
STUDENTS’ RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
It is the responsibility of every student to be aware of all relevant legislation, policies and
procedures relating to their rights and responsibilities as a student. These include:

the Student Charter,

the University’s Guiding Ethical Principles,

the University’s policy and statements on plagiarism and academic integrity,

copyright principles and responsibilities,

the University’s policies on appropriate use of software and computer facilities,

students’ responsibility to check enrolment,

deadlines, appeals, and grievance resolution,

student feedback,

other policies and procedures

electronic communication with students
See http://www.students.curtin.edu.au/administration/responsibilities.cfm for comprehensive
information on all of the above.
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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Telephone and Email Contacts:
If you have a query relating to administrative matters such as:


requests for deferment of study
difficulties with accessing online study materials
obtaining assessment results
Please contact your Unit Coordinator or the Faculty administrator on
9293 0515 or Email G.Newland@curtin.edu.au
Deferrals
Deferment of an examination is not automatic. Students may be permitted by the relevant Board
of Examiners to defer an examination or other assessment where circumstances outside their
control have arisen. However, a student's overall performance may be taken into account in
granting permission to defer an examination.
Applications for deferment on health grounds or as a result of extenuating circumstances must be
submitted not later than seven (7) days after the end of the relevant examination period or
assessment date during the semester. Detailed medical certificates should be attached to the
application where appropriate.
The prescribed application form may be obtained either from Admission and Student Records, or
the Course Administrator. Completed forms must be submitted to the Course Administrator.
This includes applications for deferred assessment for units in your course of study conducted by
other Schools.
Mobile Phones
As a courtesy to both lecturers and other students, if you have a mobile phone, please ensure
that it is TURNED OFF during lecture, tutorial and practical sessions. Students who do not
comply with this request can be asked to leave the class.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
"Do I have to pass all the components of the assessment to pass the unit?"
You must pass both the theory and practical portions of the assessment
“Do I have to attend all the labs and lectures?
Attendance at labs is essential, as you cannot complete all the assignment questions unless you
do. If for some reason you have to miss a lab, make sure you inform the lecturer. Attendance at
lectures is recommended as much is often discussed outside of the web materials.
“Can I send in assignments by Email?”
Hard copies are the norm, because of difficulties translating between differing platforms (Mac and
PC). These will be marked and given back. Electronic copies must also be submitted via Email,
so I have a record of work done.
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HE 331 STUDY CALENDAR
AM = Lecture
Semester 1, 2011
PM = Practical
Week
Class Date
Prereading
1
4 Mar
Lect 1
Dating Methods
2.
11 Mar
Lect 2
Theories of
Evolution
3.
18 Mar
Lect 3
Primates
LAB43 #Zoo
4.
25 Mar
Lect 4
Primate Evolution
LAB4 Primate Fossil Record
5.
1 Apr
Lect 5
Early Hominids
LAB5 Age, Sex, Stature
6.
8 Apr
Lect 6
Hominid Behaviour
LAB6 Diet & Teeth
7.
15 Apr
Lect7
Out From Africa
LAB7 Upright Posture
8.
22 Apr
EASTER FRIDAY
9.
29 Apr
Tuition Free Week
10.
6 May
Lect 8
Into Europe
LAB8 The Hominid Gallery
11.
13 May
Lect 9
Modern Humans
LAB9 Constructing Phylogenies
The Last Frontiers
12.
20 May
Lect 10
LAB10 Character Analysis for
Hominid Groups
13.
27 May
Overview
Exam Revision
14.
30 May – 3
Jun
Study Week
15.
6 - 10 Jun
Exams Week 1
16.
13 – 17 Jun
10 – 12 AM
1 – 4 PM
Ass’n
Due
LAB1 Skeletal Anatomy
LAB2 *W. A. Museum
Ass
1
Ass
2
Ass
3
Exams Week 2
Human Evolution Exam Fri 17 June
*W.A. Museum
#Entry to the Zoo will be paid by Human Biology. Student ID cards must be presented at the gate
to obtain a concession.
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