Students
ANTX1051 – Human Evolution and Diversity
2020 – Session 2, Fully online/virtual
Notice
As part of Phase 3 of our return to campus plan, most units will now run tutorials, seminars and other small group learning activities on campus for the second half-year, while keeping an online version available for those students unable to return or those who choose to continue their studies online.
To check the availability of face to face activities for your unit, please go to timetable viewer. To check detailed information on unit assessments visit your unit's iLearn space or consult your unit convenor.
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Timothy Lynch
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|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
10
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
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| Corequisites |
Corequisites
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| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
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| Unit description |
Unit 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.
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Important Academic Dates
Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
- ULO1: understand certain key concepts and theories in the study of human evolution including the most important debates and new developments in the field.
- ULO2: have a clear sense of how paleoanthropologists conduct research and draw conclusions about extinct species and ways of life from material evidence.
- ULO3: understand, evaluate, and employ evolution-based explanations for contemporary features of human life, anatomy, and behaviour, including the limits on those explanations.
- ULO4: employ theoretical concepts, evidence, and analysis in general by specifically exercising these abilities on the materials covered in this unit.
- ULO5: actively participate in discussions and examinations of material related to human evolution (such as facsimile remains, site surveys, and material culture)
- ULO6: analyse and express judgments about significant debates in the study of human evolution.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Outline essay | 35% | No | 5pm Sunday Week 10 |
| Literature Review | 20% | No | 5pm Sunday Week 6 |
| Week 3 Quiz | 5% | No | 5pm Sunday Week 3 |
| Final Exam | 20% | No | 5pm Sunday 'Week 14' |
| Mid-term Exam | 20% | No | 5pm Sunday Week 7 |
Outline essay
Assessment Type 1: Essay
Indicative Time on Task 2: 45 hours
Due: 5pm Sunday Week 10
Weighting: 35%
Using skills practiced and data gathered in the Literature Review, the student will prepare an outline essay. This will consist of a prose introduction, an outline section that develops the argument and provides evidence, and a prose conclusion which discusses the implications, reservations and importance of the argument. A reference list must also be provided. Students are permitted to write their outline essay on a question other that that chosen for the literature review if they wish, or propose a relevant topic of their own devising to the coordinator.
On successful completion you 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.
Literature Review
Assessment Type 1: Literature review
Indicative Time on Task 2: 20 hours
Due: 5pm Sunday Week 6
Weighting: 20%
Students will use the Macquarie University Library’s extensive database and journal collection to find a recent article in a scientific journal on a topic that relates to their chosen essay question. They will accurately record the citation, and write a summary of the crucial finding or research result, and the reason for its importance. Students will locate previous scientific, peer-reviewed journal articles on the same subject, especially works cited in the primary article, or that cite the primary article. Students must compile a minimum of five of these secondary sources that describe or analyse different findings, some of which may contradict the original primary article ,and write the citation and summary for each. Students will complete the assignment with a 200-word description of the whole debate.
On successful completion you 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.
Week 3 Quiz
Assessment Type 1: Quiz/Test
Indicative Time on Task 2: 1 hours
Due: 5pm Sunday Week 3
Weighting: 5%
A multiple choice quiz of 10 questions. These will be based on the topics of Weeks 1-3.
On successful completion you 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.
Final Exam
Assessment Type 1: Quiz/Test
Indicative Time on Task 2: 1 hours
Due: 5pm Sunday 'Week 14'
Weighting: 20%
A multiple choice test of 35 questions. These will be based on topics of the course covered in Weeks 8-13.
On successful completion you 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.
Mid-term Exam
Assessment Type 1: Quiz/Test
Indicative Time on Task 2: 1 hours
Due: 5pm Sunday Week 7
Weighting: 20%
A multiple choice exam of 25 questions. These will be based on the topics covered in Weeks 4-7.
On successful completion you 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.
1 If you need help with your assignment, please contact:
- the academic teaching staff in your unit for guidance in understanding or completing this type of assessment
- the Writing Centre for academic skills support.
2 Indicative time-on-task is an estimate of the time required for completion of the assessment task and is subject to individual variation
Delivery and Resources
The required readings for each week, as well as many other relevant readings, are available through iLearn. Additional readings, and research materials for the Literature Review and Outline Essay can be accessed online from the Macquarie University Library.
Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
- Academic Appeals Policy
- Academic Integrity Policy
- Academic Progression Policy
- Assessment Policy
- Fitness to Practice Procedure
- Grade Appeal Policy
- Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public
- Special Consideration Policy (Note: The Special Consideration Policy is effective from 4 December 2017 and replaces the Disruption to Studies Policy.)
Students seeking more policy resources can visit the Student Policy Gateway (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/student-policy-gateway). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.
If you would like to see all the policies relevant to Learning and Teaching visit Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central).
Student Code of Conduct
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/study/getting-started/student-conduct
Results
Results published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au
Student Support
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
Learning Skills
Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to help you improve your marks and take control of your study.
The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources.
Student Services and Support
Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.
Student Enquiries
For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au
If you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au
IT Help
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