BI3S202 - Human Variation 01 Jul 2022 - 31 Aug 2028 | Version 1
Associated Module Information
| Module Code: | BI3S202 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Module Title: | Human Variation | ||
| Faculty: | Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Science | ||
| Faculty Group: | Applied Sciences | ||
| Faculty Sub Group: | Biological Sciences | ||
| Module Leader: | Tracie McKinney, Josephine Bradley | ||
| Module Team: | Lewis Fall, Martin Powell, Cerith Jones | ||
| First Intended Intake: | SEP 2027 | Final Year of Intake: | 2027 |
| Date Closed: | |||
| Credit Value: | 20 | Credit Level: | 6 |
| Language: | English | ||
| Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: | 0 | ||
| Equivalent Module: | |||
| HECOS codes: | 100350 - human biology | 100436 - anthropology | 100858 - evolution |
| HECOS Code Weighting: | 40 | 40 | 20 |
Document Version Information
| Version | 1 |
|---|---|
| Valid From | 01 Jul 2022 |
| Valid To | 31 Aug 2028 |
Module Aims
This module seeks to understand the biological variation found within a single species (Homo sapiens sapiens) and the evolutionary foundations of that variation. The module will include a historical view of the study of humans, including “race” science and biological determinism, and contrasting these with more contemporary approaches to human variation.
In engaging with the module appropriately, students will fully achieve the following level-appropriate Behaviour Domains of the USW Graduate Attributes:
Commercial Awareness: Behaviour 1
Communication: Behaviour 1, 2, 3
Leadership: Behaviour 2,3
Innovation and Enterprise: Behaviour 1, 2, 3
Project Management: Behaviour 2
The Capabilities associated with these behaviours are found in the Graduate Attributes table at the end of the descriptor
Content Summary
Topics will broadly include
- race, ethnicity, and ancestry
- sex, gender, and sexuality
- patterns of growth and development
- evolution of the human diet
- adaptation to environmental stressors, such as heat, cold, and hypoxia
- superficial phenotypic variation, such as skin colour, eye colour, hair colour and texture
- adaptations and population risks for disease
For historical context, we will consider models used to describe human variation (typological, populational, clinal). We will discuss the origins of human ‘race’ science and eugenics. We will also discuss the interplay of biology and culture for most of the module’s topics.
Learning and Teaching Methods
| Activity Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Lecture | 36 |
| Seminar | 12 |
| Independent Study | 60 |
| Directed Study | 92 |
| Flexible delivery | 12 |
| Total Hours Selected | 212 |
Learning Outcomes
| # | Learning Outcome |
|---|---|
| LO1 | Critically evaluate the evolutionary explanations for human biological variation and communicate these findings through well-researched and appropriately referenced scientific writing. |
| LO2 | Demonstrate an understanding of the complex interactions between biology and culture. |
Module Requisites
N/A
Assessment Criteria
| Assessment Category | Assessment Type | Description | Duration | Word Count | Weight (%) | Best of? | Pass Mark |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Synchronous Onsite Assessment (Exam) | Onsite Closed Book Examination 1 | Final essay-based exam | 120 | N/A | 50 | No | 40 |
| Asynchronous Assessment | Essay 1 | Essay on race in medicine | 0 | 2000 | 50 | No | 40 |
Assessment Matrix
| Assessment Type | Learning Outcomes | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| LO1 | LO2 | ||
| Onsite Closed Book Examination 1 | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Essay 1 | ✔ | ✘ | |