BI3S204 - Humans and other Primates 01 Jul 2022 - 31 Aug 2028 | Version 2
Associated Module Information
| Module Code: | BI3S204 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Module Title: | Humans and other Primates | ||
| Faculty: | Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Science | ||
| Faculty Group: | Applied Sciences | ||
| Faculty Sub Group: | Biological Sciences | ||
| Module Leader: | Tracie McKinney | ||
| Module Team: | Anthony Caravaggi, 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: | 100356 - zoology | 100436 - anthropology | 100858 - evolution |
| HECOS Code Weighting: | 40 | 40 | 20 |
Document Version Information
| Version | 2 |
|---|---|
| Valid From | 01 Jul 2022 |
| Valid To | 31 Aug 2028 |
Module Aims
This module invites students to explore what it means to be human, by considering our place in the animal kingdom and learning about our closest relatives. The module will explore the diversity of primate biology, ecology, and behaviour, and explore the logical extension of these evolutionary patterns to humans and our ancestors. Students will be introduced to the methods of paleanthropology and survey current knowledge of hominin species. Students will be asked to critically analyse conflicting theories in paleoanthropology, behavioural ecology, and evolutionary theory.
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, 2, 3
Communication: Behaviour 1, 2, 3
Leadership: Behaviour 3
Innovation and Enterprise: Behaviour 1, 2, 3
Project Management: Behaviour 2
Digital Literacy: Behaviour 1
The Capabilities associated with these behaviours are found in the Graduate Attributes table at the end of the descriptor.
Content Summary
The module content is divided roughly in half, with the first semester devoted to non-human primate diversity and the second semester focused on paleoanthropology.
Topics will include (but not limited to): primate taxonomy, primate behaviour, primate ecology, the evolution of bipedalism, the hominin fossil record, Neanderthals and other archaic sapiens, human pre-history
Practical work to enhance lecture, reading, and discussion will be included as necessary. These may include (but not limited to): model skeleton evaluation, primate behavioural observations (through video or field trip), stone tool making demonstration
Learning and Teaching Methods
| Activity Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Lecture | 36 |
| Practical classes and workshops | 12 |
| Independent Study | 100 |
| Directed Study | 50 |
| Formative Assessment - Scheduled | 2 |
| Total Hours Selected | 200 |
Learning Outcomes
| # | Learning Outcome |
|---|---|
| LO1 | Using current scientific knowledge, formative data collection, and in-class discussion, evaluate the place of humans and appreciate the diversity of the primate order. |
| LO2 | Critically evaluate the scientific evidence for the origin of our species, and communicate possible explanations for controversies or gaps in our current understanding of human evolution. |
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 | A scholarly argument paper. | 0 | 2000 | 50 | No | 40 |
Assessment Matrix
| Assessment Type | Learning Outcomes | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| LO1 | LO2 | ||
| Onsite Closed Book Examination 1 | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Essay 1 | ✔ | ✔ | |