BIO 167 Human Evolution

Between six and seven million years ago, a currently unknown ancestor of modern man diverged from the other apes with an increased dependence upon bipedal locomotion. Explanations for this divergence vary in form and validity. Nonetheless, this divergence set the stage for the evolution of modern man, Homo sapiens sapiens. Students are invited to examine the fossil record and the tools and methods that anthropologists have used to
provide us with ever more cohesive, yet constantly updated interpretations of our evolutionary development and timeline. Ultimately, students will apply their understanding of the modern synthesis of evolutionary theory to best understand, critically evaluate and question these interpretations. Relationships between human anatomy and physiology, population genetics, lithic and fire technology, alongside other primitive technological advancements will form the basis for experiential-learning during laboratory sessions.

Credits

1 Course Credit