Studying online
There are now 2 possible online modes for units:
Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.
Click on an offering mode for more details.
Unit Overview
- Description
Biological anthropology is concerned with the nature of variation and the ways in which the biology and behaviour of humans are influenced by genetic, developmental, ecological and cultural factors. This unit looks at human variation in contemporary populations from the perspective of evolutionary ecology. It focuses on ecological principles as applied to human populations, the emergence of adaptations during the process of gene-environment interaction during development, and the interplay of cultural and biological factors in human behaviour. Topics covered include principles of individual and kin selection, principles of human ecology, genetic sources of variation (beyond mutation), evolution of human development, reproductive and parental investment strategies, biological approach to culture, and evolutionary and developmental perspectives on the human life cycle.
- Credit
- 6 points
- Offering
(see Timetable) Availability Location Mode Semester 1 UWA (Perth) Face to face - Details for undergraduate courses
- Level 2 core unit in the Human Sciences and Data Analytics; Human Science and Neuroscience major sequences
- Level 2 option in the Anatomy and Human Biology; Gender Studies; Human Sciences (Anatomy and Physiology) major sequences
- Level 2 elective
- Outcomes
Students are able to (1) learn to appreciate the methods, goals and values of science and the place of evolutionary theory in the sciences; (2) appreciate the value of multidisciplinary perspectives in the biological sciences; (3) understand and clearly define questions about human evolutionary and behavioural biology and ecology, particularly the processes whereby humans adapt to their material and sociocultural environments; and (4) learn and practise critical discussion of social, economic, medical and political issues and debates from human evolutionary and ecological perspectives.
- Assessment
Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) tutorial participation including prepared responses to tutorial questions; (2) an in-class mid-semester examination
and a final exam; and (3) an analytical paper (semester). Further information is available in the unit outline.
Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.
- Unit Coordinator(s)
- Associate Professor Debra Judge
- Unit rules
- Advisable prior study
- 12 points from ANHB1101 Human Biology I: Becoming Human.
ANHB1102 Human Biology II: Being Human.
BIOL1130 Frontiers in Biology (formerly BIOL1130 Core Concepts in Biology).
BIOL1131 Plant and Animal Biology.
SCIE1106 Molecular Biology of the Cell.
ANTH1101 Being Human: Culture, Identity and Society.
ANTH1001 Being Human: Culture, Identity and Society.
ANTH1102 Global Change, Local Responses.
ANTH1002 Global Change, Local Responses
- Contact hours
- lectures: 2 hours per week
tutorials: 2
hours per week - Texts
Two ethnographies are required: Nisa (M. Shostak author) and Yanomamo (N. Chagnon, author). Other required reading is provided on-line or in the CMO system at the UWA library.
- The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
- All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
- Visit the Essential Textbooks website to see if any textbooks are required for this Unit. The website is updated regularly so content may change. Students are recommended to purchase Essential Textbooks, but a limited number of copies of all Essential Textbooks are held in the Library in print, and as an ebook where possible. Recommended readings for the unit can be accessed in Unit Readings directly through the Learning Management System (LMS).
- Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.
Face to face
Predominantly face-to-face. On campus attendance required to complete this unit. May have accompanying resources online.
Online flexible
100% Online Unit. NO campus face-to-face attendance is required to complete this unit. All study requirements are online only. Unit is asynchronous delivery, with NO requirement for students to participate online at specific times.
Online timetabled
100% Online Unit. NO campus face-to-face attendance is required to complete this unit. All study requirements are online only. Unit includes some synchronous components, with a requirement for students to participate online at specific times.
Online Restricted
Not available for self-enrolment. Students access this mode by contacting their student office through AskUWA. 100% Online Unit.
NO campus face-to-face attendance. All study and assessment requirements are online only. Unit includes some timetabled activities, with a requirement for students to participate online at specific times. In exceptional cases (noted in the Handbook) students may be required to participate in face-to-face laboratory classes when a return to UWA’s Crawley campus becomes possible in order to be awarded a final grade.
External
No attendance or regular contact is required, and all study requirements are completed either via correspondence and/or online submission.
Off-campus
Regular attendance is not required, but student attends the institution face to face on an agreed schedule for purposes of supervision and/or instruction.
Multi-mode
Multiple modes of delivery. Unit includes a mix of online and on-campus study requirements. On campus attendance for some activities is required to complete this unit.