BIOL 3868 The Ecology of Humans
Course Description
This course focuses on one of the most important animals on Earth today, Homo sapiens, considering the species from a broad biological and ecological perspective. The course introduces the evolution and origin of modern humans, the extent of their uniqueness in comparison with other animals and Primates, and the characteristics that contribute to their unprecedented success and dominance of their environment. We also explore selected aspects of human biology and ecology including genetic and cultural diversity and adaptation; technological and lifestyle changes and their relationship with health and disease patterns; human populations, resources and wellbeing; resource depletion, environmental degradation and global climate change. In conclusion we discuss the future of the human animal.
Students are expected to have a basic foundation in ecology and biodiversity. In addition to providing a foundation of theoretical knowledge, this course takes a ‘hands-on’ approach where students are expected to prepare, participate and perform in an active way in order to engage with the content in a variety of ways. Assessment is designed to encourage students to work continuously with the course materials, explore and critically analyse research in this complex and rapidly developing field. Students are expected to have a basic foundation in animal biology.
