Assessment is based on examinations, presentations, class and project work. This unit is concerned with the nature, development and causes of human variation from an evolutionary perspective, developing many of the integrative themes of Human Biology 210. It encompasses human structure and development, population biology, ecology and genetics. There is, where appropriate, special emphasis on the indigenous peoples of Australia and surrounding regions as well as a world perspective. A series of laboratories focus on the measurement of human anthropometric and genetic variation and how these techniques are used in the study of human population biology.
Students undertake a research project investigating the causes of human variation.
Emphasis is placed on human reproductive biology in relation to growth, development, behaviour and evolution. For example, the molecular basis of hormone secretion, action and metabolism is dealt with as a basis for considering determinants of reproductive success for the individual. This information is integrated in relation to social and ecological pressures which influence issues such as patterns of human fertility. These pressures include nutritional status, general well-being and the effects of modernisation. Laboratory sessions cover topics ranging from experimental methods in molecular endocrinology to aspects of human population variation.