Key facts
UNE unit code: ARPA314
*You are viewing the 2026 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Not offered in 2026
- Yes
- No
- No
- 6
Unit information
This unit introduces you to the 20-million-year story of human evolution. The stage is set in Africa and Asia in the Miocene, and from there you will track key hominin evolution through time and across space, with particular focus on recent findings in Asia and Island Indonesia.
The story culminates with the appearance and spread of ‘Homo sapiens’ and possible encounters with Neanderthals, Denisovans, and other ‘archaic’ hominin species. You will examine the science behind the story from the complementary perspectives of hominin biology, as reflected by morphological skeletal changes in bone and emerging data from ancient DNA. You will also explore the archaeological record of hominin behaviour in the context of stone tools and other material remains.
This fascinating unit is ideal for anyone interested in understanding the story of human origins.
Intensive schools
There are no intensive schools required for this unit.
Enrolment rules
Notes
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students are warned that the teaching material may contain images and voices of deceased persons.
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- understand and apply scholarly principles and concepts to research problems in human evolution;
- comprehend in broad and comparative terms the archaeology and palaeoanthropology of human evolution;
- critically interpret varying hominin capabilities across time at a variety of scales and research themes, including cognitive evolution and migration histories;
- analyse changes in hominin biology across time in relation to climatic changes and upheavals; and
- demonstrate well-developed research and writing skills in the planning and execution of an essay.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
| Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment 1: Online Quiz | Yes | 10% | All offerings | No. Words: 500 |
| Assessment 2: Online Quiz | Yes | 10% | All offerings | No. Words: 500 |
| Assessment 3: Online Quiz | Yes | 10% | All offerings | No. Words: 500 |
| Assessment 4: Online Quiz | Yes | 10% | All offerings | No. Words: 500 |
| Assessment 5: Essay | Yes | 60% | All offerings | No. Words: 3000 |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
Introduction to Physical Anthropology
ISBN: 9781337099820
Jurmain, R., Kilgore, L., Trevathan, W., Ciochon, R.L. and Bartelink, E., Cengage Learning US 15th ed. 2017
Text refers to: All offerings
Excellence in experience, equity and employability
Five Stars,
20 Years in a Row
UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 20 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience.
Good Universities Guide 2007-2026
Five Stars for
Social Equity
UNE rates among the top 20% of universities nationally and is #1 in NSW for Social Equity.
Good Universities Guide 2026
Five Stars for
Graduate Employment
UNE rates among the top 20% of universities for Graduate Full-Time Employment and Starting Salary.
Good Universities Guide 2026 (Undergraduate)
Diamond-Rated Digital Learning
UNE’s leadership in digital learning earned the highest ‘Diamond’ rating in a peer review.
ASCILITE TELAS 2025
Studying online
At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian university.
We understand the challenges faced by busy adults studying at home. We know that a vital part of online study is your engagement with the learning community. Communication with your classmates, teaching staff and university support staff will enhance your study experience and ensure that your skills extend beyond the subject matter. UNE’s teaching staff are experts in their field which is why UNE consistently receives five stars from students for teaching quality, support and overall experience.*
*The Good Universities Guide
Stay connected
Join our mailing list for updates and helpful tips to support your study plans. You can unsubscribe at any time.
- •Course updates and important changes as they happen
- •Key dates for intakes, deadlines, and enrolment steps
- •Application guidance, including supporting documentation requirements
- •Next steps and what to expect after you apply or enquire
Ready to stay in the loop?
GET IN TOUCH
Why study with us?
UNE’s flexibility and support made the transition smooth and helped me find a great balance between academic responsibilities and personal growth. It was the perfect place to study education while staying true to my rural roots.
What happens next?
Got a question about a course you'd like to study? Contact our Future Student Team for help.
2026 applications are now open. The application process only takes 20 minutes to complete. Don’t delay, apply now!
Your start date is based on the study period you choose to apply for.
