Course Catalogue

The Biological Anthropology programme aims to provide: A comprehensive course that explores our origins, evolution, and genetic and biological variation through the examination of the recent, archaeological, and palaeoanthropological records, plus an in-depth study of our primate relatives. The opportunity to specialise in particular branches of biological anthropology at and near the frontiers of research, and develop the technical capacity to advance those frontiers. The ability to develop scientific aptitudes such as critical thinking, problem solving and logical argument through the progressive development of key skills such as comparison, understanding, recognition, and statistical analysis, over the course of the programme. In addition to the above scientific and highly transferable skills, opportunities for the enhancement of employment prospects through the development of practical skills in fieldwork and laboratory settings. A high quality and varied learning experience to students from a range of backgrounds and educational experiences that encourages them to take responsibility at an appropriate level and to develop their full potential. The concept of continuous improvement, lifelong learning, and contribution to the wider community through personal development and scholarly activity. In addition to the aims for the main target award, the sandwich programme aims to provide students with an extended period of work experience at an approved partner that will complement their programme of study at LJMU. This will give the students the opportunity to develop professional skills relevant to their programme of study, as well as attitude and behaviours necessary for employment in a diverse and changing environment

Teaching and Learning: The programme will be delivered through lectures, practical sessions including both PC based and laboratory based sessions, paper based practical sessions, workshops (discussion forums),group and individual project work, tutorials and field classes. The latter will include day-trips to zoos, animal sanctuaries, safari parks, museums and archaeological sites, residential field classes, and fieldwork experience in the UK and abroad. It is estimated that approximately 50% of learning activity will be non-lecture-based, providing students with an active and hands-on approach to learning about Biological Anthropology through practice. The programme will be structured so that there is a transition from the introduction of methods and topics in L4 to increasing applicability in L5 and complex problem solving in L6. Specifically throughout L5, students develop the ability to employ methods and skills strategically to test hypotheses and solve problems. Throughout L6 students will develop and demonstrate the ability to analyse (with increasingly complex data sets and hypotheses to test),synthesise, critically evaluate and apply solutions to real world practical problems relevant to environmental situations/management/conservation. Assessments: Knowledge is assessed via examination (mainly short answer questions) and some coursework. Higher levels of understanding are assessed by examination (essay/interpretative questions) and coursework elements such as field reports and seminar presentations with question & answer sessions. Cognitive skills are developed in many taught sessions, with an increasing emphasis as students progress from level 4 through level 6. Such skills are especially developed during level 6 modules, especially the research project module. The application of thinking skills in a work environment can be developed in the Work Based Learning (WBL) module. Essay/interpretative exam questions are used to assess students cognitive ability for critical thinking. Coursework elements such as field/laboratory reports and in particular the honours project/work-based learning module allows students to demonstrate the full range of their cognitive skills. Practical skills are assessed by submission of practical files, and field/laboratory reports. The research project/WBL portfolio and other level 6 reports allow students to demonstrate the full range of skills they have acquired. Key skills are assessed through coursework at all levels in all modules. Benchmark requirements for scientific writing, oral presentation, poster presentation and field reports are provided in the key skills folder distributed to all students. These form the basis for assessing student skills in coursework assignments.

Work-related learning opportunities are available through the routes of employer seminars, guest lectures / workshops, employer-driven assignments and contact during fieldwork. The Work-based Learning placement (135 hrs) and the Sandwich placement (12 months) offer the opportunity for students to gain work experience with a relevant professional organisation. The School has a good record of providing relevant vocational training for students. Students are supported by the Professional Training Tutor who is responsible for advertising placements and promoting vocational training to students. Appropriate Work-based Learning or Sandwich placements (home or abroad) include working with e.g., zoos, conservation centres, archaeological excavations and units, environmental consultancies, museums, and forensic science companies.