FutureLearn

A Question of Time: How We Date Human Evolution (FutureLearn)

Offered by Griffith University,

Discover the role that dating human fossils plays in the reconstruction of human evolution: explore examples from around the world. Uncover the history of our ancestors by dating human fossils. Trace your origins and develop your understanding of human evolution, with this course from the world-leading experts at Griffith University.

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This course will introduce you to the history of human evolution and discuss the importance of dating human fossils. You’ll learn the basic principles of dating fossils, including the methods used by professionals, and find out why dating is not always reliable.
You’ll study authentic archaeological examples from all over the world, and reflect on discoveries which have challenged our existing knowledge of human evolution.

What topics will you cover?

Introduction to human evolution
How dating works (methods available)
Principles of radiocarbon, U-series and ESR dating
The specific challenges of dating valuable human fossils
Dating controversies
How dating changed the story of human evolution
Explore examples from around the world

What will you achieve?
By the end of the course, you'll be able to...

Describe the basic principles of three dating methods
Explain why dating is not always reliable
Discuss the importance of dating for human evolution
Explore the ever-changing reconstruction of human evolution
Reflect upon how new discoveries challenge existing knowledge

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