PALEOANTHROPOLOGY

Course objectives

Through a detailed examination of the fossil record, combined with paleoenvironmental data, prehistoric archaeology, paleogenetics and paleogenomics, the course provides the knowledge needed to understand the complex "bush" of human evolution and the dynamics underlying the fossil evidence. The student will acquire the skills needed for a critical evaluation of the information framework, in order to understand human evolution in the paleoecological context between the Miocene and the Pleistocene, knowing how to critically examine the proposed interpretative models.

Channel 1
GIORGIO MANZI Lecturers' profile

Program - Frequency - Exams

Course program
The detailed program and course schedule are and will be available online (via "classroom").
Prerequisites
Basic training in evolutionary biology.
Books
Manzi G. - Il grande racconto dell'evoluzione umana (Il Mulino, Bologna 2018). This reference text is complemented by other handbooks and supplementary readings that will be provided in class and via "classroom".
Frequency
Attendance at classes is recommended.
Exam mode
Evaluation of the knowledge and skills acquired, starting from the description of a fossil find that will be submitted to the candidate.
Lesson mode
Traditional lectures, accompanied by the presentation of slides that will be regularly provided via "classroom" and by the laboratory examination of relevant specimens (in cast) shown in the classroom and discussed by the teacher.
GIORGIO MANZI Lecturers' profile

Program - Frequency - Exams

Course program
The detailed program and course schedule are and will be available online (via "classroom").
Prerequisites
Basic training in evolutionary biology.
Books
Manzi G. - Il grande racconto dell'evoluzione umana (Il Mulino, Bologna 2018). This reference text is complemented by other handbooks and supplementary readings that will be provided in class and via "classroom".
Frequency
Attendance at classes is recommended.
Exam mode
Evaluation of the knowledge and skills acquired, starting from the description of a fossil find that will be submitted to the candidate.
Lesson mode
Traditional lectures, accompanied by the presentation of slides that will be regularly provided via "classroom" and by the laboratory examination of relevant specimens (in cast) shown in the classroom and discussed by the teacher.
  • Lesson code1020262
  • Academic year2025/2026
  • CourseSciences and Teaching of Natural Systems
  • CurriculumClima ambiente ed energia - Percorso valido anche per coloro che partecipano al percorso internazionale di titolo multiplo italo-svizzero-svedese-francese con prima iscrizione presso l'Università di Stoccolma)
  • Year1st year
  • Semester1st semester
  • SSDBIO/08
  • CFU6