Take a journey back in time to explore how humans evolved and what makes us the unique species we are today. In this course, you will develop and apply scientific thinking skills to investigate our human origins and our place in the natural world. Course activities will examine the history of discoveries and changing interpretations of human evolution. Through interactive labs that draw on evidence from fossils, living primates, genetics, and more, you will learn how the scientific method is used to trace our evolutionary story from our earliest ancestors to the emergence of modern humans.

• Outline the process of scientific inquiry in human origins research as distinguished from non-scientific, non-testable, explanations for human origins
• Explain how evolution works using multiple types of evidence and models
• Organize living primate groups based on traits and show how their anatomical and behavioral adaptations inform our understanding of human evolutionary history
• Communicate the key evidence for the origins of primates, apes, and the earliest bipedal hominins
• Evaluate anatomical and behavioral differences among species of early hominins and the earliest members of our genus Homo
• Compare species within our genus Homo, including Neandertals and modern Homo sapiens, to explore how anatomy, behavior, and technologies varied through time
• Interpret multiple types of evidence to explain how technology, cooperation, and culture shaped the evolution of modern humans

This course appears on your transcript identically to how it appears on the transcript of an enrolled ASU student who has taken the course on one of ASU's campuses. Course attendance dates will be listed on your transcript. An on-demand course will appear on your transcript in the session you complete the course.

This course satisfies 4 credit hours toward the SCIT: Scientific Thinking in Natural Sciences General Studies requirement at Arizona State University. It is strongly encouraged that you consult with your institution of choice to determine how these credits will be applied to their degree requirements prior to transferring your credit.

To be successful in this course, we recommend English language fluency and computer literacy. We also encourage you to make sure your laptop or desktop computer meets the technical requirements.