The course introduces to general knowledge and updated data regarding the human bio-variability, with reference to populations of the past and species of the deep time. Skills in critical analysis and presentation will be developed in presenting one or more case-studies.

Knowledge and understanding: The student will acquire knowledge on the paleobiological record, with focus on methodologies and case studies in paleoanthropology and skeletal biology. She/he will acquire the necessary skills in human-environment relationship, in a diachronic and bioarchaeological perspective.

Ability to apply knowledge and understanding: The student will acquire skills to use methods of analysis and critical evaluation of human biodiversity within the general information framework, during time as well as in relation to different environmental contexts.

Critical and judgmental capacities: Through the documentation and analysis of one or more case studies, the student will develop critical and judgmental skills by comparing morphological, archaeological and historical sources of information.

Communication skills: The student will acquire skills in synthesis and communication in public, being invited to present to the classroom the results of the analytical and critical study of one or more case-studies and being stimulated to interact with colleagues and with the teacher.

Learning skills: The student will acquire the proper language of evolutionary biology, of paleoantrhropology and skeletal morphology, with reference to the human variability in the past, being able to deal autonomously with both the textbook  and more specialized literature.