Universität Wien

300222 VO Scientific methods and applications in human evolution (2026S)

3.00 ECTS (2.00 SWS), SPL 30 - Biologie
Moodle
We 10.06. 09:45-11:15 Seminarraum 1.7, Biologie Djerassiplatz 1, 1.010, Ebene 1

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Details

Language: English

Examination dates

Lecturers

Classes (iCal) - next class is marked with N

*First course on 18/03/2026

18.03.26/ Katerina Douka: Introduction to the course
25.03.26/ Tom Higham: Chronometric methods in human evolution

EASTER BREAK

15.04.26/ Mareike Stahlschmidt: Stratigraphic and microstratigraphic approaches to human evolution
22.04.26/ Susanna Sawyer: Introduction to ancient DNA and research methods
29.04.26/ Ben Vernot: Archaic and modern human aDNA
06.05.25/ Pere Gelabert: Palaeogenomic case studies linked to human evolution
13.05.25/ Martin Kuhlwilm: Genetic introgression and consequences in humans and primates
20.05.25/ Katerina Douka: Palaeoproteomics in human evolution
27.05.25/ Katerina Douka: Discussion of case studies
03.06.25/ Laura van der Sluis: Stable isotopes as indicators of past environment and diet

17.06.25/ EXAMS
24.06.25/ EXAMS

  • Wednesday 18.03. 09:45 - 11:15 Seminarraum 1.7, Biologie Djerassiplatz 1, 1.010, Ebene 1
  • Wednesday 25.03. 09:45 - 11:15 Seminarraum 1.7, Biologie Djerassiplatz 1, 1.010, Ebene 1
  • Wednesday 15.04. 09:45 - 11:15 Seminarraum 1.7, Biologie Djerassiplatz 1, 1.010, Ebene 1
  • Wednesday 22.04. 09:45 - 11:15 Seminarraum 1.7, Biologie Djerassiplatz 1, 1.010, Ebene 1
  • Wednesday 29.04. 09:45 - 11:15 Seminarraum 1.7, Biologie Djerassiplatz 1, 1.010, Ebene 1
  • Wednesday 06.05. 09:45 - 11:15 Seminarraum 1.7, Biologie Djerassiplatz 1, 1.010, Ebene 1
  • Wednesday 13.05. 09:45 - 11:15 Seminarraum 1.7, Biologie Djerassiplatz 1, 1.010, Ebene 1
  • Wednesday 20.05. 09:45 - 11:15 Seminarraum 1.7, Biologie Djerassiplatz 1, 1.010, Ebene 1
  • Wednesday 27.05. 09:45 - 11:15 Seminarraum 1.7, Biologie Djerassiplatz 1, 1.010, Ebene 1
  • Wednesday 03.06. 09:45 - 11:15 Seminarraum 1.7, Biologie Djerassiplatz 1, 1.010, Ebene 1

Information

Aims, contents and method of the course

We currently live in a golden age for biomolecular-based discoveries in human evolution. From the development of ancient genomics to palaeoproteomics, to the recovery of ancient microbiomes and pathogens, coupled with exciting advances in chronometric studies, the last two decades have seen the discovery of several new human species for the last 1 million years.
In this lecture series we will review some of the most important scientific (biomolecular) methods used in the field of Human Evolution, and discuss significant new discoveries made using these tools.
The series is structured as weekly lectures with selected experts from the Department of Evolutionary Anthropology presenting on the basics of their methods but also on the latest developments on each field.

*First course on 18/03/2026

18.03.26/ Katerina Douka: Introduction to the course
25.03.26/ Tom Higham: Chronometric methods in human evolution

EASTER BREAK

15.04.26/ Mareike Stahlschmidt: Stratigraphic and microstratigraphic approaches to human evolution
22.04.26/ Susanna Sawyer: Introduction to ancient DNA and research methods
29.04.26/ Ben Vernot: Archaic and modern human aDNA
06.05.25/ Pere Gelabert: Palaeogenomic case studies linked to human evolution
13.05.25/ Martin Kuhlwilm: Genetic introgression and consequences in humans and primates
20.05.25/ Katerina Douka: Palaeoproteomics in human evolution
27.05.25/ Katerina Douka: Discussion of case studies
03.06.25/ Laura van der Sluis: Stable isotopes as indicators of past environment and diet

17.06.25/ EXAMS
24.06.25/ EXAMS

Assessment and permitted materials

Examination in the format of 20 multiple choices questions, and 1 longer answer in the form of an essay (minimum 3 paragraphs)

Minimum requirements and assessment criteria

Minimum requirement to pass: 55% on written exam. Attendance and participation are noted.

Examination topics

Based on lecture slides (Moodle) and bibliographic references given by the individual lecturers

Reading list

References provided by individual lecturers in Moodle

Association in the course directory

BAN 3, BBO 8, BMB 10, BMG 10, BOE 11, BPB 11, BZO 11

Last modified: Tu 12.05.2026 12:47