MSC in Human Evolution at Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK

Liverpool John Moores University is now accepting applicants for a year-long MSc in Human Evolution to start in September 2022. This MSc employs cutting-edge approaches drawn from a diverse range of fields – including biology, engineering, genetics, data science and more – to advance your understanding of human evolution.

The programme modules contain a blend of hands-on practical applications and provide the basis for understanding how behaviour relates to skeletal form in modern humans, and thus how morphology provides a window on past behaviours in fossil hominins.

The MSc in Human Evolution focuses on studying the human animal through: 

• Advanced training in human osteology and dental anthropology to understand our bodies as they are today.
• Close examination of the fossil record, which comprises palaeoanthropological, palaeontological, environmental, archaeological, and genetic datasets.
• Cutting-edge research on ancient DNA and Proteomics (protein-based analyses) to understand the genetic underpinnings of the variation we see today and in our distant past.

You will study on a course developed and delivered by leading researchers, which includes a minimum two week placement at an archaeological site and advanced training in state-of-the-art comparative methods. You will be taught in new human osteology laboratories, which house world-class osteology collections and specialist equipment for digital radiography and 3-dimensional imaging, such as laser scanners and microscribes for advanced morphometric studies. You will study in our imaging laboratory which houses the latest equipment, including: advanced computer technology; a state-of-the-art Artec 3-D handheld scanner; multiple 3-D printers; an up-to-date and comprehensive cast collection of human fossil remains; and a comparative collection of primate skeletal material. Facilities also include cutting-edge, ancient DNA laboratories, a state-of-the-art GIS suite and laboratories for environmental analyses containing a TOC (total organic carbon) analyser, laser granulometer, chromatographic and spectrometric equipment.

The programme is suited for students from a range of BA and BSc backgrounds. This MSc offers excellent career prospects in a broad range of disciplines, as well as training suitable for PhD research in biological anthropology and archaeology.

For more information about this new MSc programme please contact: https://www.ljmu.ac.uk/study/courses/postgraduates/human-evolution

Or email: ScienceAdmissions@ljmu.ac.uk