The study of human behaviour, culture and society is often set apart from the natural world. Yet humans, like other animals, have an evolutionary history and evolutionary forces continue to shape the way we live today. Important insights can therefore come from studying humans in the same way as we study other animals. Many of the problems we currently face, such as the biodiversity crisis, climate change, or the conflicts which occur within or between countries, relate to how humans create, shape and interact with their natural and social environments. Solutions to these problems will come from insights generated from a number of different disciplines.
Bridging the gap between the natural and social sciences, our Human Sciences programme allows you to combine exciting disciplines to make connections between biological processes, social patterns and political and environmental issues. It will enable you to understand relationships between science and policy and show how you may be able to facilitate decision-making in this context.
The modules we outline here provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand.
Year 1
You will develop both knowledge and practical skills in a range of core disciplines in the human sciences. This year includes lectures and laboratory work, introducing you to modern approaches to understanding the biology of organisms including humans, through ecology, genetics and evolution, to the comparative study of social and cultural patterns of world populations. You will also develop important communication and analytical skills.
- Evolution
- Introduction to Human Sciences
- Skills and Careers
- The Geography of Cornwall
Year 2
- Analysis of Biological Data
- Development of Behaviour
- Behavioural Ecology
- Evolution of Human Societies
Year 3
In your third year, you will undertake a research project with a member of academic staff. You’ll also undertake modules on The Complexity of Human Societies and Preparing to Graduate. Outside of these you will have freedom to choose among our third year modules, tailoring your degree to your specific interests. You can also elect to take part in a two-week residential overseas field course in Kenya.*
- Research Project
- The Complexity of Human Societies
- Preparing to Graduate
Final year
In your final year, you will undertake an intensive research project focused on a specialised area aligned with one of our leading research groups. You will also undertake a literature review module and a statistics module, building essential high-level skills. The remainder of your time will be spent on a two-week intensive field course* in which your scientific field research, debating and presentation skills will be further developed.
- Academic Research Project
- Global Challenges Field Course (MSci)
- Rewilding the United Kingdom
- Literature Review in the Life Sciences
- Applied Data Analysis
