Quaternary and Prehistory - Do we research?

The doctoral programme on Quaternary and Prehistory is formed by three groups recognised by the Research and University Aids Agency (AGAUR) by the Catalan Government. The following research groups structure in topics the research lines of the doctoral programme, in which the PhD candidate will be joining.

• Human Palaeoecology in the Plio-Pleistocene

The objectives are focused in stablishing the context of the human migrations in the Pleistocene in the Mediterranean basin from a triple point of view:

1. global climate changes as a driving force in the human dispersal in time and the way
2. coevolution and interactions of human and carnivores and their implication in the dispersal / subsistence
3. the study of the tecno-conductual behaviour (Acheulean vs. Oldowan) and their consequences in the replacement of the population and/or the cultural transmission through the Mediterranena basin

• Analysis of socio-ecological processes, cultural change and population dynamics in prehistory

This group focuses on the study of how ecology, population dynamics and cultural change characterised human societies throughout prehistory, from the first evidence of Neanderthal behaviour to the emergence of the first agricultural societies and husbandry practices (Neolithic). This research is carried out using a multidisciplinary approach that integrates data from different disciplines.

• Subsistence, Technology and Human Evolution

The research of this group focuses on the study of biological, social and technological aspects of human evolution during the Lower and Middle Pleistocene. The approach is based on a strong investment in fieldwork, systematic analysis of the remains found to obtain significant empirical data, and original experimentation as part of contrasting scientific processes.