Assessment: blog on the in-class discussions (2500 words)

The behaviour of primates has been shaped by evolution in just the same way as has their anatomy and physiology. The study of primate behaviour provides us not only with an opportunity to ask questions about the function of behaviour, but also with a window into our own evolutionary history. The similarities and differences of human and non-human primate minds remain a highly debated topic, but studying primate behavior provides us with a tool to investigate the extent of primates’ cognitive abilities. This module introduces students to the principles & concepts of primate behaviour and cognition, using an evolutionary approach. Empirical evidence will be critically scrutinized in order to examine the evolution and adaptive nature of behaviour and cognition in a broad range of domains.

*Course content subject to change