PSY1003 : Evolution and Genetics for Psychologists (Inactive)
- Inactive for Year: 2023/24
- Module Leader(s): Dr John Skelhorn
- Owning School: Psychology
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
| Semester 2 Credit Value: | 10 |
| ECTS Credits: | 5.0 |
Aims
• To provide an introduction to and overview of the theory of evolution
• To introduce the fundamental concepts of genetics, including Mendelian and quantitative genetics, basics of molecular genetics and genomics, and the genetics of populations
• To examine genetic bases of some human phenotypic characteristics, including diseases, physical characteristics, and individual difference traits
• To examine how evolutionary ideas may be applied to the physical and behavioural characteristics of modern humans
• To provide a brief primer on the evolution of modern humans, including the modern human brain, as a way of preparing for further study in psychology
Original Summary:
This course gives an accessible introduction to evolution and genetics, designed for students going on to study psychology and other human sciences. It reviews the key principles of evolution and explains the mechanisms of genetics, using examples from humans and other animals. It also examines the place of humans in the natural world through an introduction to other primate species, and our extinct ancestors. The emphasis throughout is on the relevance of evolution to the behaviour and cognition of contemporary humans.
Outline Of Syllabus
• Why study evolution and genetics?
• Cells, genes and DNA
• Genetic variation and its effect on the phenotype
• The structure of the human genome
• The evolutionary process
• Beyond self-interest: Kin selection and cooperation
• The evolution of sex
• Human sex differences
• The evolution of human social behaviour
• Parental and grandparental investment
• Language and culture
• Primates and human ancestors
• Evolutionary psychology
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 22 | 1:00 | 22:00 | Present in Person lectures |
| Guided Independent Study | Directed research and reading | 1 | 20:00 | 20:00 | Further research and reading |
| Guided Independent Study | Reflective learning activity | 1 | 8:00 | 8:00 | Self-study problems in textbook |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 50:00 | 50:00 | Reading the assigned textbook |
| Total | 100:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
The body of relevant content is conveyed principally via the textbook reading, which is support by the lectures. These work through the material chapter by chapter. Slides are provided to support these. Students are directed to self- assessment problems at the end of each chapter of the textbook, and other resources and strategies for independent study on related and enrichment topics.
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Exams
| Description | Length | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Digital Examination | 90 | 2 | A | 100 | Multiple choice questions (90), unseen, PIP Inspera invigilated. |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The Multiple Choice, problem-based format is suitable for assessing the full breadth of the students’ understanding of the module content.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- PSY1003's Timetable