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Module

PSY3001 : Evolution & Behaviour

  • Offered for Year: 2020/21
  • Module Leader(s): Dr Caroline Allen
  • Lecturer: Dr Gareth Richards
  • Owning School: Psychology
  • Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Semester 1 Credit Value: 10
ECTS Credits: 5.0

Aims

To develop students’ knowledge and understanding of: the principles underlying the evolution of behaviour; the types of evidence employed in testing hypotheses based on these principles; and the application of the principles to a broad range of behaviours.

Outline Of Syllabus

Principles of behavioural evolution in historical perspective: natural selection; inclusive fitness; optimality; evolutionary stability.

Theoretical models based on these principles.

Types of evidence in the evolutionary study of behaviour: observations, experiments and the comparative method.

Principles, models and evidence related to a broad range of behavioural areas and species, chosen from: foraging; competition and aggression; anti-predator behaviour; group living; kinship; parental care; social organisation; human social life.

Teaching Methods

Module leaders are revising this content in light of the Covid 19 restrictions.
Revised and approved detail information will be available by 17 August.

Assessment Methods

Module leaders are revising this content in light of the Covid 19 restrictions.
Revised and approved detail information will be available by 17 August.

Reading Lists

Timetable