Current Trends in Evolution of Behaviour and Mind

Course manual 2023/2024

Course content

This is the introductory course of the masters track Evolution of Behaviour and Mind. The course aims to bring all students up to date on the theories and research methods used in the field, and begin to use them in their own research. The course will begin with a student seminar where all students will give a short presentation on a previous project they have done (for example their bachelor project). We will then have a combination of excursions, lectures by staff working in the field of Evolution of Behaviour and Mind, and associated practicals to guide students through the various approaches. Students will also be part of smaller journal clubs, and will take it in turns to present a peer-reviewed paper of their choice that covers recent research in the field. The course will end with a group interdisciplinary research project, where students can plan and carry out a small study on behaviour, in either humans or animals. 

Objectives

• compare and evaluate different theories and research methods (based on forefront literature) in the field of Evolution of Behaviour and Mind, including those used in evolutionary modeling, comparative research, evolutionary psychology, and evolutionary medicine
• demonstrate the use and judge the value of different scientific techniques necessary for research in the field of the Evolution of Behaviour and Mind, and adapt these techniques to answer specific research questions, such as programming, experimental and observational design, and questionnaire design
• evaluate values, commit to values, and behave consistently according to internalized values in relation to animal and human welfare.

Teaching methods

• Lecture
• Seminar
• Computer lab session/practical training
• Fieldwork/excursion
• Presentation/symposium
• Self-study
• Working independently on e.g. a project or thesis

The course will include guest lectures from researchers working in the field of Evolution of Behaviour and Mind. We will have four practicals - each covering a different method used in the field - Questionnaires and interviews, comparative physiology, modelling, and observational studies. This final practical will include independent fieldwork. You will also be part of a small journal club - in which you will take it in turns to present a paper of your choice from the field. Finally - you will work in groups to design a interdisipliniary study and begin carrying it out. The results you obtain will be presented in a poster presentation at the end of the course. 

Learning activities

Attendance

Requirements of the programme concerning attendance (OER-B):

1. Attendance during practical components exercises is mandatory.

Additional requirements for this course:

Attendance during practicals and journal clubs is mandatory.

Assessment

Assignments

With the exception of the interdisciplinary project all other assignments will be submitted individually. 

Fraud and plagiarism

The 'Regulations governing fraud and plagiarism for UvA students' applies to this course. This will be monitored carefully. Upon suspicion of fraud or plagiarism the Examinations Board of the programme will be informed. For the 'Regulations governing fraud and plagiarism for UvA students' see: www.student.uva.nl

Course structure

Timetable

The schedule for this course is published on DataNose.

Contact information

Coordinator

• dr. E.R. Burdfield Steel