Current Trends in Evolution of Behaviour and Mind

Course manual 2025/2026

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 is divided into three main themes - The evolution of brain and behaviour (week 1), Working with Humans (week 2) and Working with Animals (week 3).  These are covered in a combination of lectures by staff working in the field of Evolution of Behaviour and Mind, practicals, and journal clubs.  The course will end with students working in small groups to write and pitch a research proposal. 

Study materials

Software

• Zoomonitor

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
• Supervision/feedback meeting

In the first week we will have a student seminar in which all students present their own previous work - this is to introduce you to your fellow students and gain and understanding on the different approaches and disciplines in the field. 

The course will include guest lectures from researchers working in the field of Evolution of Behaviour and Mind. We will have three practicals - each covering a different method used in the field - Comparative physiology and evolution (week 1), Interviews and questionnaires (week 2), and observational studies (week 3). You will also be part of a small journal club - where you will discuss literature supporting the topic and lectures/practicals. Finally - you will work in groups to design an interdisciplinary study on the theme of evolution of behaviour and mind and write and present a research proposal. In the final presentation your fellow course members and staff will act as a committee and will vote for the best proposal. 

Learning activities

Attendance

Additional requirements for this course:

Attendance during practicals and journal clubs is mandatory as participation in journal clubs forms part of your grade, and material in the workshops is also part of graded assignments.

Assessment

Inspection of assessed work

Results of assignments will be released on Canvas.

Assignments

The assignment of practical 1 will be submitted individually. Grades for journal club and student seminar performance will be individuals. All other assignments are group assignments. 

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

Contact information

Coordinator

• dr. E.R. Burdfield-Steel