University of St Andrews

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 15

ECTS credits : 7

Level : SCQF level 10

Semester: 1

Availability restrictions: Not automatically available to General Degree students

Planned timetable: To be arranged.

Evolutionary biologists, anthropologists and psychologists have taken evolutionary principles and used them to explain a range of human characteristics, such as homicide, religion and sex differences in behaviour. Other researchers are sceptical of these interpretations, and critical of the methods. Moreover, researchers disagree as to the best ways to use evolution to explore humanity, and a number of schools of thought have emerged. This module will introduce and critically evaluate the main evolutionary approaches currently being used, including socio-biology, evolutionary psychology, behavioural ecology and gene-culture co-evolution.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisite(s): Permission of Biology Honours Adviser required

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact: 1 x 2-hour seminar (x 10 weeks).

Scheduled learning hours: 20

Guided independent study hours: 130

Assessment pattern

As used by St Andrews: 1.5-hour Written Examination = 40%, Coursework = 60%

As defined by QAA
Written examinations : 40%
Practical examinations : 20%
Coursework: 40%

Re-assessment: 1.5-hour Written Examination = 40%, Existing Coursework = 60%

Personnel

Module coordinator: Dr M M Webster
Module teaching staff: Dr M Webster. Dr K Cross, Dr L Dean, Dr C Evans, Dr A Navarrete
Module coordinator email mmw1@st-andrews.ac.uk