2024/25 Undergraduate Module Catalogue
PSYC2512 Evolution and Human Behaviour
10 creditsClass Size: 297
Module manager: Dr Paul Armstrong
Email: P.Armstrong1@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2024/25
Pre-requisite qualifications
noneThis module is approved as a discovery module
Module summary
This module introduces students to the new and exciting discipline of Evolutionary Psychology. The course will outline the most recent thinking about the evolutionary origins of our species, how this informs our understanding of modern human behaviour and how it impacts on every aspect of our lives. Topics covered will include placing human abilities in their zoological context, human mate selection, cooperation, violence and conflict. Consideration will also be given to theories about the evolutionary origins of human mental illness. This course is particularly suitable for those with an interest in gaining a greater understanding of human behaviour from a biological/ zoological/ psychological perspective.Objectives
To inform students about evolution, human evolutionary origins and how these impact on our behaviour today.Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this module students should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of evolutionary principles including natural selection, sexual selection and adaptation, a knowledge of evolutionary psychology relating to sexual behaviour, altruism, conflict, mental health and other important aspects of the human condition and should also know how to view established principles from several different directions including psychological, ethological and sociobiological perspectives.
Skills outcomes
Successful completion of the module will encourage the development of skills in the critical analysis of relevant published research, and in literature search.
Syllabus
1. Darwin/Wallace The development of evolutionary thinking
2. The impact of environment on speciation
3. The Human evolutionary pathway
4. Comparative cognition - human abilities in phylogenetic context
5. Universal human characteristics and cultural differences
6. Human Mate selection and retention
7. Cooperation in humans - kin selection and altruism
8. Human conflict - violence and warfare
9. Evolutionary theories of mental illness
10. Advantages and limitations of the evolutionary approach
11. Course overview and revision
Teaching methods
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
| Lecture | 11 | 1.00 | 11.00 |
| Independent online learning hours | 11.00 | ||
| Private study hours | 78.00 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 11.00 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 100.00 | ||
Private study
Independent learning will include:- viewing on line educational material referred to in the lectures and/or linked on the slides (11hrs).
Private study will involve:
- reading in detail the material summarised in the lectures and following this up using the appropriate literature databases (5hrs x 11 lectures=55hrs)
- revision for exam (23hrs)
Opportunities for Formative Feedback
Student progress will be monitored via mid-session MCQ practice questionsMethods of assessment
Coursework
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
| In-course MCQ | Internet-based learning exercise | 0.00 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 0.00 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Exams
| Exam type | Exam duration | % of formal assessment |
| Online Time-Limited assessment | 1 hr 30 mins | 100.00 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 100.00 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Reading list
There is no reading list for this moduleLast updated: 04/09/2024
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