BIO4005 - Primate Behaviour and Ecology
Course content
This course provides a comprehensive overview of the field of primatology and a comparative framework for understanding behavioural evolution of primates. It focuses on linking ecological influences to behaviour and understanding the diversity of adaptations in the Primate order. The first part of the course will be an introduction to primate taxonomy and evolution, the second part will analyse the behavioural ecology of representative species of the order, and the third part will focus on great apes including humans.
Learning outcome
The students will learn about animal behaviour, which is necessary for doing a master on this subject, with a focus on primate behaviour. The students will learn that behaviours once seen as exclusively human are actually present in living apes and in other primates and we will question the uniqueness of humans. The seminars will be based on critical evaluation of the required literature and active participation in discussions.
Admission
Students at UiO must apply for courses in StudentWeb.
International applicants, if you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about admission requirements and procedures for international applicants.
The examination in this course is not available for external candidates. Only students admitted to the course may sit for the examination.
Prerequisites
Recommended previous knowledge
Previous knowledge in biology will be useful
Teaching
The course will consist of lectures and seminars (2 session each of 2 hours a week).
Lectures will be given by the instructor and students will discuss the required literature during seminars.
Examination
Students must attend at least 80% of the session
The students must write an essay and present this. The essay and the presentation are weighted 70/30.
Grading scale
Grades are awarded on a scale from A to F, where A is the best grade and F is a fail. Read more about the grading system.
Resit an examination
You can usually resit an exam, but the conditions depend on whether you had a valid reason for absence from the regular exam. Read more about resitting an exam.
Special examination arrangements
If you have a disability or a health problem that entails significant inconvenience in an examination situation, you may be considered for special examination arrangements. Mothers who are breastfeeding may apply for extra time to complete the exam.
Evaluation
Feedback from our students is essential to us in our efforts to ensure and further improve the high quality of our programmes and courses. All courses are subject to continuous evaluation. At regular intervals we also ask students on a particular course to participate in a more comprehensive, periodic evaluation of this course.