Overview

Exclusive to students on the Zoology with Primatology degree, this module provides an opportunity to explore select topics from the field of primatology in depth via reading and discussion of the primary literature. Students have an active role in selecting the topics covered each year and the seminars centre on a selection of readings picked both by students and the teaching staff, based on their interests and research expertise.

Each seminar session will focus on a specific topic from the field of primatology. Topics for seminars are selected at the start of the module via staff-student discussion aimed at identifying mutual areas of interest and thus vary from year to year.

Assessment Strategy

-threshold -A threshold student should have knowledge of the essential facts and key concepts discussed in the module. Written work should demonstrate an ability to synthesise and interpret data from the primary literature in a structured and logical manner, and all assessments should demonstrate the generalcapacity to organise acquired knowledge. Presentations should both elucidate important background concepts and promote original discussion of unresolved issues (Grade D or C; mark range 40-59%)

-good -A good student should understand and be able to describe the significance of current debates in primatology by showing an in-depth knowledge of both the historical context and the most recent advances in the field. Written work should demonstrate an ability to synthesise and interpret data from the primary literature in a structured and logical manner, and all assessments should demonstrate advanced capacity to organise acquired knowledge. Presentations should promote engaged discussion that spans both the specific findings of studies and their broader implications for larger issues (Grade B; mark range 60-69%)

-excellent -An excellent student should show a nuanced and critical understanding of current debates in primatology, drawing on extensive factual knowledge of the historical context and the most recent advances in the field. Written work should demonstrate an ability to synthesise and interpret data from the primary literature and construct original interpretations. Presentations should promote engaged and insightful discussion that spans both the specific findings of studies and their broader implications for larger issues. In all aspects of their work students should be able to use their knowledge and understanding of issues to identify weaknesses in current theory and propose solutions to address major gaps in current knowledge (Grade A; mark range 70-100%)

Learning Outcomes

• Apply broad understanding of zoological concepts and approaches to the specific objectives of the field and compare and contrast advances in other fields of related disciplines with those in primatology.

• Critically evaluate the most recent advances in primatology in the historical context of key debates.

• Demonstrate a detailed knowledge and understanding of central issues in the field of primatology based on reading and discussion of both seminal and recent papers.

• Identify a topic for an original critical review of the literature and use primary sources to construct original, coherent and detailed arguments.

• Summarise, synthesise and present key ideas, concepts and recent advances in primatology for discussion in seminar and in writing.