Run by School of Natural Sciences

20.000 Credits or 10.000 ECTS Credits

Semester 1 & 2

Organiser: Dr Isabelle Winder

This seminar module builds on BSX-2042 Introduction to Primatology and is only open to students on the BSc/MZool Zoology with Primatology degree pathway. It will extend and deepen on core knowledge of the discipline by delving extensively into the primary literature and encourage students to develop critical analysis skills. Topics covered will span the breadth of the discipline and may vary from year to year depending on current advances and areas of debate in the literature, as well as the specific interests of the students

Each seminar session will focus on a specific topic from the field of Primatology and build on staff research expertise and theoretical interest to present a thorough synthesis of current issues in the discipline.

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%)

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%)

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 general capacity 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%)

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

2. 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.

3. 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.

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

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

Type	Name	Description	Weight
COURSEWORK	Critical Review #1	For BSX-3163, you will write two short critical papers, one per semester. The first (Critical Review #1) will be due at the end of Semester One.	30.00
COURSEWORK	Critical Review #2	Your second critical review paper (Critical Review #2) will be due at the end of Semester Two, and will cover content and themes from the second semester seminars.	30.00
INDIVIDUAL PRESENTATION	In-class presentations	During the module, each student will be asked to present at least once per semester. The first time you do this will be formative, and the second (to take place in semester two) will be summative.	40.00

		Hours
Seminar	Bi-weekly seminars (2 h) will run through both semesters. Students will prepare by reading the assigned readings ahead of each class meeting and participate in discussion. Some of the seminars will be student-lead (student picks topic and readings, prepares a short presentation and then leads discussion).	20
Private study	Reading papers, preparing for seminar discussion, research for papers, writing.	180

• Literacy - Proficiency in reading and writing through a variety of media
• Numeracy - Proficiency in using numbers at appropriate levels of accuracy
• Computer Literacy - Proficiency in using a varied range of computer software
• Self-Management - Able to work unsupervised in an efficient, punctual and structured manner. To examine the outcomes of tasks and events, and judge levels of quality and importance
• Exploring - Able to investigate, research and consider alternatives
• Information retrieval - Able to access different and multiple sources of information
• Inter-personal - Able to question, actively listen, examine given answers and interact sensitevely with others
• Critical analysis & Problem Solving - Able to deconstruct and analyse problems or complex situations. To find solutions to problems through analyses and exploration of all possibilities using appropriate methods, rescources and creativity.
• Presentation - Able to clearly present information and explanations to an audience. Through the written or oral mode of communication accurately and concisely.
• Argument - Able to put forward, debate and justify an opinion or a course of action, with an individual or in a wider group setting

• PS1 Communication skills, covering both written and oral communication with a variety of audiences
• PS2 Skills in the employment of common conventions and standards in scientific writing, data presentation, and referencing literature
• PS3 Problem-solving skills, relating to qualitative and quantitative information
• PS4 Numeracy and mathematical skills, including handling data, algebra, functions, trigonometry, calculus, vectors and complex numbers, alongside error analysis, order-of-magnitude estimations, systematic use of scientific units and different types of data presentation
• PS5 Information location and retrieval skills, in relation to primary and secondary information sources, and the ability to assess the quality of information accessed
• PS8 Time management and organisational skills, as evidenced by the ability to plan and implement efficient and effective ways of working
• PS6 Information technology skills which support the location, management, processing, analysis and presentation of scientific information
• PS14 Independent learning skills required for continuing professional development
• PS15 The ability to think critically in the context of data analysis and experimental design

Talis Reading list

http://readinglists.bangor.ac.uk/modules/bsx-3163.html

Reading list

A reading list of primary sources will be available.

Compulsory in courses:

• C329: BSc Zoology with Primatology year 3 (BSC/ZP)
• C32P: Zoology with Primatology with Placement Year year 4 (BSC/ZPP)
• C333: MZool Zoology with Primatology year 3 (MZOOL/ZP)
• C33P: MZool Zoology with Primatology with Placement Year year 4 (MZOOL/ZPP)