Human Evolution and Behaviour

Subjects covered include: Genes and behaviour. Human as a species, and as a part of evolution. Human biology - differences and similarities between human societies. Human and other primates - differences and similarities. Human reproductive biology; selecting a partner, resource bases, status symbols, sexual competition, behavioural differences between the sexes, systems of partnership. Conflicts between individuals and groups (war). Human population biology and life history strategies. Examples of human diseases. Human environmental behaviour - reasons for the global environmental crises, and threats to biodiversity.

On completion of the course students should be able to demonstrate basic knowledge of human evolution and behaviour, and evaluate human behaviour in light of the topics mentioned in “Course contents”.
Knowledge:
The candidate will obtain knowledge of:
- Contribution of evolution for explaining human behaviour
- How biological differences between sexes can lead to gender specific differences in behaviour

Skills:
The candidate will be skilled in:
- Arguing that human evolutionary history contributes to understanding of human behavioural traits

General competence:
The candidate will obtain competence on:
- Basic knowledge of human evolution and behaviour
- Understanding of the influence of biology on human behaviour

Lectures, discussions and semester assignment (written project). Discussions and lab exercises are mandatory. The semester assignment is mandatory and must be passed to attend the exam. Written exam counts 70% of the grade, and the semester assignment counts 30%. Both parts must be passed.

Examinations can be held orally outside teaching semester