PSY2020 : Introduction to Comparative Cognition and Behaviour
PSY2020 : Introduction to Comparative Cognition and Behaviour
- Offered for Year: 2024/25
- Module Leader(s): Dr Sophia Daoudi-Simison
- Lecturer: Dr Caroline Allen, Dr Francesca De Petrillo, Dr Vivek Nityananda
- Owning School: Psychology
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
| Semester 2 Credit Value: | 10 |
| ECTS Credits: | 5.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
Pre-requisite
Modules you must have done previously to study this module
Pre Requisite Comment
N/A
Co-Requisite
Modules you need to take at the same time
Co Requisite Comment
N/A
Aims
To develop students’ knowledge and understanding of the principles underlying the evolution of behaviour and cognition using a comparative approach. There will be a focus on methodology for investigating these topics in different beings, including human and non-human animals, but also extinct species and machines. Tinbergen’s 4 questions will be used as a framework throughout.
Outline Of Syllabus
The content of this module builds on that taught in PSY1015, with the ultimate goal of understanding the evolution of behaviour and cognition.
Main topics covered include:
Principles of behavioural ecology
Social behaviour and dynamics
Inter and intra specific interactions & coevolution
Sex, reproduction, and inclusive fitness
Comparative cognition and what makes humans unique
Cognitive evolution
Communication and human language
Future minds: artificial intelligence
Throughout the course controversies and common misunderstandings of key theoretical concepts will also be explored.
Learning Outcomes
Intended Knowledge Outcomes
At the end of the module students will be able to:
1. Describe and discuss the broad role of evolutionary theory in understanding human and non- human animal behaviour and cognition.
2. Describe and evaluate various research methods used to assess the role of evolutionary theory in our understanding of human and non-human animal behaviour and cognition.
3. Apply Tinbergen’s 4 questions to the study of behaviour and cognition.
4. Apply a comparative approach to the study of human cognition and behaviour.
Intended Skill Outcomes
By the end of the module students should be able to:
1. Evaluate the plausibility of evolutionary hypotheses about behaviour and cognition
2. Apply evolutionary thinking to new problems in behavioural and cognitive evolution
3. Critically examine the evidence relevant to evolutionary hypotheses about behaviour and cognition
4. Read and interpret primary research/literature on the topics of behaviour and cognition
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 11 | 2:00 | 22:00 | Present in person |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 46:00 | 46:00 | Reading for assessment preparation, formative essay outline etc. |
| Structured Guided Learning | Structured research and reading activities | 1 | 24:00 | 24:00 | Preparation for lectures and workshops |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Workshops | 4 | 2:00 | 8:00 | Present in person: focus on developing critical thinking and evaluation, and to complete the essay |
| Total | 100:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
Intended knowledge outcomes will be met primarily through lecture content and associated set reading. The workshops and the associated reading will be focused on preparing the students for the requirements of the formative and summative assessments.
Reading Lists
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Exams
| Description | Length | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written Examination | 90 | 2 | A | 100 | 24-hour Take Home Exam (1 out of 5 questions and 1 alternative essay, max .1000 words), unseen. |
Formative Assessments
Formative Assessment is an assessment which develops your skills in being assessed, allows for you to receive feedback, and prepares you for being assessed. However, it does not count to your final mark.
| Description | Semester | When Set | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Written exercise | 2 | M | One essay outline/structure along with a reference list, will receive feedback from the instructors (~300 words) |
| Written exercise | 2 | M | Peer review of example essays, feedback via rubric plus a brief commentary (max 100 words) |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The unseen written examination is an efficient means of assessing the students’ success in:
1. achieving the intended knowledge and skills outcomes
2. integrating information from a variety of sources
3. communicating effectively in writing
This exam is a take-home 24 hour exam which students will be expected to spend around 90 minutes completing. The form of this assessment will move students away from shallow learning based on retention of knowledge to a more integrative approach focused on bringing together a range of materials/sources in a creative way alongside critical evaluation and argument development, indicative of deeper learning.
The formative assessment and feedback gives students the opportunity to practice the skills necessary for the assessment.
The formative peer assessment of a draft essay will allow the students to practice their evaluative skills and give them the opportunity to think practically about how a marker will apply the rubric to their own essay.
If the module is failed or deferred students will resit failed or deferred assessments in the same format during the August resit period.
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- PSY2020's Timetable
Past Exam Papers
- Exam Papers Online : www.ncl.ac.uk/exam.papers/
- PSY2020's past Exam Papers
General Notes
N/A
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The information contained within the Module Catalogue relates to the 2024 academic year.
In accordance with University Terms and Conditions, the University makes all reasonable efforts to deliver the modules as described.
Modules may be amended on an annual basis to take account of changing staff expertise, developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback. Module information for the 2025/26 entry will be published here in early-April 2025. Queries about information in the Module Catalogue should in the first instance be addressed to your School Office.