Module Specification
The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title Primate Biology
Code LIFE353
Coordinator Dr KGG D'Aout
Musculoskeletal Biology II
Kristiaan.Daout@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2016-17 Level 6 FHEQ First Semester 15

Pre-requisites before taking this module (other modules and/or general educational/academic requirements):
None  

Modules for which this module is a pre-requisite:
 

Co-requisite modules:
 

Linked Modules:
 

Teaching Schedule
  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours   24
This refers to weekly timetabled seminars (2 h each)
        24
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 126
TOTAL HOURS 150

Assessment
EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
Unseen Written Exam  2hrs  Semester 1  80  Yes  Standard UoL penalty applies  Exam 
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
Coursework  2000 words  Semester 1  20  Yes  Standard UoL penalty applies  Essay Notes (applying to all assessments) - none 

Aims

  • To provide an introduction to the biology (adaptations, ecology and evolution) of the major biological groups in our own Order, Primates

  • To develop knowledge and deep understanding in primate biology, and ability to apply, critically evaluate and interpret this knowledge to solve complex problems
    		•

    Learning Outcomes

    To evaluate the evolutionary relationships, diversity and distribution of the Order Primates

     

    To critically discuss the functional-anatomical locomotor and dietary adaptations in primates

    To evaluate the broad patterns of primate adaptations in relation to body size, distribution and ecology
    To discuss the variation in primate behaviour and cognition

    Teaching and Learning Strategies

    Seminar - This refers to weekly timetabled seminars (2 h each)


    Syllabus
    1 

    Topic 1: Systematics and Taxonomy

    Defining features of primate

     Overview of classification systems

    Overview of primate families

    Topic 2:  Evolution 

     Primate sister taxa and primate-like mammals

    The earliest primates

    The primate radiation (with key fossil species)

     The origin of apes

    Ape radiation

    The origin of hominins

    Topic 3:  Locomotion

     Locomotor categories in primates

    Locomotion in an e cological context

    Topic 4: Anatomy – postcranial

    Overview of the primate postcranial skeleton

    Understanding diversity, esp. related to locomotion

    Insights into form-function relationships

    Topic 5: Feeding

    Dietary categories in primates

    Behavioural and gastro-intestinal adaptations

    Topic 6: Anatomy – cranial

    Overview of the primate cranium

    Cranial and dental adaptations to diet

     Cranial and dental adaptations to other selective pressures

    Topic 7: Scaling

     General principles of scaling

    Scaling aspects of feeding and locomotion

    Topic 8: Social behaviour & sexual strategies

    Social structures

    Dominance hierarchies

    Male and female strategies

    Topic 9: Cognition and communication

    Cognitive skills in primates (incl. tool use)

    Communication

    Topic 10: Conservation, primates and society

    The role of primates in the wild, in zoos, and in scientific research

    Conservation status of primates in the wild

    Ethical issues

    Recommended Texts
    Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.
    Explanation of Reading List: