BL4263 The Question of Culture in Animals
(BL4263 online module handbook version 41)
The existence and extent of social learning and cultural transmission in non-humans is a very active area of current research, as well as of controversy, with vigorous ongoing debate. The aim of this module is to provide an introduction to this area through considering the conceptual issues and direct and indirect evidence for cultural transmission in a range of non-human animals, including insects, fish, birds, primates and cetaceans. We will consider what is meant by the term ?culture?, how is used and studied in the human context, how it can be studied in non-humans, and the evidence for and against such processes being present in a range of non-human societies.
*Credits: 15*
Semester: 2†
Module OrganiserPre-requisite Modules:Before taking this module you must pass BL3319*
Anti-requisite Modules:*
Post-requisite Modules:*
Additional Module Information:
Biology Teaching Office:
Level 2, Biomolecular Sciences Building, University of St Andrews, North Haugh, St Andrews, Fife KY16 9ST
Email: bioteach@st-andrews.ac.uk Phone: +44 (0)1334 46 3602 or 3566
BL4263: Assessment
100% Coursework*
The following related information applies to all Biology modules:
Who to ask †
(Information in this section applies to all Biology Modules)
Before contacting staff, students should check the content of the Biology Undergraduate Handbook, the module handbook and specific task instructions.
Biology Teaching Office:
We are happy to hear from you about teaching matters. The School of Biology Teaching Office is open Monday to Friday 09.00 - 13.00 and 14.00 - 17.00. School of Biology staff will respond to your emails during these hours. Our team will provide a response to you within three working days.
Biology Teaching Office (Level 2), University of St Andrews, Biomolecular Sciences Building, North Haugh, St Andrews, Fife KY16 9ST
Email: bioteach@st-andrews.ac.uk
Tel: 01334 46 3602 or 3566
BL4263: Contributing Staff †
BL4263: Learning Outcomes †
Students completing module BL4263 successfully should be able to:
- demonstrate knowledge about the study of behavior generally and in cetaceans in particular.
- demonstrate familiarity with the interdisciplinary debate about the evolution of culture.
- read and assess primary literature critically.
- constructively discuss areas of scientific controversy.
- write critical evaluations of scientific work.
BL4263: Acquired Skills †
Practical Skills
Transferable Skills
- Group discussion - participating
- Journal club
- Short informal presentation (using PowerPoint or not)
- Paper critique
- Short essay (1000-2000 words)
- Critically evaluating sources/information
- Finding literature
- Referencing
- Searching databases
- Sourcing figures/tables
- Generating questions
- Reflective analysis
- Critiquing experimental design
- Organising group work
- Working in pairs/small groups
Policies †
(Information in this section applies to all Biology Modules)
- The procedures and regulations followed by the School of Biology are outlined in the University Handbook and in the School of Biology UG handbook  JH booklet info (st-andrews.ac.uk)Â
- All coursework associated with the module must be completed and submitted by its due date.
- Specific School regulations relating to absence reporting, penalties and rules for late submission of work, extensions for coursework, return of coursework, S-coding, Good Academic Practice and Academic Alert are stated in the School of Biology UG hand book JH booklet info (st-andrews.ac.uk)  and students are required to carefully read these regulations.
- Students are also referred to the University Handbook, available at: http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/studenthandbook/
