ANTH30I7: Primates, Predators and the Ecology of Fear

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• To explore the literature examining the interactions between predators and primates;
• To understand how predators might shape behaviour and social organisation;
• To evaluate the methods used to measure predation risk;
• To consider the role of humans in mediating primate-predator interactions;
• To assess whether predation pressure and life in a landscape of fear influences all aspects of primate behaviour and ecology.

• Topics include:
• Understanding different theoretical perspectives on defining predation pressure
• Methods for measuring predation pressure in primate research
• Impacts of predation on ranging, social organisation, behaviour and vigilance in primates
• Human impacts on primate behaviour and primate-predator interactions

Subject-specific Knowledge:

• At the end of the module, students will be able to:
• Demonstrate advanced levels of current knowledge and intensive understanding primate behavioural ecology and predator-prey interactions.
• Deploy analytical skills specific to evolutionary theory in the context of understanding primate predator interactions.
• Be competent in accessing and assimilating specialised research literature of an advanced nature.
• In depth knowledge of primate behavioural ecology and predator-prey interactions, with emphasis on interpretation and comprehensive understanding of primary data.

Subject-specific Skills:

• Develop and apply analytical thinking to primate behavioural ecology and predator-prey interactions, with emphasis on interpretation and comprehensive understanding of primary data

Key Skills:

• Preparation and effective communication of research methods, data, interpretation and arguments in written form.

• Lectures will provide students with an outline of key knowledge and debates in the topic area, discuss the literature that students should explore, and provide relevant examples and cases studies.
• Tutorials will develop topics introduced in lectures and required reading to analyse aspects or case studies in greater depth and to prepare students for their summative assignment. The practical components of tutorials will provide students with hands-on experience of the research.
• Student preparation and reading time will allow engagement with specific references in advance of tutorials and general and particular reading related to the assessment, which will be a written assignment (such as an essay or report).
• Summative assessment will consist of a 2,500 written assignment in which students will apply concepts and perspectives covered in the course.

Formative guidance on the assessment will be provided through feedback on ideas related to your assignment topic in class and an assignment plan.

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