This module is not currently running in 2024 to 2025.
The non-human primates represent a diverse group of organisms that communicate in a variety of ways using acoustic, visual, and olfactory signals. As our closest living relatives, there is considerable interest in what communication among non-human primates can tell us about the evolution of human communication, especially language. This module will provide an in depth examination of the different kinds of signals that primate produce, how they produce and interpret these signals, and what (if anything) these signals can tell us about the evolution of language. This will provide an opportunity to discuss more generally what constitutes communication, how communication can evolve, and why honest communication appears to be so common despite strong evolutionary pressures to deceive others.
Total contact hours: 25
Private study hours: 125
Total study hours: 150
MSc Biological Anthropology
Presentation (15 minutes) (20%)
Research proposal (3000 words) (60%)
Lab report (750 words + figures) (20%)
Reassessment methods: 100% coursework
Reading List (Indicative list, current at time of publication. Reading lists will be published annually)
Bradbury, J.W., Vehrencamp, S.L., 2011. Principles of Animal Communication, 2nd ed. Sinauer, Sunderland, Mass.
Fitch, W.T., 2010. The Evolution of Language. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge.
Liebal, K., Waller, B.M., Slocombe, K.E., Burrows, A.M., 2013. Primate Communication: a Multimodal Approach. Cambridge University Press.
Rendall, D., Owren, M.J., Ryan, M.J., 2009. What do animal signals mean? Anim. Behav. 78, 233–240.
Wheeler, B.C., Fischer, J., 2012. Functionally referential signals: a promising paradigm whose time has passed. Evol. Anthropol. 21, 195–205.
Zuberbühler, K., Cheney, D.L., Seyfarth, R.M., 1999. Conceptual semantics in a nonhuman primate. J. Comp. Psychol. 113, 33–42.
The intended subject specific learning outcomes. On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
8.1 Demonstrate an advanced understanding of what constitutes biological communication under different definitions, and be able to argue in favour their preferred definition of communication.
8.2 Demonstrate an advanced understanding of the behavioural ecology of communication, including how signals evolve, why signals are usually honest, and when deception can evolve.
8.3 Demonstrate an advanced understanding of the proximate mechanisms, including physiological and cognitive mechanisms, involved in the production and perception of signals produced in different modalities.
8.4 Demonstrate an advanced understanding of the methods primatologists use to study the production and perception of signals produced in different modalities.
8.5 Demonstrate an advanced ability to design a study of communication in humans or non-human primates.
The intended generic learning outcomes. On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
9.1 Demonstrate highly transferable analytical, critical reasoning and logical evaluation skills.
9.2 Demonstrate advanced written and oral presentation skills.
9.3 Demonstrate an advanced ability to interpret scientific research articles.
9.4 Demonstrate advanced learning and study skills as a result of independent scholarly research.
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