Studying online

There are now 2 possible online modes for units:

Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.

Click on an offering mode for more details.

Unit Overview

Description

This unit runs in even years only and complements ANHB3315 Human Evolutionary Ecology, which runs in odd years only. Emphasis is placed on applying evolutionary thinking to human/primate social organisation and its underlying individual strategies as well as the cognitive and cultural underpinnings of sociality. Topics to be covered include mate choice strategies, cooperation and conflict within and between groups, social learning and culture as well as cultural cognition.

Credit
6 points
Offering
AvailabilityLocationMode
Not available in 2025UWA (Perth)Face to face
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) understand clearly defined questions and problems in human/primate socioecology; (2) acquire techniques for seeking out information or designing observations or experiments to answer such questions; (3) critically assimilate, analyse and discuss information acquired; (4) present findings in written and oral form; (5) develop an awareness of how the principles of human/primate socioecology can inform the study of human biology; and (6) develop new scientific questions based on theory and literature, and methods to test such questions.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) tutorial participation; (2) mid-semester theory examination; and (3) 10- to 15-page semester paper (literature review) and oral presentation. Further information is available in the unit outline.



Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Unit Coordinator(s)
Dr Cyril Grueter
Unit rules
Prerequisites
Successful completion of
one Unit(s) ANHB2215 Biological Anthropology: Human Adaptation and Variation
or Unit(s) ANHB3321 Biological Anthropology: Genes and Society
or Unit(s) ANHB3315 Human Evolutionary Ecology
Advisable prior study
at least 12 points of Level 2
or 3 biological, behavioural
or social science units.
especially ANHB2215 Biological Anthropology: Human Adaptation and Variation
Contact hours
lectures: 3 hours per week for 8 weeks
tutorials: 1 hour 45 minutes per week for 13 weeks
  • The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
  • All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
  • Visit the Essential Textbooks website to see if any textbooks are required for this Unit. The website is updated regularly so content may change. Students are recommended to purchase Essential Textbooks, but a limited number of copies of all Essential Textbooks are held in the Library in print, and as an ebook where possible. Recommended readings for the unit can be accessed in Unit Readings directly through the Learning Management System (LMS).
  • Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.