School of Life Sciences  
 
 
LSC-20031 Human and Animal Cognition  
Co-ordinator: Dr David Mazzocchi-Jones   Tel:33051  
Teaching Team:  
Lecture Time: See Timetable...  
Level: 2 Credits: 15 Study Hours: 150  
School Office: Tel: 01782 734414
 
 
 
Programme/Approved Electives for
Biology Dual Honours (Level 2)
Biology Major (Level 2)
Biology Minor (Level 2)
Available as a Free Standing Elective
No
Prerequisites
None
Barred Combinations
Biology students cannot take this moodule with LSC-20002 Symbiotic Interactions or LSC-20052 Nutrition and Energy Balance.
Description

This module compares the mental abilities of animals and humans by studying selected aspects of their behaviour that might be considered "intelligent". We consider the extent to which animals' learning is constrained by their genetic background and then go on to examine the evidence that some animals can form mental images. A major topic is how animals find their way, and we introduce the concept of the cognitive map - a neural representation of the spatial relationships of places familiar to animals. Whether they use this or other methods in their home range and in navigating during their large scale (global) migrations is studied. The ability to solve problems and use tools, and pass on these skills to others in the group is followed by discussion of whether animals may have any concept of self. The final animal topic is communication and language which leads nicely into two aspects of human cognition: language and consciousness. Both are considered from a neurobiological viewpoint: from classic views to present day. The role of functional brain scanning techniques coupled with relevant pathological states is discussed.
Aims
To compare the mental processes of animals and humans including their language capabilities; to consider the problems of consciousness in animals and humans all in the context of the underlying neurobiology.
Intended Learning Outcomes
Classify the different types of learning and have an understanding of the generalisations and limitations that can be made about associative learning in a variety of species.
Discuss whether animals construct a perceptual world that corresponds with their environment, and explain the evidence for this.
Describe and compare the methods used by a range of animal species to navigate on both local and global scales.
Discuss whether animals, like humans, use a "search image" and whether they can have "general concepts".
Describe how animals solve problems by trial and error, by mental rehearsal, and by using tools.
Discuss the evidence that some species of animals have an awareness of themselves and of the mental state of others.
Demonstrate an understanding of the anatomical and physiological basis of language in humans, the extent and limitations of animals' language capability and the distinction between communication and language.
Discuss the meaning and importance of consciousness in animals and humans, and its possible evolutionary origins.
Observe and record behaviour as it happens in the laboratory and interpret the results.
Study hours
13 Hours lectures
9 Hours practical investigation
8 Hours preparing for presentations including group work
2 hours exam
118 hours private study
Description of Module Assessment
001: 2 Hour Exam weighted 70%
2 hr exam. Essay (Section A, 1/3) and short answer questions (section B, 3/6) weighted A=55% B-45% (% of exam)
002: Essay weighted 30%
2000 words (from a choice of titles)
Version: (1.06B) Updated: 03/Mar/2013

This document is the definitive current source of information about this module and supersedes any other information.