The course begins with surveying general principles of ecology and behaviour, and quickly progresses to a consideration of how these apply in turn to lemurs, lorises and galagos, tarsiers, New and Old World monkeys, and apes, because the meaning and relevance of theory are best appreciated in context. Students will be expected to apply the principles of behavioural evolution to primates, and to understand all groups in outline and a few groups in some depth.

There will be visits to the National Zoo and Aquarium to undertake a project to collect behavioural data for assessment. Also an optional visit to Taronga Zoo

• Taxonomic status of extant primates and basic diagnostic criteria
• Basic behavioural and ecological principles as they apply to primates
• Practical considerations for collecting data both in the field and in captivity
• Practical skills with data collecting and production of a scientific report
• Effective verbal communication of an overview of a current topic relevant to primatology

Two 30-minute tutorial presentations (30%), two tests (10% each) and 5000 word essay (50%).

2 hours of lectures, 1 hour of film and 1 hour of tutorial per week