cookieImage
2025-2026 / BIOL1064-1

Behavioural primatology

Duration

30h Th

Number of credits

 Master in anthropology, research focus5 crédits 
 Extra courses intended for exchange students (Erasmus, ...) (Faculty of social sciences)5 crédits 
 Master in biology of organisms and ecology, research focus5 crédits 
 Master in psychology, professional focus in cognitive and behavioural neuroscience (Réinscription uniquement, pas de nouvelle inscription)3 crédits 
 Master in psychology, professional focus in clinical psychology (Réinscription uniquement, pas de nouvelle inscription)3 crédits 
 Master in psychology, professional focus in social, occupational and organizational psychology3 crédits 
 Master in psychology, professional focus3 crédits 

Lecturer

Fany Brotcorne

Language(s) of instruction

French language

Organisation and examination

Teaching in the first semester, review in January

Schedule

Schedule online

Units courses prerequisite and corequisite

Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program

Learning unit contents

The objective of the course is based on the illustration, on the one hand, of the diversity (morphological, ecological, behavioural) which characterizes the non-human primate order, with a focus on its functional and evolutionary aspects, and on the other hand, of the multidisciplinary scope offered by the field of primatology (e.g. evolutionary biology, tropical ecology, ethology, conservation, animal cognition, anthropology). Through the introduction of a series of questions and theories relating to the evolution of behavior, social organization and cognitive abilities of primates, students are led to describe interspecific diversity and relate it to the ecological context and selective pressures. The challenges of primate conservation and human-primate conflicts are also addressed through the illustration of case studies.

Learning outcomes of the learning unit

Emphasis on the knowledge of the diversity of primates, from their taxonomy, social structures and organization, to their cognitive and social capacities. Develop a comparative approach between non-human primate species. 

Prerequisite knowledge and skills

Basic knowledge in evolutive biology

Planned learning activities and teaching methods

For the theoritical course: lecturers (schedule available on CELCAT, class mainly scheduled on Friday pm during Q1).

Optional: attending the one-day Belgian group for Primatology meeting (22 October 2025) and "Journée Faune" at Gembloux (10 November 2025).

Mode of delivery (face to face, distance learning, hybrid learning)

Face-to-face course


Further information:

Face-to-face course


Additional information:

Green code: Theoretical lectures in class (check the room on CELCAT).

If sanitary conditions require for it, the class can be given by videoconference (Teams). 

Course materials and recommended or required readings

Platform(s) used for course materials:
- eCampus
- Microsoft Teams


Further information:

Slides powerpoint and scientific papers available on e-campus. 

Exam(s) in session

Any session

- In-person

written exam ( open-ended questions )


Further information:

If sanitary conditions require for it: Oral exam by videoconference (Teams)

Work placement(s)

none

Organisational remarks and main changes to the course

Optional: two additional conference days are proposed : the Belgian Group for Primatology meeting and the Journée Faune at Gembloux Agro Bio-tech.

Contacts

Fany Brotcorne : fbrotcorne@uliege.be 

Association of one or more MOOCs