ISCI 351 : Why the Big Brain? The Evolution of Human Cognition

This course will explore the origins and evolution of human cognition. What are the key defining features of cognition that humans excel at? How rapidly did they emerge in our history? What aspects do we consider to be exclusively human and what do we share with our hominid ancestors? Working our way through primate evolution (including non-human and fossil hominins), we will examine the major shifts that have occurred in the development of the "Notable Neocortex", the proposed selective pressures that are thought to have spurred these changes, and the physiological and behavioural outcomes that are projected to have resulted from these changes at different points in history. We will investigate evidence that combines the fields of biological anthropology, comparative biology, neuroscience and evolutionary psychology, and ponder our contemporary cognition through an evolutionary lens - including the costs associated with carrying such a big brain.

Registration Details

Offered: 2024WT2 (T/TR 9:30-11)

Pre-requisites: These seats are reserved for students who meet one of the following sets of restrictions: with one of these specializations: HON ISCI,MAJ INSC

ISCI core course: YES

UBC Schedule:

Musqueam First Nation land acknowledegement

We honour xwməθkwəy̓ əm (Musqueam) on whose ancestral, unceded territory UBC Vancouver is situated. UBC Science is committed to building meaningful relationships with Indigenous peoples so we can advance Reconciliation and ensure traditional ways of knowing enrich our teaching and research.

Learn more: Musqueam First Nation

Integrated Sciences

Leonard S. Klinck Building
464-6356 Agricultural Road V6T 1Z2
intsci@science.ubc.ca

Faculty of Science

Office of the Dean, Earth Sciences Building
2178–2207 Main Mall
Vancouver, BC Canada
V6T 1Z4
UBC Crest The official logo of the University of British Columbia. Urgent Message An exclamation mark in a speech bubble. Arrow An arrow indicating direction. Arrow in Circle An arrow indicating direction. A bookmark An ribbon to indicate a special marker. Calendar A calendar. Caret An arrowhead indicating direction. Time A clock. Chats Two speech clouds. External link An arrow pointing up and to the right. Facebook The logo for the Facebook social media service. A Facemask The medical facemask. Information The letter 'i' in a circle. Instagram The logo for the Instagram social media service. Linkedin The logo for the LinkedIn social media service. Lock, closed A closed padlock. Lock, open An open padlock. Location Pin A map location pin. Mail An envelope. Mask A protective face mask. Menu Three horizontal lines indicating a menu. Minus A minus sign. Money A money bill. Telephone An antique telephone. Plus A plus symbol indicating more or the ability to add. RSS Curved lines indicating information transfer. Search A magnifying glass. Arrow indicating share action A directional arrow. Spotify The logo for the Spotify music streaming service. Twitter The logo for the Twitter social media service. Youtube The logo for the YouTube video sharing service.