Evolution and Genetics for Psychology

Full course description

The goal of this course is to provide students with insight into genetics and the theory of evolution. They discover how to use this knowledge in order to explain psychological phenomena.

Darwin's theory of evolution teaches us that human cognition originated gradually. Genetics explains that selection of genetic variation in populations has been the driving force of this process. Therefore, knowledge of evolution and genetics is required to understand the evolution of cognition. Students will discuss the principles of transmission genetics (how traits are passed on from parent to child?), molecular genetics (how do genes affect the development of a trait?), epigenetics (how is gene expression regulated?), and population genetics (how are traits selected in a population?). Based on these principles, students will examine the evolutionary explanations of cognition. Moreover, students will discuss the evolution of cooperation (inclusive fitness theory), and the question why humans take up a special position in the animal kingdom. Concrete examples will be discussed which show how knowledge of evolutionary or ultimate causation is linked to knowledge of the proximate cause of a phenomenon. By studying these examples, students will obtain a clear image of how knowledge on genetics and evolution contributes to a better understanding of psychological phenomena.