Evolutionary Psychobiology
The minor Evolutionary Psychobiology is the only minor in The Netherlands about evolution and (human) behaviour. Students acquire extensive knowledge about how natural and sexual selection (and other evolutionary processes) have driven the evolution of behaviour, with the focus on humans and other primates. In addition, students acquire research skills in the area of animal behaviour (including a research project in the zoo Artis), comparative psychology, human and animal intelligence, plasticity and learning, and evolutionary anthropology. Students also explore their critical thinking about theories on evolution and behaviour by writing essays and participating in discussions.
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Evolutionary Psychobiology: Ecology, Behavior & CognitionPeriod 112
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Evolution of Human and Animal WelfarePeriod 26
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Evolution of Human and Animal IntelligencePeriod 26
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Evolutionary AnthropologyPeriod 36
Discover everything you need to know about the minor 'Evolutionary Psychobiology'—a unique programme focusing on the evolution of cognition and behaviour that builds bridges across disciplines.
Note: In 2025-2026, the course ‘Evolution of Human and Animal Welfare’ will be replaced with the new course ‘Evolution of Plasticity and Learning’. Further, the course ‘Evolution of Human and Animal Intelligence’ will be renamed ‘Evolution of Human and Animal Minds’.
Continue your studies with a master
With a minor you sometimes have access to certain (extra) masters.
Entry requirements
This full-time 30 EC minor is open for students who have successfully completed their first-year of a university Bachelor's programme (60 EC). It is open for students from all disciplines, but particularly interesting for students of Psychobiology, Psychology, Biology, and Bèta-Gamma. International students with a similar background are welcome as well.
Students are expected to have at least basic knowledge about evolution and behaviour, such as presented in the book Evolution and Human Behaviour by John Cartwright. The courses in this minor have a maximum capacity of 45 students. The maximum number of students that can participate in the minor is 20. The other 25 students are enrolled in the Psychobiology programme or are exchange students. If needed, students will be selected based upon their current study programme.
You need to be registered as an UvA student to be able to participate in this minor. Students not enrolled in a regular degree programme at the UvA, but who are interested in taking an UvA course, may need to enrol as a guest student with the Bachelor's programme Psychobiology.
Application and Admission
Contact
For substantive questions, please contact the minor coordinator Willem Frankenhuis.
- Credits
- 30 ECTS, Semester 1
- Language of instruction
- English
- Location
- Science Park