Ian Gilby - Teaching

Harvard University, HEB 1330: Primate Social Behavior

Ian C. Gilby and Richard W. Wrangham

A review of the behavioral interactions in natural primate populations, drawing on experimental, observational, and theoretical studies. Discussion of ecological, physiological, and developmental bases of primate social behavior, with special attention to the evolution of patterns of behavioral interactions among individuals of different age, sex, relatedness, and status. Topics include sexual conflict, sexual selection, and mating systems; care of offspring and other aid-giving; manipulative and cooperative aspects of communication; competition, dominance, and territoriality; and the evolution of social relationships.

Past Courses

Harvard University Anth E-116/W:

Why be nice? The biological basis of cooperation.

Ian C. Gilby

Darwin's theory of natural selection hinges upon the fact that animals are in constant competition over food, mates, and other valuable resources. Yet, many animals frequently behave in ways that benefit others. Such behavior seems puzzling. Why help others at an apparent cost to your own survival and reproduction? This course investigates cooperative behavior in animals, using chimpanzees as a focal species. Topics covered include dominance, territory defense, game theory, alliances, food sharing, and cooperative hunting. Animal models are used as a basis for discussion of cooperation in human societies.

Harvard University HEB 97Y:

Sophomore Tutorial in Biological Anthropology.

Ian C. Gilby

This seminar introduces sophomores to the field of biological anthropology through weekly readings and discussion.

Boston University AN 331: Human Origins

Ian C. Gilby

This course offers a survey of human evolution, integrating a diverse range of disciplines, including anatomy, behavioral ecology, genetics and paleontology into a framework for understanding the history of this unusual group of primates. In-class laboratories provide an opportunity to examine first hand the fossil evidence for human evolution.

	Current Course: Harvard University, HEB 1330: Primate Social Behavior Ian C. Gilby and Richard W. Wrangham A review of the behavioral interactions in natural primate populations, drawing on experimental, observational, and theoretical studies. Discussion of ecological, physiological, and developmental bases of primate social behavior, with special attention to the evolution of patterns of behavioral interactions among individuals of different age, sex, relatedness, and status. Topics include sexual conflict, sexual selection, and mating systems; care of offspring and other aid-giving; manipulative and cooperative aspects of communication; competition, dominance, and territoriality; and the evolution of social relationships. Past Courses Harvard University Anth E-116/W: Why be nice? The biological basis of cooperation. Ian C. Gilby Darwin's theory of natural selection hinges upon the fact that animals are in constant competition over food, mates, and other valuable resources. Yet, many animals frequently behave in ways that benefit others. Such behavior seems puzzling. Why help others at an apparent cost to your own survival and reproduction? This course investigates cooperative behavior in animals, using chimpanzees as a focal species. Topics covered include dominance, territory defense, game theory, alliances, food sharing, and cooperative hunting. Animal models are used as a basis for discussion of cooperation in human societies. Harvard University HEB 97Y: Sophomore Tutorial in Biological Anthropology. Ian C. Gilby This seminar introduces sophomores to the field of biological anthropology through weekly readings and discussion. Boston University AN 331: Human Origins Ian C. Gilby This course offers a survey of human evolution, integrating a diverse range of disciplines, including anatomy, behavioral ecology, genetics and paleontology into a framework for understanding the history of this unusual group of primates. In-class laboratories provide an opportunity to examine first hand the fossil evidence for human evolution.
	Teaching Assistant Positions: UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA EEB 4329: Primate Ecology and Social Behavior, 1/03 – 5/03. BIOL 2012: General Zoology. 9/98 – 3/99, 1/02 – 5/02. CARLETON COLLEGE Introductory biology: 9/93 – 11/93. Evolution: 1/95 – 3/95. Vertebrate Histology: 9/95 – 11/95.
	Teaching Awards: Certificates of Distinction in Teaching. Derek Bok Center for Teaching and Learning, Harvard University, 2007, 2008 Letters of Commendation for Distinguished Teaching Performance. Harvard University Extension School, 2007, 2008 Outstanding performance as a Teaching Assistant, Univ. Minnesota, 2002