BSc Biology with Industrial/Professional Experience / Course details

Animal Behaviour aims to provide a detailed overview of the study of animal behaviour from an evolutionary perspective. The unit will provide a comprehensive understanding of the neurobiological and hormonal mechanisms underpinning animal behaviour and critically examine how evolutionary theory can help us understand why animals behave the way they do. You will be introduced to foundational concepts in neurobiology (e.g. learning, neuronal control of behaviour, sensory systems and communication), animal behaviour (e.g. foraging, predator prey interactions, sexual selection) and evolutionary theory (e.g. kin selection and cooperation, conflicts of interest, evolutionary strategies).

 

BIOL21432 Pre-requisite is BIOL10521

 

 

The unit aims to provide a detailed overview of the study of animal behaviour from an evolutionary perspective. The unit will provide a comprehensive understanding of the neurobiological and hormonal mechanisms underpinning animal behaviour and critically examine how evolutionary theory can help us understand why animals behave the way they do. The unit will introduce students to foundational concepts in neurobiology (e.g. learning, neuronal control of behaviour, sensory systems and communication), animal behaviour (e.g. foraging, predator prey interactions, animal navigation, sexual selection, play) and evolutionary theory (e.g. kin selection and cooperation, conflicts of interest, evolutionary strategies).

 

- The majority of the teaching process will be lecture-based.

- In addition, students will be required to complete a report during the unit based on an eLearning activity, and also sit a closed book MCQ test.

eLearning activities - Jumping Spider: here, students view the online videos, assess the spiders’ behaviour, and perform statistical assessment of the behaviours used data compiled from all students.

 

An in-depth knowledge of the mechanisms and evolutionary pressures that shape animal behaviour. Students will understand the link between the nervous system/hormones and behaviour, how selection acts on behaviours, and how selection can lead to behaviours ranging from competition to cooperation.

The ability to critically assess animal behaviour and evolutionary processes.

The ability to perform behavioural observations and draw conclusions by statistically analysing data.

Using logic and critical thinking skills to develop and test evolutionary idea and statistical skills to analyse data.

Set exercise: MCQ test: 40%

Exam: essay: 60%

Reports marked with detailed comments and returned within two weeks.

·         Wyatt, T.D. 2017. Animal Behaviour: A very short introduction. Oxford University Press.

·         Alcock J. 2013. Animal Behaviour. 10th ed. Sinauer.

·         Manning A. and Dawkins M.S. 2012. An Introduction to Animal Behaviour. 6th ed. Cambridge University Press.

·         Breed M.D. and Moore J. 2013. Animal Behaviour. Academic Press.