199203

Evolutionary Principles of Animal Behaviour

This course explores how genetics, the environment, and humans shape the evolution of animal behaviour and inter- and intraspecific interactions. Practice sessions develop skills on the description, quantification, comparison and statistical analysis of animal behaviour using a variety of animals (vertebrate and invertebrate, wild and domestic). The use of scientific writing to communicate research findings is emphasised.

Course code

Qualifications are made up of courses. Some universities call these papers. Each course is numbered using six digits.

199203

Level

The fourth number of the course code shows the level of the course. For example, in course 219206, the fourth number is a 2, so it is a 200-level course (usually studied in the second year of full-time study).

200-level

Credits

Each course is worth a number of credits. You combine courses (credits) to meet the total number of credits needed for your qualification.

15

Subject

Zoology

Course planning information

Course notes

Attendance at all laboratory classes is compulsory.

Expected prior learning

Basic knowledge of statistics is desired.

Prerequisite courses

Complete first
One of (199103, 199101 or 196101)

You need to complete the above course or courses before moving onto this one.

Restrictions

Similar content
199204, 117255

You cannot enrol in this course if you have passed (or are enrolled in) any of the course(s) above as these courses have similar content or content at a higher level.

General progression requirements

You must complete at least 45 credits from 100-level before enrolling in 200-level courses.

Learning outcomes

What you will learn. Knowledge, skills and attitudes you’ll be able to show as a result of successfully finishing this course.

  • 1 Formulate and test hypotheses related to animal behaviour using scientific methods.
  • 2 Use appropriate statistical procedures to analyse data on animal behaviour, with or without the aid of statistical software.
  • 3 Communicate research findings through laboratory reports, following the rules of scientific writing.
  • 4 Explain the main concepts and theories related to the evolution of animal behaviour.
  • 5 Interpret and discuss the results of national and international research linking evolutionary theories to animal behaviour.

Learning outcomes can change before the start of the semester you are studying the course in.

Assessments

Assessment Learning outcomes assessed Weighting
Practical/Placement 1 2 3 5 40%
Test 4 5 20%
Exam (centrally scheduled) 1 2 4 5 40%

Assessment weightings can change up to the start of the semester the course is delivered in.

You may need to take more assessments depending on where, how, and when you choose to take this course.

Explanation of assessment types

Computer programmes
Computer animation and screening, design, programming, models and other computer work.
Creative compositions
Animations, films, models, textiles, websites, and other compositions.
Exam College or GRS-based (not centrally scheduled)
An exam scheduled by a college or the Graduate Research School (GRS). The exam could be online, oral, field, practical skills, written exams or another format.
Exam (centrally scheduled)
An exam scheduled by Assessment Services (centrally) – you’ll usually be told when and where the exam is through the student portal.
Oral or performance or presentation
Debates, demonstrations, exhibitions, interviews, oral proposals, role play, speech and other performances or presentations.
Participation
You may be assessed on your participation in activities such as online fora, laboratories, debates, tutorials, exercises, seminars, and so on.
Portfolio
Creative, learning, online, narrative, photographic, written, and other portfolios.
Practical or placement
Field trips, field work, placements, seminars, workshops, voluntary work, and other activities.
Simulation
Technology-based or experience-based simulations.
Test
Laboratory, online, multi-choice, short answer, spoken, and other tests – arranged by the school.
Written assignment
Essays, group or individual projects, proposals, reports, reviews, writing exercises, and other written assignments.

Textbooks needed

There are no set texts for this course.