Animal Behaviour

Cod y Modiwl: BR21620
Teitl y Modiwl: Animal Behaviour
Blwyddyn Academaidd: 2027/2028
Semester: Semester 1
Cyd-gysylltydd y Modiwl: Dr Roger Santer
Rhestr Ddarllen: Gweld ar Aspire
Staff Eraill sy'n Cyfrannu: Dr Marco Arkesteijn; Dr Sarah Helyar; Dr Sarah Dalesman; Dr Ruth Wonfor; Dr Ifat Shah

Dulliau Asesu

Math o Asesiad	Manylion Asesiad	Cyfran
Asesiad Semester	Laboratory report: 2000 Words	50%
Arholiad Semester	Written exam: 2 Awr	50%
Asesiad Ailsefyll	Supplementary laboratory report: Students must take elements of assessment equivalent to those that led to failure of the module. 2000 Words	50%
Arholiad Ailsefyll	Supplementary exam: 2 Awr Students must take elements of assessment equivalent to those that led to failure of the module.	50%

Canlyniadau Dysgu

Wedi cwblhau'r modiwl dylai'r myfyrwyr fedru:

Demonstrate retained knowledge of core concepts in animal behaviour, and an ability to discuss those concepts.
Apply scientific methods to collect, analyse, and present data relating to animal behaviour.
Critically interpret data on animal behaviour in the light of hypotheses.
Demonstrate engagement with research literature to further their knowledge of animal behaviour.

Disgrifiad cryno

This module considers how animals behave within their natural environment, and why they behave in these ways. Its focus is on scientific ideas of broad applicability. The module takes a comparative approach across a broad range of animal taxa, and considers animal behaviour from the points of view of its causation, function, evolution and development.

Cynnwys

Introductory lectures will consider the work of Tinbergen and other early ethologists, and introduce their pioneering scientific approach to the study of animal behaviour. The four questions devised by Tinbergen as a framework for the study of animal behaviour – those of its function, causation, development, and evolution – will provide a basis for subsequent lecture topics.

Building on these scientific principles, examples will be developed illustrating the function, evolution, development and causation of behaviour. These will be drawn from a wide variety of animal species (representing both invertebrates and vertebrates). Indicative examples include animal communication, social behaviour, animal conflict, and predator - prey interactions. In all cases, detail of the scientific method behind key discoveries will be emphasised and discussed.

Practical classes will provide students with the opportunity to objectively observe animal behaviour and test hypotheses. Students will also have the opportunity to develop skills in the analysis and presentation of data.

Sgiliau Modiwl

Math o Sgiliau	Manylion Sgiliau
Cyfathrebu	Scientific written communication skills will be developed and assessed, including accurate method reporting, clear graphing and presentation of data, discussion of hypotheses relating to animal behaviour.
Datblygu personol a chynllunio gyrfa	Not an assessed component of this module, although the module itself provides a firm grounding for a career in animal behaviour, zoology, or related fields.
Datrys Problemau	Not a significant component of this module, although students will need to employ problem-solving skills in practical sessions and subsequent analyses.
Gwaith Tim	Students will work in teams during practical exercises and will thus have the opportunity to develop their teamworking skills. However, these will not be assessed during this module.
Gwella dysgu a pherfformiad ei hun	This will not be assessed, but coursework will provide feedback that can be applied in future work.
Rhifedd	Students will collect behavioural data in practical classes and will be required to handle, graph, and analyse those data using standard software packages.
Sgiliau pwnc penodol	Behavioural observation & experimentation in varied settings. Data gained through these techniques will form the basis of assessed coursework.
Sgiliau ymchwil	Students will gain skills in behavioural experimentation, and will collate and analyse the data that they collect as part of assessed coursework for this module. They will also be required to conduct literature research in and around animal behaviour.
Technoleg Gwybodaeth	Data collected in practical classes will be handled and prepared using standard spreadsheet and graph plotting software.

Nodau

Mae'r modiwl hwn yn cydymffurfio a FfCChC Lefel 5