Module Information

This module will use a combination of lectures, tutorial sessions and research seminars provided by internal and external speakers to provide students with a critical knowledge of topics in behavioural biology that are of importance in contemporary science. The course will emphasise the growing collaborations between behavioral science and other disciplines. A key aim of the course will be to train students in accurately and critically interpreting the results of behavioural studies.

The module will include research topics of current importance in behavioural biology. Recent topics have included: Male & female effects on the evolution of sperm competition; Ontogeny and the role of the brain in behaviour. The role of behavioural studies in determining the success of habitat restoration and conservation programmes. The role of pollutants on individual behaviour, fitness and population stability. How and why parasite infections alter host behaviour. The evolution of signalling systems (e.g. birdsong). Insights into behaviour gained from technology, including DNA fingerprinting, molecular biology, neurobiology and artificial intelligence. How the welfare of animals in domestic / entertainment environments may be realistically improved using knowledge gained from behavioural studies. Behavioural knowledge as a tool in disease control and pest management. The importance of critically appraising the findings and accurately reporting the results of scientific studies.