Module Information

The module will train and assess students in the collection, analysis and presentation of field data to discern what animals do, why they do it and how that behaviour has evolved.

The module builds on the theoretical framework provided in BS23520 and provides students with an opportunity to put their knowledge into practice through problem-based learning. It provides a practical introduction to field sampling techniques for a range of animal groups (e.g. birds, mammals, insects), including skills relevant to data collection, behaviour observation, experimentation and data analysis. Students will experience the whole scientific process, from hypothesis formulation through data gathering to analysis, interpretation and presentation of results in a range of formats.

This is a residential course based away from Aberystwyth. The field course is preceded by an introductory lecture in Aberystwyth outlining the format of the course, the daily schedule, methods of assessment and identifying essential pre-course reading. The course is divided into a number of projects, each preceded by a lecture introducing the assignment. Students are also required to devise and carry out their own independent project at the end of the course which will be assessed through a report submitted after the field course and an oral presentation to be given in the term following the field course.

The field course will make use of a variety of habitats including heathland and woodland where students will gain experience of handling mammals, birds & insects in the context of behavioural research. Students will work in small groups in tackling the assigned projects. Each project will be assessed by means of either a written report, poster, oral presentation or a combination of these, to be completed during the fieldcourse. Students are expected to discuss the data collected in the light of theories raised and knowledge acquired in Module BS23520 (Animal Behaviour).

The focus will be on answering Tinbergen's four questions of behaviour (function, causation, development and evolutionary history) by means of a variety of field observations and experiments. Training will be given in diverse data collection, surveying and sampling techniques. Specific behaviour topics will vary according to annual fluctuations in species abundance and weather conditions but will typically include foraging, predator-prey interactions, mate choice/guarding, decision making, territoriality, communication, as well as measurement & classification of morphological adaptations associated with particular behaviours.