Programme Specifications
Animal Behaviour
Information provided by Department of Life Sciences:
Information provided by Department of Life Sciences:
Biosciences
Information provided by Department of Life Sciences:
September 2023
Information provided by Department of Life Sciences:
The foundation year provides opportunities for students to develop further the foundation of their interest and knowledge in the biological sciences. It aims to develop the intellectual and practical skills of the student in preparation for the DLS degree schemes and the wider range of disciplines open to the graduate biologist. It provides the skills necessary to allow students to adapt and to respond to change, and to engage in life-long learning. Students will develop an appreciation of the social responsibilities of graduates in biological sciences in general. The degree provides skills to produce graduates who are able to work in the broadly defined field of animal behaviour, who can operate efficiently and safely in the field and laboratory, are able to communicate and understand behavioural data and concepts, are able to apply behaviour skills to diverse biological problems, and are able to direct their own research and learning. Overall, the animal behaviour scheme will develop and provide:
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opportunities for students to develop and further their interest and knowledge in the biological sciences with specialization in Animal Behaviour.
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an appreciation of the complexity and diversity of life processes through the study of organisms, their molecular, cellular and physiological processes, their genetics and evolution, and the interrelationships between them and their environment
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the ability to read and use appropriate literature with a full and critical understanding, while addressing such questions as content, context, aims, objectives, quality of information, and its interpretation and application;
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the capacity to give a clear and accurate account of a subject, marshal arguments in a mature way and engage in debate and dialogue both with specialists and non-specialists;
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critical and analytical skills: a recognition that statements should be tested and that evidence is subject to assessment and critical evaluation;
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the ability to employ a variety of methods of study in investigating, recording and analysing material;
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the ability to think independently, set tasks and solve problems.
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the intellectual and practical skills in preparation for employment in careers related to Animal Behaviour and the wider range of disciplines open to the graduate biologist.
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the skills necessary to allow students to adapt and respond to change and engage in life-long learning
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the ability to be creative
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in students an appreciation of the social responsibilities of graduates in biological sciences in general, and in animal behaviour in particular
Information provided by Department of Life Sciences:
Information provided by Department of Life Sciences:
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A1 An ability to critically assess patterns of animal behaviour in terms of their functional, developmental, evolutionary and mechanistic bases.
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A2 An understanding of the structure and diversity of animals across taxa, including their reproduction, development, and life histories; taxonomic classification; and evolutionary relationships.
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A3 An understanding of basic genetic principles applied to the inheritance of traits including aspects of behaviour.
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A4 An understanding of metabolic, cellular, and physiological processes as they relate to the functioning of animals, their adaptation to their environment, and their behaviour.
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A5 An understanding of the role of animal behaviour in the assessment of animal welfare and diagnosis of disease.
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A6 The key concepts and techniques in general systems biology. Underpinning basic sciences including mathematics and computing (word processing, spreadsheets, presentation software, etc.), biological chemistry, microbiology (in the environment and in human hosts) and genetics (evolution, phylogeny, taxonomy, etc.).
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A7 Cellular biology, cell division, organelles and cellular homeostasis. Interactions of microbes, plants and animals with each other and with the environment.
Information provided by Department of Life Sciences:
10.2.1 Intellectual Skills By the end of their programme, all students are expected to be able to demonstrate:
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B1 The ability to access and evaluate biological information from a variety of sources and to communicate the principles orally and in writing to peers and non-scientists in a clear and effective way.
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B2 The ability to construct reasoned, evidence-based arguments to support a position or view, including on the ethical and social impacts of advances in the biological sciences.
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B3 That they can plan, execute and present an independent piece of work in which qualities such as time management, problem solving, and independence are evident, as well as interpretation and critical awareness of the quality of the evidence.
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B4 A secure and accurate explanation of biological phenomena at a variety of levels of organisation and explain the relationship of evolutionary theory to animal behaviour.
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B5 Well developed strategies for updating, maintaining and enhancing their knowledge of animal behaviour and its interaction with other biological disciplines.
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C1 Experience and competence in a broad range of practical techniques and skills relevant to animal behaviour, including data collection, analysis and interpretation of data, and the designing of experiments to test hypotheses.
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C2 An ability to access bioscience databases and use appropriate selection criteria to mine, manipulate, and interpret data.
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C3 An ability to generate hypotheses and to design and undertake laboratory and field studies to test them.
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C4 Establish safe working practices in the laboratory and field.
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C5 The ability to record data accurately, and to apply relevant numerical and data handling skills including basic data manipulation, and graphical and statistical analysis.
Information provided by Department of Life Sciences:
By the end of their programme, all students are expected to be able to demonstrate:
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D1 Research and data analysis skills
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D2 Enhanced mathematical and computational skills
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D3 Effective problem-solving and creative thinking skills.
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D4 A thorough grounding in information technology skills
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D5 The ability to work independently.
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D6 Time-management and organizational skills, including the ability to meet deadlines.
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D7 The ability to express ideas and communicate information in a clear and structured manner, in both written and oral form.
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D8 Self-motivation and self reliance.
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D9 Team-working, with the ability to discuss concepts in groups, accommodating different ideas and reaching agreement.
BSC Animal Behaviour [C12F]
Academic Year: 2023/2024Single Honours scheme - available from 2019/2020
Duration (studying Full-Time): 4 years