MB5430 - Behaviour of Marine Animals

[Offered in even-numbered years]

Credit points:	03
Year:	2006
Student Contribution Band:	Band 2
Administered by:

Available to GDipResMeth, GCertResMeth, GDipSc, MAppSc and MSc students.

A major part of this subject will be a field excursion to Orpheus Island during which students will get hands-on experience collecting behavioural information using a range of underwater techniques.Principles of animal behaviour will be overviewed in an evolutionary framework. Emphasis will be on topics pertinent to the establishment and maintenance of marine communities. The subject structure will include: methods for studying behaviour in marine systems, ontogenetic development of behaviour, habitat selection, animal communication, social spacing, mating systems, foraging behaviour, predator avoidance and behavioural flexibility.Specific topics will include: evolution of behaviour; development of behaviour; optimality; habitat selection and larval behaviour; visual, chemical and electrical communication; territoriality and competition; mating systems and sexual selection; parental care; modes of predator avoidance; mimicry; individuality of behaviour.

Learning Outcomes

• to gain an understanding of the intellectual foundation of marine behavioural studies;
• to gain experience in the methods used in marine behaviour studies;
• to introduce students to the diversity of behaviours that characterise marine animals and their importance;
• to introduce students to the empirical basis of marine behaviour studies.

Prerequisites:

BS2001 MB2060, consult HoS

Availabilities
, , Study Period 6
Census Date 07-Jul-2006
Face to face teaching 24-Jul-2006 to 04-Aug-2006
Coord/Lect:	mbmim.
Special Assessment Requirements:	Assessment by two reports and two seminars
, , Study Period 13
Census Date 30-Jun-2006
Face to face teaching 24-Jul-2006 to 04-Aug-2006
Coord/Lect:	mbmim.
Special Assessment Requirements:	Assessment by two reports and two seminars

Note: Minor variations might occur due to the continuous Subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.