ZL3026 - Animal Behaviour
| Credit points: | 03 |
| Year: | 2009 |
| Student Contribution Band: | Band 4 |
| Administered by: | School of Marine & Tropical Biology |
General principles of animal behaviour in an evolutionary context. Includes: methods for interpreting behaviour studies; ontogenetic development of behaviour; foraging behaviour; mating systems; animal communication.Topics include: determinants of behaviour; evolution the selective advantage of behaviours; ethology and comparative psychology; sociobiology; optimality; optimal foraging theory; closed and open programs; learning in nature and the laboratory; critical periods imprinting; ontogenetic changes in behaviour patterns; navigation; intra-specific interactions; predation and predatory versatility; mating systems; courtship; communication.
Learning Outcomes
- obtain a synoptic view of animal behaviour by examining selected case studies;
- obtain an understanding of the empirical basis for behaviour studies;
- understand methodological principles in behaviour studies;
- understand the intellectual foundation of behavioural studies.
Graduate Qualities
- The ability to think critically, to analyse and evaluate claims, evidence and arguments;
- The ability to use a variety of media and methods to retrieve, analyse, evaluate, organise and present information;
- The ability to learn independently and in a self-directed manner;
- A commitment to lifelong learning and intellectual development.
| Assumed Knowledge: | Students enrolling in this subject should have a good understanding of animal phylogenetic relationships and of basic animal ecology, and should have completed ZL2005/MB2080 and BZ2440 or equivalents. |
| Prerequisites: | 12 credit points of level 2 BS, BT, BZ, MB or ZL subjects |
| Inadmissible Subject Combinations: | ZL5026 |
Availabilities | |
| Townsville, Internal, Study Period 1 | |
| Census Date 27-Mar-2009 | |
| Coord/Lect: | Dr Richard Rowe. |
| Contact hours: |
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| Assessment: | end of semester exam (60%); essays (40%). |
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.