ZL5026 - Animal Behaviour
| Credit points: | 03 |
| Year: | 2009 |
| Student Contribution Band: | Band 4 |
| Administered by: | School of Marine & Tropical Biology |
Available to students enrolled for the degrees of Graduate Diploma of Research Methods; MAppSc; or Graduate Diploma/Graduate Certificate of Science.
General principles of animal behaviour in an evolutionary context. This subject 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. Students will be expected to attend Zl3026 lectures and practicals.
Learning Outcomes
- to obtain a synoptic view of animal behaviour by examining selected case studies;
- to obtain an understanding of the empirical basis for behaviour studies;
- to understand methodological principles in behaviour studies;
- to 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 an undergraduate degree in biology or have acquired equivalent knowledge through other study. They should have a good understanding of animal phylogenetic relationships and of basic animal ecology, as well as competence in statistics or data analysis (BS5001 or equivalent). |
| Inadmissible Subject Combinations: | ZL3026 |
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 (50%); project and seminar 20%; literature review 30% (50%). |
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.