BZ3061 - Behavioural Ecology

Credit points:	03
Year:	2011
Student Contribution Band:	Band 4
Administered by:	School of Marine & Tropical Biology

Ecological and behavioural systems exist within an evolutionary framework and require explanation within this context. This subject combines the areas of evolutionary biology, ecology and behaviour and explores the methods used to examine ecological and behavioural systems within an evolutionary framework. There is a strong emphasis on understanding how to derive and test adaptationist hypotheses via hands-on development and application of research projects, supported by lecture topics including the evolution and maintenance of sex; the use of phylogenies in comparative analysis; the organisation of complex systems; sexual selection and mate choice.

Learning Outcomes

• familiarity with the process of natural selection and evolution;
• further develop written, verbal and presentation skills;
• understand how ecological and behavioural processes operate within an evolutionary framework;
• understand how to propose and evaluate alternative hypotheses concerning the evolution of ecological and behavioural characteristics.

Graduate Qualities

• The ability to think critically, to analyse and evaluate claims, evidence and arguments, and to reason and deploy evidence clearly and logically;
• The ability to reflect on and evaluate learning, and to learn independently in a self directed manner;
• The ability to read complex and demanding texts accurately, critically and insightfully;
• The ability to work individually and independently.

Assumed Knowledge:	Students enrolling in this subject should have a good background in level 2 biology including ecology and quantitative methods. They should have completed BZ2440 and BZ2001 or equivalents.
Prerequisites:	BZ2440 OR MB2060
Inadmissible Subject Combinations:	BZ5061 ZL3061 ZL5061

Availabilities
Townsville, Internal, Study Period 2
Census Date 25-Aug-2011
Coordinator:	Assoc. Professor Simon Robson
Lecturers:	Professor Glen Chilton, Dr Justin Welbergen, Assoc. Professor Simon Robson.
Contact hours:	26 hours lectures 13 hours tutorials
Assessment:	end of semester exam (40%); tutorial attendance and participation (40%); essays (20%).

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.