BZ5061 - 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

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

Graduate Qualities

• The ability to appraise information critically;
• The ability to conceptualise and evaluate a range of potential solutions to relevant problems;
• The ability to plan, conduct and manage research in their discipline;
• The ability to identify and take serendipitous advantage of research opportunities;
• The potential to lead and contribute to projects effectively and efficiently;
• The ability to conduct their research in an ethical manner.

Assumed Knowledge:	Students enrolling in this subject should have a good background in undergraduate biology including ecology and quantitative methods. They should have completed BZ5440 and BZ5001 (postgraduate) or BZ2440 and BZ2001 (undergraduate) equivalents.
Inadmissible Subject Combinations:	BZ3061 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 (30%); tutorial attendance and participation (40%); essays (15%); literature review (15%).

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.