James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2011

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

Graduate Qualities

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.