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James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2021

For subject information from 2025 and onwards, please visit the new JCU Course and Subject Handbook website.

BZ5061 - Behavioural Ecology

Credit points:03
Year:2021
Student Contribution Band:Band 2
Administered by:College of Science and Engineering

Subject Description

    Understanding the evolution, maintenance and diversity of animal behaviours is one of the great joys of being a zoologist. This subject provides you with the skills to observe and interpret this variety of behaviours, with an emphasis on tropical ecosystems. Examples include areas such as natural selection, predator vs. prey dynamics, sexual selection and mate choice, mating systems, cooperation and sociality.

Learning Outcomes

  • explain and reference the intellectual foundation of the field of behavioural ecology
  • critically interpret the biological world within the framework of behavioural ecology
  • skilfully apply appropriate practical skills for behavioural ecologists

Subject Assessment

  • Written > Examination (centrally administered) - (30%) - Individual
  • Written > Test/Quiz 1 - (20%) - Individual
  • Written > Case study analysis - (30%) - Individual
  • Written > Tutorial task - (20%) - Individual

Note that 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.

Assumed Knowledge:  Students enrolling in this subject should have a good background in undergraduate biology. Knowledge of ecology and biological statistics are recommended.

Inadmissible Subject Combinations:  BZ3061 ZL3061 ZL5061

Availabilities

Cairns, Study Period 2, Internal

Census date:Thursday, 26 Aug 2021
Study Period Dates:Monday, 26 Jul 2021 to Friday, 19 Nov 2021
Coordinator(s):
DR Ben Hirsch
Lecturer(s):
DR Tasmin Rymer
DR Ben Hirsch
Workload expectations:The student workload for this 3 credit point subject is approximately 130 hours.
  • 26 Hours - Lectures (didactic or interactive)
  • 13 Hours - Workshops
  • 13 Hours - Fieldwork

Townsville, Study Period 2, Internal

Census date:Thursday, 26 Aug 2021
Study Period Dates:Monday, 26 Jul 2021 to Friday, 19 Nov 2021
Coordinator(s):
DR Ben Hirsch
Lecturer(s):
Professor Susan Laurance
Professor Will Edwards
DR Ben Hirsch
Workload expectations:The student workload for this 3 credit point subject is approximately 130 hours.
  • 26 Hours - Lectures (didactic or interactive)
  • 13 Hours - Workshops
  • 13 Hours - Fieldwork