James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2024

BZ3061 - Behavioural Ecology

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 and their relevance for conservation. Students will examine topic areas such as natural selection, adaptation to environmental change, predator vs. prey dynamics, sexual selection and mate choice, mating systems, cooperation and sociality.

Learning Outcomes

• integrate evolutionary principles with ecological concepts to understand the adaptive significance of behaviours in a broader ecological context
• critically evaluate research in behavioural ecology
• apply knowledge gained in behavioural ecology to real-world scenarios and conservation efforts
• apply practical skills for behavioural ecologists

Subject Assessment

• Written > Examination (centrally administered) - (35%) - Individual
• Written > Test/Quiz 1 - (10%) - Individual
• Written > Case study analysis - (30%) - Individual
• In class assessment - (25%) - Group

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 level 2 science.

Inadmissible Subject Combinations:  BZ5061 ZL3061 ZL5061

Availabilities