BL3319 – Animal Behaviour: A Quantitative Approach
BL3319 – Animal Behaviour: A Quantitative Approach
This module is designed to provide a broad and multifaceted perspective on animal behaviour, emphasising contemporary theoretical, mathematical and statistical approaches to the discipline. Nobel-Prize-winning ethologist, Niko Tinbergen, pointed out that to understand behaviour fully researchers had to answer four types of questions, about its causation, function, development and evolution. All four areas are covered in the course, which includes lectures on the genetic, neural, physiological and experiential (i.e. learning) influences on behaviour; behavioural development; foraging; sexual behaviour, sexual selection and mate choice; communication, cooperation and culture. The course contains extensive material of a formal theoretical nature, and emphasises quantitative skills throughout. Students will be introduced to new mathematical and statistical approaches within the field.
Skills acquired in this module:
Related Programme(s):
Module Code:
BL3319
Semester:
2
Credits:
20
Module Organiser:
Dr Kelly Robinson
Pre-requisite modules: BL2303 - Evolutionary Biology, BL2307 - Ecology, and BL2310 - Comparative Physiology
MMS
Timetable:
[events_list category="BL3319"]
Assessment:
3-hour Written Examination = 50%, Coursework = 50%MMS assessment details
The following related information applies to all Biology modules:
School of Biology Marking Criteria:
School handbook
Late submission of continuous assessment work:
All late submissions of coursework that do not require electronic submission should be made via the late submissions box in the Biology Study Space, St Andrews New Technology Centre Building (beside the Teaching Office)
Exam details:
School handbook
Exam timetable:
Timetable
Expected attendance:
School handbook
Good Academic Practice & Avoiding Academic Misconduct:
School handbook
University Student Handbook:
University student handbook
School and University Regulations:
School and University regulations in the School and University Undergraduate Handbook relating to absence reporting, penalties and rules for late submission of work, extensions for coursework, return of coursework, S-coding, good academic practice and Academic Alerts.
School handbook
University student handbook
Staff:
Learning Outcomes:
Students completing module BL3319 successfully should be able to:
- Be able to summarise Tinbergen�s Four Questions about the mechanism, function, development and evolution of behaviour.
- Be able to discus and critique the quantitative approaches that researchers have developed to study how animals deal with challenges such as learning about the environment, avoiding predators, finding and competing for food and mates and rearing young.
- Be familiar with concepts such as game theory and foraging theory and discuss how these can be used to quantify the fitness pay-offs of different behavioural strategies.
- Be confident in devising and carrying out your own research into animal behaviour and analysing your own data.
- Be able to present your own research findings in written form and as a poster, and be confident in explaining your work to your peers.
Policies:
(Information in this section applies to all Biology Modules)
- The procedures and regulations followed by the School of Biology are outlined in the University Handbook and in the School of Biology Undergraduate Handbook (https://biology.st-andrews.ac.uk/students/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2022/05/Undergraduate-Handbook-2021-22.docx)
- All coursework associated with the module must be completed and submitted by its due date.
- Specific School regulations relating to absence reporting, penalties and rules for late submission of work, extensions for coursework, return of coursework, S-coding, Good Academic Practice and Academic Alert are stated in the School of Biology Undergraduate Handbook and students are required to carefully read these regulations.
- Students are also referred to the University Handbook, available at:http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/studenthandbook/