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BB20173: Behaviour & ecology

Follow this link for further information on academic years Academic Year: 2015/6
Further information on owning departmentsOwning Department/School: Department of Biology & Biochemistry
Further information on credits Credits: 6
Further information on unit levels Level: Intermediate (FHEQ level 5)
Further information on teaching periods Period: Semester 2
Further information on unit assessment Assessment Summary: CW 20%, EX 60%, PR 20%
Further information on unit assessment Assessment Detail:
  • Coursework (CW 20%)
  • Practical (PR 20%)
  • Examination (EX 60%)
Further information on supplementary assessment Supplementary Assessment: Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations)
Further information on requisites Requisites: Before taking this module you must take BB10012
Further information on descriptions Description: Aims:
To expose students to the fundamental principles of animal behaviour and behavioural ecology. To examine the integration of behaviour, ecology and evolution.

Learning Outcomes:
After taking this course the student should be able to:
* understand the genetic and neuro-hormonal bases of behaviour
* employ economic models to understand behaviour in appropriate contexts
* explain the evolution of communication, navigation and foraging behaviour
* explain how mating systems, parental care and reproductive strategies influence behavioural decisions
* explain the role of predator/prey interactions and population dynamics in the expression of behaviour
* state what altruism and selfishness are and how to measure them in natural populations.

Skills:
Learning and studying T/F/A, Written communication T/F/A, Information handling & retrieval T/F/A, Working independently T/F.

Content:
Behaviours are usually classified without consideration for the context in which they are expressed. But can we understand behaviours without considering the ecological conditions which stimulate their expression? This course will explore the relationship between behaviour and ecology. The first part of the course will cover the genetic/neuro-hormonal bases of animal behaviour, whereas the second part will focus on adaptation and behavioural ecology. Overall, the course will present the logic of behavioural decisions and the ecological and genetic contexts on which behavioural decisions depend.
Further information on programme availabilityProgramme availability:

BB20173 is Optional on the following programmes:

Department of Biology & Biochemistry Programmes in Natural Sciences
  • UXXX-AFB01 : BSc(Hons) Natural Sciences (Year 2)
  • UXXX-AAB02 : BSc(Hons) Natural Sciences with Study year abroad (Year 2)
  • UXXX-AKB02 : BSc(Hons) Natural Sciences with Year long work placement (Year 2)
  • UXXX-AFM01 : MSci(Hons) Natural Sciences (Year 2)
  • UXXX-AKM02 : MSci(Hons) Natural Sciences with Professional Placement (Year 2)
  • UXXX-AAM02 : MSci(Hons) Natural Sciences with Study year abroad (Year 2)
Department of Psychology
Notes:
* This unit catalogue is applicable for the 2015/16 academic year only. Students continuing their studies into 2016/17 and beyond should not assume that this unit will be available in future years in the format displayed here for 2015/16.
* Programmes and units are subject to change at any time, in accordance with normal University procedures.
* Availability of units will be subject to constraints such as staff availability, minimum and maximum group sizes, and timetabling factors as well as a student's ability to meet any pre-requisite rules.