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SL40129: Sexual conflict (BB40193)

[Page last updated: 26 October 2023]

Academic Year: 2023/24
Owning Department/School: Department of Life Sciences
Credits: 6 [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
Notional Study Hours: 120
Level: Masters UG & PG (FHEQ level 7)
Period:
Semester 2
Assessment Summary: ES 35%, MC 15%, SM 50%
Assessment Detail:
  • BB40193 Multiple Choice (MC 15%)
  • BB40193 Seminar 1 (SM 35%)
  • BB40193 Discussion and Questions (SM 15%)
  • BB40193 Essay (ES 35%)
Supplementary Assessment:
BB40193 Reassessment Essay (where allowed by programme regulations)
Requisites: Before taking this module you are advised to take BB20040 OR take SL20006
Learning Outcomes: After taking this course the student should be able to:
* demonstrate a systematic knowledge on the origin and the basic principles of sexual conflict;
* analyse the relationship of sexual conflict to a variety of behavioural strategies such as mate choice, mating systems and parental care;
* critically evaluate the implications of sexual conflict for behaviour, ecology and phylogeny.


Aims: To develop an understanding of sexual selection, and to explore how the antagonistic interests of males and females have shaped their behaviour, ecology and evolution.

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

Content: This course comprises of a series of lectures and group discussions. The topics will include the origin of sexual conflict; mate choice, mating systems and parental care; the influences of natural and sexual selection on sexual size dimorphism; the implications of sexual conflict for speciation and extinction.

Course availability:

SL40129 is Optional on the following courses:

Department of Chemistry
  • USSC-AFM01 : MSci(Hons) Natural Sciences (Biology with Chemistry stream) (Year 4)
  • USSC-AAM01 : MSci(Hons) Natural Sciences (Biology with Chemistry stream) with Study year abroad (Year 5)
  • USSC-AKM01 : MSci(Hons) Natural Sciences (Biology with Chemistry stream) with Professional Placement (Year 5)
  • USSC-AFM01 : MSci(Hons) Natural Sciences (Biology with Pharmacology stream) (Year 4)
  • USSC-AAM01 : MSci(Hons) Natural Sciences (Biology with Pharmacology stream) with Study year abroad (Year 5)
  • USSC-AKM01 : MSci(Hons) Natural Sciences (Biology with Pharmacology stream) with Professional Placement (Year 5)
  • USSC-AFM01 : MSci(Hons) Natural Sciences (Biology with Physics stream) (Year 4)
  • USSC-AAM01 : MSci(Hons) Natural Sciences (Biology with Physics stream) with Study year abroad (Year 5)
  • USSC-AKM01 : MSci(Hons) Natural Sciences (Biology with Physics stream) with Professional Placement (Year 5)
  • USSC-AFM01 : MSci(Hons) Natural Sciences (Chemistry with Biology stream) (Year 4)
  • USSC-AAM01 : MSci(Hons) Natural Sciences (Chemistry with Biology stream) with Study year abroad (Year 5)
  • USSC-AKM01 : MSci(Hons) Natural Sciences (Chemistry with Biology stream) with Professional Placement (Year 5)
  • USSC-AFM01 : MSci(Hons) Natural Sciences (Physics with Biology stream) (Year 4)
  • USSC-AAM01 : MSci(Hons) Natural Sciences (Physics with Biology stream) with Study year abroad (Year 5)
  • USSC-AKM01 : MSci(Hons) Natural Sciences (Physics with Biology stream) with Professional Placement (Year 5)

Notes:

  • This unit catalogue is applicable for the 2023/24 academic year only. Students continuing their studies into 2024/25 and beyond should not assume that this unit will be available in future years in the format displayed here for 2023/24.
  • Courses and units are subject to change 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.
  • Find out more about these and other important University terms and conditions here.