Core Module Information
Module title: Animal Behaviour

SCQF level: 08:
SCQF credit value: 20.00
ECTS credit value: 10

Module code: ENV08100
Module leader: Luke Holman
School School of Applied Sciences
Subject area group: Life Sciences
Prerequisites

n/a

Description of module content:

In this module, you will learn about animal behaviour, primarily in the context of evolution and ecology. You will learn about the evolutionary framework that underlies the scientific understanding of animal behaviour, and be able to use examples drawn from a wide variety of animal species to explain key theoretical concepts. This module will cover many topics including behavioural ecology theory, natural selection of behaviour, inclusive fitness, social behaviour, co-operation, competition, communication, foraging, predator defence, mating systems, mate choice, mating competition, kin selection, altruism, infanticide, migration, tool use, culture, intelligence and conservation. You will learn about illustrative case studies involving all forms of animal life, including insects, mammals (e.g. chimpanzees, lions, elephants, whales, dolphins, bats), birds (e.g. albatrosses, capercaillies, dunnocks), amphibians (e.g. frogs), fish (e.g. butterfly fish), and insects (e.g. bees, katydids).

Learning Outcomes for module:

Upon completion of this module you will be able to
LO1: Summarise the Darwinian concept of fitness and its relation to animal behaviour.
LO2: Interpret a diverse array of behaviours in terms of evolutionary principles.
LO3: Discuss animal behaviour in scientific terms using the appropriate terminology.

Full Details of Teaching and Assessment
2024/5, Trimester 2, FACE-TO-FACE, Edinburgh Napier University
VIEW FULL DETAILS
Occurrence: 001
Primary mode of delivery: FACE-TO-FACE
Location of delivery: SIGHTHILL
Partner: Edinburgh Napier University
Member of staff responsible for delivering module: Luke Holman
Module Organiser:


Student Activity (Notional Equivalent Study Hours (NESH))
Mode of activityLearning & Teaching ActivityNESH (Study Hours)NESH Description
Face To Face Lecture 30 Contact Module Leader
Face To Face Tutorial 6 Contact Module Leader
Independent Learning Guided independent study 164 Contact Module Leader
Total Study Hours200
Expected Total Study Hours for Module200


Assessment
Type of Assessment Weighting % LOs covered Week due Length in Hours/Words Description
Class Test 4 1, 2 & 3 2 HOURS= 00.20, WORDS= 0 Contact Module Leader
Class Test 4 1, 2 & 3 3 HOURS= 00.20, WORDS= 0 Contact Module Leader
Class Test 4 1, 2 & 3 4 HOURS= 00.20, WORDS= 0 Contact Module Leader
Class Test 4 1, 2 & 3 5 HOURS= 00.20, WORDS= 0 Contact Module Leader
Class Test 4 1, 2 & 3 6 HOURS= 00.20 Contact Module Leader
Class Test 4 1, 2 & 3 7 HOURS= 00.20 Contact Module Leader
Class Test 4 1, 2 & 3 8 HOURS= 00.20 Contact Module Leader
Class Test 4 1, 2 & 3 9 HOURS= 00.20 Contact Module Leader
Class Test 4 1, 2 & 3 10 HOURS= 00.20 Contact Module Leader
Class Test 4 1, 2 & 3 11 HOURS= 00.20 Contact Module Leader
Essay 60 1, 2 & 3 13 , WORDS= 3000 Contact Module Leader
Component 1 subtotal: 40
Component 2 subtotal: 60
Module subtotal: 100

Indicative References and Reading List - URL:
ENV08100 Animal Behaviour