In this module you will learn about how ecological and cognitive factors combine to influence animal behaviour. You will consider a variety of species including cetaceans (e.g. bottlenose dolphins), primates (e.g. chimpanzees) and birds (e.g. parrots). We will discuss not only well-established scientific findings but also emerging evidence and current areas of controversy.Evolution of intelligence & cognition, social behaviour and inclusive fitness, social learning and cultural traditions, communication, reproductive strategies, tool use and understanding of causality, reasoning, self-awareness, conservation applications, the scientific method as applied to the study of animals including experimental and observational studies in both captive and natural environments. Recommended reading will include not only chapters from the recommended scientific textbooks but also a variety of peer-reviewed scientific articles from journals such as Animal Behaviour, Trends in Ecology and Evolution, Behavioural Ecology, Nature, Science and Animal Cognition. While classic studies will be included, there will be an emphasis on recent research.