Modules

Core Module Information
Module title: Advances in Animal Behaviour
SCQF level: 10:
SCQF credit value: 20.00
ECTS credit value: 10
Module code: ENV10109
Module leader: Jason Gilchrist
School School of Applied Sciences
Subject area group: Life Sciences
Prerequisites

Requisites: AND Pre-requisite: SCQF Level 7 or 8 credits awarded for the study of animal behaviour from an evolutionary perspective. AND Pre-requisite: [Module ENV08100] Animal Behaviour
Description of module content:

In this module you will learn about how ecological and evolutionary factors influence animal behaviour. You will consider a variety of species including invertebrates and vertebrates. We will discuss not only well-established scientific findings but also emerging evidence and current areas of controversy, including, social behaviour and inclusive fitness, reproductive strategies, physiology, conservation applications, and the study of animal behaviour including experimental and observational studies in both captive and natural environments. We will consider the scientific method, including data collection and analysis of behavioural data. Recommended reading will include chapters from the recommended scientific textbooks and a variety of peer-reviewed scientific articles from journals such as Animal Behaviour, Trends in Ecology and Evolution, Behavioural Ecology, Nature, Science and others. While classic studies will be included, there will be an emphasis on recent research.
Learning Outcomes for module:

Upon completion of this module you will be able to

LO1: Critically evaluate published studies of both captive and free-ranging animals.

LO2: Appraise the evidence for proximate (how) and ultimate (why) explanations of animal behaviour.

LO3: Derive adaptive explanations for behaviours exhibited by animals.

LO4: Apply standard scientific research methods for collection, analysis, interpretation and presentation of animal behaviour data.
Full Details of Teaching and Assessment
2024/5, Trimester 1, In Person, Edinburgh Napier University
VIEW FULL DETAILS
Occurrence: 001
Primary mode of delivery: In Person
Location of delivery: SIGHTHILL
Partner: Edinburgh Napier University
Member of staff responsible for delivering module: Jason Gilchrist
Module Organiser:


Student Activity (Notional Equivalent Study Hours (NESH))
Mode of activityLearning & Teaching ActivityNESH (Study Hours)NESH Description
Independent Learning Seminar 1 The online seminar features a guest researcher, who takes questions and poses questions to class based on online pre-recorded lecture. Session includes critical thinking, problem-solving and discussion.
Independent Learning Tutorial 2 The online tutorial sessions are Question and Answer format sessions in support of the assessment.
Face To Face Tutorial 13 In the tutorials, the teacher takes questions and poses questions to class based on online pre-recorded lecture. Sessions include critical thinking, problem-solving and discussion. Group-work included.
Online Lecture 21 Through the online pre-recorded lectures, you will gain a critical overview of the relevant concepts with examples from a diversity of taxonomic groups and environments. The lectures encourage critical review, and problem-solving.
Online Guided independent study 145 Throughout the trimester, you are expected to structure in time to prepare for upcoming scheduled sessions, reflect upon the learning that you have undertaken in your scheduled sessions, and conduct homework exercises provided. You are encouraged to read widely around the topics you are studying and engage with Moodle activities and resources. You will need to ensure that you invest sufficient time to plan, prepare for and conduct your assessment tasks.
Face To Face Lecture 1 Introductory lecture, introduces key concepts, aims, and structure of learning within module.
Face To Face Practical classes and workshops 14 The practical and workshop sessions are diverse and applied, including measuring and analysing behaviour, planning animal behaviour research, functional anatomy – a behavioural ecology perspective, rapid-fire journal club, data collection tools for behavioural ecology, and an exercise in behavioural ecology sampling by computer. Practical classes and workshops incorporate data collection, statistics, problem-solving, collaboration and discussion. Group-work included.
Face To Face Fieldwork 3 Bird behavioural ecology – applying standard behavioural data collection methods to birds in the field.
Total Study Hours200
Expected Total Study Hours for Module200


Assessment
Type of Assessment Weighting % LOs covered Week due Length in Hours/Words Description
Report 60 1~2~3~4 Exam Period , WORDS= 2500 word/7 day Component 2 (C2). Section C: Applied methods, Section D: Data Analysis and interpretation. Each section contains 2 questions and you should answer one question from each section. Word limit per question 1250 words.Section C requires you to present a practical basic research plan and justification given a research question and constraints. You must also review the literature regarding concepts and demonstrate knowledge and understanding within. Section D requires you to present an appropriate analysis of a small dataset and to interpret the results to draw inference and/or conclusions re. the system that the data relates to.
Report 40 1~2~3 Week 8 , WORDS= 1500 word/7 day Component 1 (C1). Section A: The Critical Review, contains two questions; you should answer one of these questions [word limit 1250 words]. Section A requires you to critically review the literature re. concepts and demonstrate knowledge and understanding within.Section B: Statement [word limit 250 words]. Section B requires you to justify your choice of question (1 from the 2 available), i.e. explain why it is of interest/value.
Component 1 subtotal: 40
Component 2 subtotal: 60
Module subtotal: 100

Indicative References and Reading List - URL:
ENV10109 Advances in Animal Behaviour
 

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