SCQF Level 7 or 8 credits awarded for the study of animal behaviour from an evolutionary perspective.

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, the scientific method as applied to the study of animals 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 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 others. While classic studies will be included, there will be an emphasis on recent research.

LO1: Critically evaluate published studies of both captive and free-ranging animals.
LO2: Appraise the evidence for various explanations of animal behaviour.
LO3: Derive adaptive explanations for behaviours exhibited by animals.
LO4: Prioritise the scientific principle of parsimony when interpreting animal behaviour.