Behavioural Ecology

Overview

The module examines the manner in which natural selection acts to maintain or change animal behaviour and social organisation. Topics include co-operative breeding and the development of complex social groups in insects, parental investment strategies, decisions about mates, sexual selection, the theory of sex ratios, conflict within families, infanticide, brood parasitism, evolutionarily stable strategies as applied to contest behaviour, reproductive decisions, economic decisions, competition for resources, decisions about living in groups, territoriality, communication, signal design and the role of behaviour in speciation.

Learning Objectives

On successful completion of the module students will be able to:

LO1: Demonstrate a critical understanding of natural selection as applied to animal behaviour and how the latter can drive the evolution of morphological characters
LO2: Demonstrate the ability to critically evaluate of behavioural ecology investigations;
LO3: Apply the scientific method by use of behavioural ecology models, comparative analyses and experimental method.
LO4: Effectively communicate knowledge of behavioural ecology both orally and via written report.
LO5: Employ problem solving skills.
LO6: Demonstrate the ability to work as part of a team.

Skills

Critical evaluation of the relevant scientific literature. Problem solving skills, oral and written communication skills. Time management and effective IT skills.

Assessment

Students are required to submit all elements of coursework. To pass the modules students must obtain a minimum mark of 40% in the written examination and an overall minimum mark of 40% in continuous assessment.