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ZOOL326 Animal Behaviour

Credit Points 6
Offering
Responsible Campus Teaching Period Mode of Study
Armidale Trimester 1 Off Campus
Armidale Trimester 1 On Campus
Intensive School(s)
Start Finish Attendance Notes
14 April 2013 16 April 2013 Mandatory
Supervised Exam There is a UNE Supervised Examination held at the end of the teaching period in which you are enrolled.
Pre-requisites BIOL110 and BIOL120 and EVOL211; or candidature in a postgraduate award
Co-requisites None
Restrictions None
Notes
Combined Units ZOOL526 - Animal Behaviour
Coordinator(s) Paul McDonald (paul.mcdonald@une.edu.au)
Unit Description

This unit explores the field of animal behaviour through an evolutionary framework, focusing upon the unifying principles that govern the extraordinary diversity of natural behaviour around us. Lectures cover topics relevant to the major challenges facing animals throughout their lives, including navigating through their environment, finding mates, avoiding predators and in turn finding food. Emphasis is placed on the common factors that shape behaviour across taxa. Students also undertake practicals and field trips that provide the required training to observe behaviour, before using these skills to conduct an independent research project targeting a species of their choice.
Prescribed Material
Mandatory 		Text(s):

Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.

Perspectives on Animal Behaviour
ISBN: 9780470045176
Goodenough, J., McGuire, B. and Jakob, E., John Wiley and Sons 3rd ed. 2010
Text refers to: Trimester 1 , On and Off Campus
Recommended Material
Optional 		Text(s):

Note: Recommended material is held in the University Library - purchase is optional

Measuring Behaviour: An Introductory Guide
ISBN: 9780521535632
Martin, P. and Bateson, P.P.G., Cambridge University Press 3rd ed. 2007
Text refers to: Trimester 1 , On and Off Campus
Disclaimer Unit information may be subject to change prior to commencement of the teaching period.
Assessment
Title Exam Length Weight Mode No. Words
Poster Presentation 10%
Relates to Learning Outcomes (LO) and Graduate Attributes (GA)
LO: 2, 5 GA: 1, 2, 3
Practical Report - Waterbirds 10% 1000
Relates to Learning Outcomes (LO) and Graduate Attributes (GA)
LO: 3, 4 GA: 1, 2, 4, 6, 8
Project Outline 5% 500
Relates to Learning Outcomes (LO) and Graduate Attributes (GA)
LO: 3, 5 GA: 1, 2, 6
Project Report 35% 2000
Relates to Learning Outcomes (LO) and Graduate Attributes (GA)
LO: 2, 5 GA: 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8
Final Examination 2 hrs 40%
Assessment Notes
Students must obtain at least a pass in the final examintion in order to gain a passing grade within the unit
Relates to Learning Outcomes (LO) and Graduate Attributes (GA)
LO: 1, 2 GA: 1, 2, 3, 4, 6

Learning Outcomes (LO) Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
  1. describe traditional approaches to the study of animal behaviour through to modern methodology;
  2. discuss the broad principles underpinning animal behaviour across animal taxa;
  3. apply these principles to develop and test a hypothesis concerning observed behaviour in the field;
  4. apply effective participation skills as a team member on animal behaviour projects; and
  5. demonstrated an understanding of project findings and implications in both written and oral formats.

Graduate Attributes (GA)
Attribute Taught Assessed Practised
1 Knowledge of a Discipline
Knowledge is provided via several mediums, including lectures, practicals and online content with student interaction fostered. All assessment tasks are subsequently designed to assess student proficiency. 		True True True
2 Communication Skills
Both written and oral assessments are conducted, with training in the later provided during practical sessions. 		True True True
3 Global Perspectives
Throughout the unit the unifying themes of behaviour across taxa and geographic locations are emphasised, with examples provided addressing global patterns. 		True True
4 Information Literacy
Simple statistical methods and best practise are taught and assessed during practicals and within written reports. 		True True True
6 Problem Solving
Students are taught how to study animal behaviour, observe animals, generate and test hypotheses in lectures and practicals, before being guided during this process whilst completing a major project. 		True True True
7 Social Responsibility
Ethical issues are discussed in both the lecture and practical material, with additional emphasis placed on this factor during project completion. 		True
8 Team Work
Students work together in pairs or small groups to collect and analysis data, with some training on expectations and responsibilities provided beforehand. 		True True True
   

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