Module Descriptors
BEHAVIOUR
BIOL50441
Key Facts
Health, Education, Policing and Sciences
Level 5
15 credits
Contact
Leader: Richard Halfpenny
Hours of Study
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: 50
Independent Study Hours: 100
Total Learning Hours: 150
Assessment
- ASSIGNMENT weighted at 100%
Module Details
Module Indicative Content
This module will cover a wide range of topics relating to animal (including human) behaviour.
The structure of the module will consider behaviour through Tinbergen's four questions. As such students will consider behaviour through: (1) Adaptation explanations both functional adaptation and (2) evolutionary (phylogeny), that is, all evolutionary process apart from adaptation such as distinct traits or variants of a phenotypic character. (3) Causation such as the development of the brain, and the role of hormones and pheromones. (4) Development (ontogeny) a consideration of gene-environment interaction.
Particular areas will be considered within the above themes such as social organisation, reproductive behaviour and the development of memory, learning and language.
The structure of the module will consider behaviour through Tinbergen's four questions. As such students will consider behaviour through: (1) Adaptation explanations both functional adaptation and (2) evolutionary (phylogeny), that is, all evolutionary process apart from adaptation such as distinct traits or variants of a phenotypic character. (3) Causation such as the development of the brain, and the role of hormones and pheromones. (4) Development (ontogeny) a consideration of gene-environment interaction.
Particular areas will be considered within the above themes such as social organisation, reproductive behaviour and the development of memory, learning and language.
Module Additional Assessment Details
100% Development of a multimedia Wiki resource to include video links, web links and peer review comments. (Learning outcomes 1&2) 2500 max.
OR
100% Design an experiment and provide an accompanying poster which addresses an aspect of human or animal behaviour. (Learning outcomes 1&2)
Students will engage in peer review and development of formative feedback which will supplemented by tutor formative feedback. This will take place as part of the workshop sessions.
Marking criteria and standards description will be worked with during learning sessions and are published within award handbooks.
OR
100% Design an experiment and provide an accompanying poster which addresses an aspect of human or animal behaviour. (Learning outcomes 1&2)
Students will engage in peer review and development of formative feedback which will supplemented by tutor formative feedback. This will take place as part of the workshop sessions.
Marking criteria and standards description will be worked with during learning sessions and are published within award handbooks.
Module Learning Strategies
Tutors will engage in collaborative learning activities with students and provide developmental feedback. Student groups will present, where appropriate, verbal reports on practical work carried out.
The following learning strategies will be used:
10 x 1 hr Lectures or Tutor led sessions to provide a framework for study
10 x 4 hr workshops/ small group PBL/ practical sessions. A variety of student centred sessions will; focus on different aspects of the module and engage you in activity and team working.
There is 100 hours of independent study. This time will be spent undertaking personally identified learning needs, but there will be preparation for work during learning sessions. For example, student groups will present, where appropriate, verbal reports on practical work carried out. Practical work may, where appropriate, be introduced by students.
50 Reading and independent research into the topics including preparation for the workshops sessions
30 working on data and results from practical work undertaken in the sessions
20 hours preparing for assignment
The following learning strategies will be used:
10 x 1 hr Lectures or Tutor led sessions to provide a framework for study
10 x 4 hr workshops/ small group PBL/ practical sessions. A variety of student centred sessions will; focus on different aspects of the module and engage you in activity and team working.
There is 100 hours of independent study. This time will be spent undertaking personally identified learning needs, but there will be preparation for work during learning sessions. For example, student groups will present, where appropriate, verbal reports on practical work carried out. Practical work may, where appropriate, be introduced by students.
50 Reading and independent research into the topics including preparation for the workshops sessions
30 working on data and results from practical work undertaken in the sessions
20 hours preparing for assignment
Module Texts
Zupanc, G. H. K. (2005) Behavioural Neurobiology: an integrative approach library class no 573.8115
John Cartwright (2000) Evolution and Human Behaviour: a Darwinian perspective on human nature. Basingstike: Macmillan
Derek Bickerton (1995) Language and Human Behaviour UCL Press
John Cartwright (2000) Evolution and Human Behaviour: a Darwinian perspective on human nature. Basingstike: Macmillan
Derek Bickerton (1995) Language and Human Behaviour UCL Press
Module Resources
Access to an appropriately equipped lecture room and the internet. Practical facilities. Behaviour visual aid material and DVD.