This module will cover a wide range of topics relating to how animals behave; including its genetic, neurological, physiological, evolutionary and ecological bases. It will also consider the various methods used in the study of animal behaviour. Other topics include:
Neuroethology: Learning and memory, imprinting, conditioning, reasoning
Social organisation: caste systems, mating systems, aggression and dominance, altruism,
Sexual behaviour and parental care.
Foraging and predator/anti-predator behaviour

The module finishes with students researching some applied aspects of animal behaviour, such as enclosure design and environmental enrichment of captive animals, the role of behaviour in conservation and pest control.

12 2-hour lectures will be used to introduce the various topics covered. Lecture material will be reinforced by a series of student-centred tasks involving various texts, reviews and material available electronically.

Summative
70% 2-hour exam, answering three questions from five (1)
30% 2000-word essay (2)

Students will be provided with formative assessment and feedback via formative problem solving activities, and a revision session

Access to PCs. Appropriate animal behaviour videos

Alcock, J. 1998. Animal Behavior: An Evolutionary Approach. Sinauer Associates, Cambridge MA.
McFarland, D. 1999. Animal Behaviour: Psychobiology, Ethology and Evolution. Longman, Harlow
Goodenough, J. 2001. Perspectives on Animal Behavior. John Wiley & Sons, New York
Gosling, L.M. & Sutherland, W.J. (Eds) 2000. Behaviour and Conservation. CUP, Cambridge