1. DISCUSS THE CONCEPTS AND THEORIES IN THE STUDY OF ANIMAL BEHAVIOUR INCLUDING COMPARATIVE BEHAVIOURAL ANALYSIS
Knowledge and Understanding

2. CRITICALLY APPRAISE CURRENT EXPERIMENTAL PRACTICE AS A WAY OF EXPLAINING BEHAVIOURAL RESPONSES
Problem Solving

3. DISCUSS BEHAVIOURAL RESEARCH, AND CRITICALLY EVALUATE ARGUMENTS
Analysis
Enquiry

4. EVALUATE THE IMPORTANCE OF BEHAVIOURAL MANIPULATION IN THE CONTROL AND/OR CONSERVATION OF ANIMALS
Application

1 Development of a multimedia Wiki resource to include video links, web links and peer review comments. (Learning outcomes 1 and 4) 60% 3000 words

2 Design an experiment and provide an accompanying poster which addresses an aspect of human or animal behaviour. (Learning outcomes 2 and 3) 40% Poster

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.

In this module you will study a wide range of topics relating to how animals behave; including the genetic, neurological, physiological, evolutionary and ecological bases. You will also consider the various methods used in the study of animal behaviour, including comparative behavioural studies. Other topics may include: Ethology and neuroethology: Learning and memory, including their theoretical bases, imprinting, conditioning, reasoning, Social organisation, behaviour and group living: caste systems, mating systems, aggression and dominance, altruism, Sexual behaviour and parental care. Communication and display, physiological systems and biological rhythms, Feeding and Foraging, predator/anti-predator behaviour
Differences and similarities between animals and humans are discussed and the validity of drawing comparisons is examined. The methodologies used to study animal behaviour are described and their strengths and weaknesses discussed.

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.

The module uses tutor-led sessions intermingled with enquiry focused student-led sessions and workshops. Some lectures are given on key topics, but much of your study will be developed by you towards your learning needs and the modular outcomes. Much use is made of video content and observational study, available online and on the blackboard course pages. Practical behavioural experiments form part of the Applied Bioscience module but are linked to the theory explored in this module. You are encouraged to select these practical skills components from your list.

An online reading list of sources will be provided and includes full text Journal articles available from Staffordshire University Library.
llcock, J (2009) Animal Behaviour: An Evolutionary Approach. 9th Ed. Sinauer Associates

Dytham, C (2012) Choosing and Using Statistics: A Biologists Guide. 3rd Ed. Wiley-Blackwell

Manning, A & Stamp Dawkins, M (2012) An Introduction to Animal Behaviour. 6th Ed. Oxford University Press

Suitable rooming for group work and discussion. Full IT facilities including screen casting.

In this module you will study a wide range of topics relating to how animals behave; including the genetic, neurological, physiological, evolutionary and ecological bases. You will also consider the various methods used in the study of animal behaviour, including comparative behavioural studies. Other topics may include: Ethology and neuroethology: Learning and memory, including their theoretical bases, imprinting, conditioning, reasoning, Social organisation, behaviour and group living: caste systems, mating systems, aggression and dominance, altruism, Sexual behaviour and parental care. Communication and display, physiological systems and biological rhythms, Feeding and Foraging, predator/anti-predator behaviour
Differences and similarities between animals and humans are discussed and the validity of drawing comparisons is examined. The methodologies used to study animal behaviour are described and their strengths and weaknesses discussed.