BI2AB2: Animal Behaviour

Module code: BI2AB2

Module provider: School of Biological Sciences

Credits: 20

Level: Level 2 (Intermediate)

When you'll be taught: Semester 2

Module convenor: Dr Phil Baker, email: p.j.baker@reading.ac.uk

Module co-convenor: Dr Chris Foster, email: c.w.foster@reading.ac.uk

Pre-requisite module(s):

Co-requisite module(s):

Pre-requisite or Co-requisite module(s):

Module(s) excluded:

Placement information: NA

Academic year: 2024/5

Available to visiting students: Yes

Talis reading list: Yes

Last updated: 21 May 2024

Overview

Module aims and purpose

Ever wondered what science underlies commentaries to wildlife documentaries? Here you will learn the scientific methods used to study animal behaviour, the principle theories underlying its study, and how facts are established from systematic observations and experiments. Key topics are the effects of nature vs nurture, the theory of the selfish gene, why animals fight and why and when they help each other. Practicals illustrate research methods, and classic documentary films illustrate key points in lectures.

This module aims to provide a general introduction to the study of animal behaviour and shows how facts about behaviour are established. Attention is given to how and why central hypotheses are formulated, how experiments are designed to distinguish between hypotheses, and how the results are analysed and interpreted.

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module, it is expected that students will be able to: 

1. Demonstrate knowledge of the various aspects of animal behaviour such as foraging, group living, and mating. 
2. Demonstrate an appreciation of the mechanistic basis of animal behaviour including genes, neural systems, and hormones. 
3. Design, carry out and analyse behavioural experiments. 
4. Understand the ethical context of animal behaviour studies, including knowledge of the basic philosophical premises relating to ethics.  

Module content

This module provides an overview of the four ways in which we explain behaviour in a range of animals from all major taxa:  

• development, including imprinting, vocal learning;  
• mechanism, including sensory systems in different environments, hormones and pheromones;  
• function, including group living, mating systems;  
• evolution, including kin selection and inclusive fitness, sexual selection.  

In order to understand behaviour, it is necessary to consider its role in increasing the chances that an individual will survive and reproduce. Such considerations are relevant to man and domesticated animals as well as to 'wild' species. In addition, students are introduced to methods of studying animal behaviour in the laboratory, in other captive settings and in the wild. Methods include the ethical aspects of behavioural studies. Students will also learn various research techniques for studying behaviour, and will be introduced into behavioural research in a rigorous and hypothesis-driven study. They will design and conduct an investigation, and will analyse it and discuss it in the context of relevant literature. The module includes a strong practical, field-based component requiring transdisciplinary collaborative work.  

Structure

Teaching and learning methods

The learning outcomes will be met through a mixture of lectures, practical classes, self-directed learning and directed independent study. The lectures will provide background to various techniques of studying animal behaviour. The practical sessions will give students the opportunity to plan, conduct and analyse a behavioural study. Appropriate supplementary information and reading lists will be provided on Blackboard.  

Study hours

At least 40 hours of scheduled teaching and learning activities will be delivered in person, with the remaining hours for scheduled and self-scheduled teaching and learning activities delivered either in person or online. You will receive further details about how these hours will be delivered before the start of the module.

Please note the independent study hours above are notional numbers of hours; each student will approach studying in different ways. We would advise you to reflect on your learning and the number of hours you are allocating to these tasks.

Semester 1 The hours in this column may include hours during the Christmas holiday period.

Semester 2 The hours in this column may include hours during the Easter holiday period.

Summer The hours in this column will take place during the summer holidays and may be at the start and/or end of the module.

Assessment

Requirements for a pass

Students need to achieve an overall module mark of 40% to pass this module.

Summative assessment

Penalties for late submission of summative assessment

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

Assessments with numerical marks

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of three working days;
• the mark awarded due to the imposition of the penalty shall not fall below the threshold pass mark, namely 40% in the case of modules at Levels 4-6 (i.e. undergraduate modules for Parts 1-3) and 50% in the case of Level 7 modules offered as part of an Integrated Masters or taught postgraduate degree programme;
• where the piece of work is awarded a mark below the threshold pass mark prior to any penalty being imposed, and is submitted up to three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline), no penalty shall be imposed;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

Assessments marked Pass/Fail

• where the piece of work is submitted within three working days of the deadline (or any formally agreed extension of the deadline): no penalty will be applied;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension of the deadline): a grade of Fail will be awarded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/qap/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf

You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Formative assessment

Formative assessment is any task or activity which creates feedback (or feedforward) for you about your learning, but which does not contribute towards your overall module mark.

Reassessment

Additional costs