Module Specification |
| The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module. |
| Title | Current Topics in Animal Behaviour | ||
| Code | LIFE322 | ||
| Coordinator |
Dr JE Lycett Evolution, Ecology and Behaviour J.E.Lycett@liverpool.ac.uk |
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| Year | CATS Level | Semester | CATS Value |
| Session 2016-17 | Level 6 FHEQ | Second Semester | 15 |
Pre-requisites before taking this module (other modules and/or general educational/academic requirements): |
| LIFE211 None |
Modules for which this module is a pre-requisite: |
Co-requisite modules: |
Linked Modules: |
Teaching Schedule |
| Lectures | Seminars | Tutorials | Lab Practicals | Fieldwork Placement | Other | TOTAL | |
| Study Hours |
20 This refers to timetabled 1 hr lectures that explain key concepts |
2 This refers to tutorials in which in-course assignments are discussed and feedback is provided |
22 | ||||
| Timetable (if known) | |||||||
| Private Study | 128 | ||||||
| TOTAL HOURS | 150 | ||||||
Assessment |
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| EXAM | Duration | Timing (Semester) |
% of final mark |
Resit/resubmission opportunity |
Penalty for late submission |
Notes |
| Unseen Written Exam | 120 | Semester 2 | 80 | Yes | Written examination | |
| CONTINUOUS | Duration | Timing (Semester) |
% of final mark |
Resit/resubmission opportunity |
Penalty for late submission |
Notes |
| Coursework | 2000 words | Semester 2 | 20 | Yes | Standard UoL penalty applies | Essay assignment Notes (applying to all assessments) - none |
Aims |
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To develop in students an understanding of the use of evolutionary theory to understand animal behaviour To develop in students the ability to apply, critically evaluate and interpret this knowledge and understanding, to solve complex problems in the study of behaviour
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Learning Outcomes |
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To evaluate the use of the adaptationist approach in studying behaviour |
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To critically appraise factors affecting the evolution of reproductive behaviour and the evolution of altruism and cooperation |
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To assess comparative approaches in the study of animal cognition and critically evaluate why cognitive processes of animals might not be, and often are not, analogous to human cognitive processes |
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Teaching and Learning Strategies |
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Lecture - This refers to timetabled 1 hr lectures that explain key concepts |
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Tutorial - This refers to tutorials in which in-course assignments are discussed and feedback is provided |
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Syllabus |
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| 1 |
1. Evolution of reproductive systems 2. Co-operation, altruism, societies and conflict
3. Applied animal behaviour, including the importance of animal welfare, food security and both in situ and ex situ conservation
4. Individual variation in behaviour; alternate strategies; parasite manipulation; evolution of superstition
Module material will be delivered primarily through lectures. Independent learning is supported by materials on VITAL (such as lecture hand-outs) and other web-based resources. Small-group tutorials will be used to guide students’ in-course assignments (assessments 2 and 3) Students will be guided to key articles in the literature (textbooks, original papers and review articles) and will be expected to use these materials to supplement their independent learning. Formative assessment exercises will test students’ knowledge and ability to solve problems; students will be offered individual feedback on assessments 2 and 3. |
Recommended Texts |
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Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module. Explanation of Reading List: Davies, N.B., Krebs, J.R. & West, S.A.(2012) An introduction to behavioural ecology (fourth edition). Oxford: Wiley-Blackwell. Students will be directed to appropriate primary literature |
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