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 | EVOLUTION AND BEHAVIOUR | ||
| Code | LIFE709 | ||
| Coordinator |
Dr TAR Price Evolution, Ecology and Behaviour T.Price@liverpool.ac.uk |
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| Year | CATS Level | Semester | CATS Value |
| Session 2016-17 | Level 7 FHEQ | First Semester | 15 |
Pre-requisites before taking this module (other modules and/or general educational/academic requirements): |
| BSc - Previous experience in appropriate Level 6 study on evolutionary biology, animal behaviour, evolutionary ecology, ecology. Module Leader can advise individuals. |
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 |
6 Standard Lecture to introduce different topics covered, later developed in workshops, seminars etc. |
12 Based on prior reading, there will be structured discussions, during which students present and discuss answers to questions posed in advance. As the questions are answered the class will develop and evaluate conceptual frameworks in evolutionary biology. |
2 Group contribution to the Critical Evaluation assessment. 2 Formative feedback sessions for individual students planning assessed work. Discussions with module teacher(s) to help plan written worketc. |
22 | |||
| Timetable (if known) |
Lectures will help prepare for Seminars and assessments
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Prior study will be used in class to test and verify comprehensions.
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This will feed into an individually-assessed assignment.
One to one meetings with tutors to discuss assignments before they are submitted. |
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| 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 |
| CONTINUOUS | Duration | Timing (Semester) |
% of final mark |
Resit/resubmission opportunity |
Penalty for late submission |
Notes |
| Coursework | 2500 words | Semester 1 | 65 | Yes | Standard UoL penalty applies | Book chapter |
| Coursework | Equiv 1500 words | Semester 1 | 35 | Yes | Standard UoL penalty applies | Critical Evaluation Notes (applying to all assessments) Book chapter: Contributing to an imaginary text called 'Evolution for **" where **=research field. Critical evaluation: evaluate and generate hypotheses for a given class of biological traits. |
Aims |
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The module aims to introduce students to a set of key concepts and case studies in contemporary evolutionary and behavioural biology such that they can apply key ideas in a critical and evaluative manner |
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Learning Outcomes |
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| Demonstrate a clear and critical understanding of the main principles underpinning evolutionary theory | |
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Apply this understanding in an evaluative manner to a major area of evolutionary research |
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| Apply alternative evolutionary ideas in a manner which demonstrates a capacity to evaluate evolutionary ideas and data | |
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Demonstrate depth of comprehension and an appropriate ability to apply evolutionary ideas in new contexts. |
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Teaching and Learning Strategies |
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Seminar - Based on prior reading, there will be structured discussions, during which students present and discuss answers to questions posed in advance. As the questions are answered the class will develop and evaluate conceptual frameworks in evolutionary biology. Prior study will be used in class to test and verify comprehensions. |
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Lecture - Standard Lecture to introduce different topics covered, later developed in workshops, seminars etc. Lectures will help prepare for Seminars and assessments |
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Group-work - Group contribution to the Critical Evaluation assessment. This will feed into an individually-assessed assignment. |
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Formative Feedback (e.g. peer, revision sessions) - Formative feedback sessions for individual students planning assessed work. Discussions with module teacher(s) to help plan written worketc. One to one meetings with tutors to discuss assignments before they are submitted. |
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Syllabus |
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| 1 |
Syllabus: This is indicative - the order and precise nature of the sessions will be guided to some extent by the needs of the class, and recent research in the area). Sessions will be based around key papers and reviews. There will be some emphasis on understanding and evaluating the papers that originated ideas or find ings that currently dominate research in evolutionary biology. An indicative syllabus: Module introduction: genetics and evolution Use and re-use in evolution (evolutionary genomics) The Phylogenetic Revolution - new perspectives and current limits Reproductive strategies and sexual selection Evolution of learning Host-Parasite Coevolution The evolutionary consequences of intragenomic conflict Evolutionary consequences of climate change Consequences of genetic variation for community structure and ecosystem function Evolution of signalling and communication The heritability of human psychology Human vs animal behaviour Formative feedback on draft essays Group Work: The critical evaluation task. Student presentations of the critical evaluation task |
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:
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