Animal Behaviour

Description

An evolutionary approach to the study of animal behaviour. This course explores processes and patterns in behaviour, with emphasis on perception, communication, foraging, spacing, reproduction and social behaviour in a variety of animals. Methods of studying and analyzing behaviour are explored through laboratory exercises. NOTE Also offered online, consult Arts and Science Online (Learning Hours may vary). Learning Hours: 132 (36 Lecture, 12 Tutorial, 12 Individual Instruction, 12 Online Activity, 24 Off-Campus Activity, 36 Private Study) Requirements: Prerequisite None. Corequisite 6.0 units from ( BIOL 200 /3.0; BIOL 201/3.0*; BIOL 202/3.0*; BIOL 205 /3.0; BIOL 206 /3.0). Recommended BIOL 200 /3.0 or BIOL 202/3.0*. Course Learning Outcomes: - Apply your knowledge of the relative importance of genetic, hormonal and neural causes of behavioural variation in invertebrates and vertebrates to describe, both orally and in writing, how the behaviour of animals might be altered by changes in selective conditions (e.g. environmental change). - Develop an experiment around a problem in animal behaviour using the scientific method, including: independent identification of a question, development of hypothesis with testable predictions; design and implementation of an experiment; data collection and appropriate statistical analyses; interpretation of statistical findings to draw appropriate inferences. - Develop hypotheses based on evolutionary theory to predict how the behaviour of animals might be altered by changes in selective conditions. - Discuss the findings of independent research in manuscript form, by integrating the experimental findings with relevant information from the primary literature to improve your writing and communication skills. Assessment/Exam Context: Course assessment and examinations vary by course; Queen's notes that eligible exchange students whose first language is not English may receive extra final-exam time. Exchange Registration Note: Arts and Science courses are open to exchange students subject to prerequisites and space. Most courses should be in Arts and Science; other faculties may be limited. Education, Medicine, and Nursing are not open to incoming exchange enrolment.