MODULE SPECIFICATION
Code: USSJPY-20-2 Title: Animal Behaviour for Wildlife Conservation Version: 1
Level: 2 UWE credit rating: 20 ECTS credit rating: 10
Module type: Standard
Owning Faculty: Health & Life Sciences Field: Applied Sciences
Faculty Committee approval: Applied Sciences Field Planning Date: 2nd March 2009
Approved for Delivery by: Filton College
Valid from: September 2009 Discontinued from:
Contributes towards: FdSc. Integrated Wildlife Conservation
Pre-requisites: USSJPV-20-1 Wildlife Biology, or equivalent
Co-requisites: None
Entry requirements: N/A
Excluded combinations: None
Learning outcomes:
On completion of this module students will be able to:
• demonstrate a sound understanding of how Animal Behaviour has developed as a discipline;
• discuss the common underlining principles that determine animal behaviour;
• describe the principles of behavioural ecology and discuss their importance for survival in the wild;
• design, undertake, analyse, report on and review a behavioural study of a named animal;
review the factors controlling the reproductive behaviour of a named animal
Syllabus outline:
• Historical Development – contributions of Lorenz, Tinbergen, von Frisch and others – the distinction between ethology & comparative psychology.
• Inherited vs Learnt Behaviour – experimental approaches used to study the causes & function of behaviour, its ontogeny & evolution – genetics of inherited behaviour – molecular approaches.
• Communication – chemical signals & pheromones – visual & auditory signals – tactile communication – electrical signalling.
• Biological Rhythms – circadian & circannual rhythms – their origin, control & function
• Orientation & Navigation – mechanisms of homing & migration.
• Behavioural Ecology – habitat selection – cost benefit approaches – optimal foraging theory – sexual selection – social behaviour – altruistic behaviour & kin selection. The impacts of human activity on animal behaviour eg. through disruption of social networks through habitat destruction or development; effects of disturbance, altered behaviours of captive animals.
Teaching and learning methods:
The syllabus is delivered primarily though power point lectures using a wide range of examples to illustrate key principles. Wherever possible, lectures are supplemented by audio-visual material (videos, DVDs) showing specific examples of animal behaviour. Material from BBC natural history programmes and the Arkive database of images lare especially valuable. The lectures would be supported by practical work observing and recording the behaviour of wild, domesticated or captive animals – with particular emphasis of animals held in Bristol Zoo.
Reading Strategy
All students will be encouraged to make full use of the print and electronic resources available to them through membership of the University, at Filton College, and housed at Bristol Zoo. These include a range of electronic journals and a wide variety of resources available through web sites and information gateways. The University Library’s web pages provide access to subject relevant resources and services, and to the library catalogue. Many resources can be accessed remotely. Students will be presented with opportunities within the curriculum to develop their information retrieval and evaluation skills in order to identify such resources effectively.
This guidance will be available either in the module handbook, via the module information on Blackboard or through any other vehicle deemed appropriate by the module/programme leaders.
Indicative Reading List:
The discipline of Animal Behaviour is very well supported by a range of introductory text books. These include:
Barnard, C. (2003) Animal behaviour: mechanism, development, ecology an evolution. Prentice Hall. ISBN 0130899364.
Bolhuis, J.J. (2004) The behaviour of animals: mechanisms, function and evolution. Wiley/Blackwell. ISBN0631231250.
Dugatkin, L.A. (2008) Principles of animal behaviour. W.W. Norton & Co. ISBN 0393931692.
Martin, P. and Bateson, P. (1993) Measuring Behaviour. An introductory guide. 2nd edition. Cambridge University Press. ISBN 0-521-44614-7.
McFarland, D. (1999) Animal behaviour: psychobiology, theology and evolution. Longman. ISBN 0582327326.
Manning, A. (1998) An introduction to animal behaviour. CUP. ISBN 0521578914.
Scott, G. (2004) Essential animal behaviour. Wiley/Blackwell. ISBN 0632057998.
Copies of these texts would be available in the library for consultation by students. They would be encouraged to purchase one of these texts to support and extend material covered in the lectures.
Assessment
Weighting between components A and B (standard modules only) A: 50% B:50%
ATTEMPT 1
First Assessment Opportunity
Component A
Description of each element Element weighting
EX3Examination (3 hours) 1
Component B
Description of each element Element weighting
WR1Written Assignment 1
PR1Practical Report 1
Second Assessment Opportunity (further attendance at taught classes is not required)
Component A
Description of each element Element weighting
EX3Examination (3 hours) 1
Component B
Description of each element Element weighting
WR1 Written Assignment 1
PR1 Practical Report 1
SECOND (OR SUBSEQUENT) ATTEMPT: Attendance at taught classes is required.
Specification confirmed by …………………………………………………Date ……………………………
(Associate Dean/Programme Director)