Key facts

Course details for 2006 cohort
Level 1  -  12 credits  -  autumn term

E-learning links

Study Direct: C1103 (09/10)

Resources

Timetable Link
Animal Behaviour

Course description

Course outline

The course introduces aspects of animal behaviour from simple reflexes and navigation to social organisation, sensory and cognitive abilities. The focus is on how behaviour is evolutionarily adapted to suit the needs of a given species, including humans. We discuss genetic mechanisms relevant to understanding various behaviours, and show how genes, the environment and learning affect behavioural development.

Learning outcomes

Students who have successfully completed the course will:
1. demonstrate a basic knowledge of animal behaviour, from simple responses to social organisation and cognition.
2. be able to explain the genetic basis of behaviour, behavioural development including learning, and suggest how an evolutionary understanding of animal behaviour can be applied to humans.
3. have practised essay writing skills, which requires the ability to assimilate knowledge from diverse sources into a coherent story.
4. have practised skills in critical reading of scientific literature, including primary research papers.
5. have experience in collecting, graphically presenting and analysing quantitative experimental biological data in animal and human ethnology.

Assessments

Resit mode of assessment

Timing

Submission deadlines may vary for different types of assignment/groups of students.

Weighting

Coursework components (if listed) total 100% of the overall coursework weighting value.

Teaching methods

How to read the week pattern

The numbers indicate the weeks of the term and how many events take place each week.

Contact details

Dr Camilla Tornoe

Assess convenor, Convenor
http://www.sussex.ac.uk/iss/profile34846.html