Key facts

Course details for 2006 cohort
Level 3  -  15 credits  -  autumn term

E-learning links

Study Direct: C8827 (09/10)

Resources

Timetable Link
Reading list

Course description

Course outline

This course will explore mechanisms and functions of animal vocal communication, comparing and contrasting vocal communication in the most conspicuously vocal vertebrates (particularly birds and mammals) and humans. An additional focus will be exploring how playback of animal vocalisations can be used to provide insight into animal minds. The course will combine lectures with research talk/interactive workshop sessions and practical demonstrations in order to expose students to the tools and skills that they would need to conduct research on animal vocal communication themselves.

Pre-requisite

Ideally at least one of Animal Behaviour, Psychobiology or Perception and Attention, but alternatives can be discussed with the course organiser.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course, a successful student should be able to:
1. Demonstrate a detailed understanding of how animal vocalisations are produced, what information they contain, and how they function in mediating sexual and social behaviour.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of the differences between animal and human vocal communication.
3. Demonstrate an ability to critically evaluate empirical evidence, core concepts and current controversies in the field of animal communication.

Assessments

View old exam papers

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 Karen McComb

Assess convenor, Convenor
http://www.sussex.ac.uk/psychology/profile1752.html