LSC-20091 - Module Specification
School of Life Sciences
Faculty of Natural Sciences

Programme/Approved Electives for 2023/24

Available as a Free Standing Elective

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2023/24

The study of animal behaviour influences everyday life and can be closely linked to human interactions. In this module you will consider the behaviour of domestic, captive and farmed animals as well as those in their natural habitat. This will be done through weekly directed learning and a series of tutorials.
The module will be supported by practical work, i.e., a series of field trips and laboratories (a part of LSC-20107 module) to allow observation of a range of different species. Data collected and analysed during field trips and other practical work will form the basis of your coursework followed by a report assessment at the end of the module. You will also develop research skills allowing you to quantify animal behaviour in the wild and see how interventions in a captive setting can affect behaviour.

This module aims to introduce the methods used to observe animal behaviour as well as the factors that influence it, and ways through which it can be manipulated.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Use, analyse and evaluate methods for measuring and recording animal behaviour: 2
Review the importance of proximate and ultimate causes of animal behaviour: 1,2
Discuss the impact of genetic influences and selection on animal behaviour: 1
Evaluate learning and training strategies in a range of animals: 1
Assess and document the ethical and health & safety issues to be considered when studying and working with animals: 2

Study hours

Active learning hours:
9 weekly releases x 3 hours: engagement with asynchronous material including watching videos, reading text and making notes to summarise lectures
18 hours: tutorials
Total active learning hours = 45 hrs
Independent study hours:
20 hours: completion of assessment 1
40 hours: completion of assessment 2
45 hours: further reading, note taking, researching, reviewing module content and revising
Total independent study hours = 105 hrs

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment