BI1S12 - Basics of Animal Behaviour 01 Sep 2018 - 31 Aug 2026 | Version 3

Associated Module Information

Module Code: BI1S12
Module Title: Basics of Animal Behaviour
Faculty: Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Science
Faculty Group: Biological and Forensic Sciences
Faculty Sub Group: Biological Science
Module Leader: Michelle Cooper
Module Team: Martin Powell, Stephanie Perkins, Sasha Tyler
First Intended Intake: JAN 2015 Final Year of Intake:
Date Closed:
Credit Value: 20 Credit Level: 4
Language: English
Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: 0
Equivalent Module:
HECOS codes: 100522 - animal behaviour
HECOS Code Weighting: 100

Document Version Information

Version 3
Valid From 01 Sep 2018
Valid To 31 Aug 2026

Module Aims

To introduce the fundamentals of animal behaviour across a range of animals and outline normal and abnormal behaviours, making reference to what these indicate.

Students will develop knowledge relating to how evolution, domestication and human intervention has impacted on the behaviour of animals. Learners will use skills in methods of recording and presenting animal behavioural data.

Content Summary

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Lecture 24
External visits 4
Independent Study 120
Directed Study 50
Formative Assessment - Scheduled 1
Formative Assessment - Independent 1
Total Hours Selected 200

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 Observe the behaviour of an animal using a suitable observation and recording method. Differentiate types of animal behaviour and demonstrate an understanding of the underlying physiological processes and development of behaviour in animals, using digital creation where suitable to produce a document suitable for assessment.
LO2 Relate the effects of domestication on animal behaviour to its evolution and function, showing an understanding of abnormal behaviours common to domestic and captive animals, and how these can be managed. Digital creation will be used to present this in a suitable manner to the target audience.

Module Requisites

N/A

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Asynchronous Assessment Case study 1 Case Study 0 2000 50 No 40
Asynchronous Assessment Case study 1 Student choice of assessment Choice of: Poster presentation, Padlet page or Blog. 15 2000 50 No 40

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2
Case study 1
Case study 1

Reading List

ALCOCK, J (2013) Animal Behaviour: An Evolutionary Approach, Massachusetts: Sinauer Associates

DAVIES, N et al (2012) An Introduction to Behavioural Ecology 4th Edition, Oxford: Wiley-Blackwell

DAWKINS, M (2007) Observing Animal Behaviour: Design and Analysis of Quantitative Data, Oxford: OUP

MARTIN, P & BATESON, P (2007) Measuring Behaviour: An Introductory Guide, Cambridge: CUP

MCFARLAND, D (1999) Animal Behaviour: Psychobiology, Ethology and Evolution London: Longman

TYNES, V (2010) Behavior of Exotic Pets:Oxford: Wiley-Blackwell

International Zoo News

Ratel

ABWAK