*The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (see
Withdrawal dates explained for more information).
This unit aims to provide students with an understanding of behavioural ecology within an evolutionary framework. There will be an emphasis on fundamental principles (e.g., the ways in which animals interact with their own and other species and the environment, mechanisms to maximise reproductive success, determinants of fitness of an individual). In lectures, these principles will be highlighted by presentation of the history and theory of behavioural ecology, recent examples and advances (primary literature and research within the School), and detailed case studies. Practicals will develop students' understanding of relevant research methodology, with an emphasis on research design. Extended workshops/discussions will allow in depth exploration of specific areas of behavioural ecology, while a group research project will emphasise experimental design and data collection in a real situation. Scientific presentation skills will be developed through presentation of the research project to peers as a conference talk, and in a written report in the form of scientific journal article (e.g., Behavioural Ecology). An assignment in the format of a review in Trends in Ecology and Evolution will further develop the students' ability to synthesise and communicate cutting edge ideas in behavioural ecology and evolutionary biology.
WEIGHT:
12.5%
ASSESSMENT: Short critique assignment: 1000-1500 words (15%), Research project (30 % total - seminar 10%, report 20%)(20 minute peer assessed group seminar, report to conform to manuscript guidelines for Behavioural Ecology), Review Essay: 2500 words (20%), Exam (35%)(2 hours)
TEACHING PATTERN: 2 hours of lectures per week, and 4 hours of practicals per week
Units are offered in attending mode unless otherwise indicated (that is attendance is required at the campus identified). A unit identified as offered by distance, that is there is no requirement for attendance, is identified with a nominal enrolment campus. A unit offered to both attending students and by distance from the same campus is identified as having both modes of study.
Campus - H Hobart, L Launceston, W Burnie. Study Centre - V Sydney, R Rozelle, P Beauty Point. Distance units may also have a campus identifier of I Isolated, N Interstate, O Overseas. Units delivered in Transnational Education (TNE) Programs have a campus identifier of A Hangzhou, F Fuzhou, G Shanghai, K KDU Malaysia, Q Kuwait or Y Hong Kong.
Special approval is required for enrolment into TNE Program units - campuses A, F, G, K, Q and Y click here for more information.
