SLE224 - Animal Behaviour

Unit details

Year:

2024 unit information

Enrolment modes:Trimester 2: Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
Credit point(s):1
EFTSL value:0.125
Unit Chair:Trimester 2: Peter Biro
Prerequisite:

SLE132

It is strongly recommended that students undertake SLE251 prior to undertaking this unit.

Corequisite:Nil
Incompatible with: Nil
Typical study commitment:

Students will on average spend 150 hours over the teaching period undertaking the teaching, learning and assessment activities for this unit.

This will include educator guided online learning activities within the unit site.

Educator-facilitated (scheduled) learning activities - on-campus unit enrolment:

1 x 2 hour online lecture per week, 3 x 3 hour practical experience (laboratory) per trimester.

Content

The unit will be presented as a series of modules (2-5 classes each) which will examine explanations for the evolution of the diverse array of behavioural strategies we see in animals today. Topics include Proximate and ultimate causes of behaviour; How does behaviour develop; Control of behaviour: endocrine control mechanisms; Function of behaviour – foraging; Migration and navigation behaviour; Proximate control of mating behaviour; and Evolution of human behaviour. Topics will be covered by staff which show internationally recognised research outputs within these areas, making the coverage both relevant and up to date.

ULO These are the Learning Outcomes (ULO) for this unit. At the completion of this unit, successful students can: Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes
ULO1 Have a clear understanding of Tinbergen's 4 whys and their applicability to behavioural testing. GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities
GLO2: Communication
GLO3: Digital literacy

ULO2

Recognise the mechanisms which control behaviour. GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities
GLO2: Communication
GLO3: Digital literacy
GLO4: Critical thinking 

ULO3

Recognise that behaviour has a function and be able to demonstrate the concept of optimal behaviour. GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities
GLO2: Communication
GLO3: Digital literacy
GLO4: Critical thinking
GLO5: Problem solving
GLO6: Self-management
GLO7: Teamwork

ULO4

Explain the evolution of animal communication systems. GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities
GLO2: Communication
GLO3: Digital literacy
GLO4: Critical thinking
GLO5: Problem solving
GLO6: Self-management
GLO7: Teamwork
GLO8: Global citizenship 

ULO5

Explain the basis for variation in animal mating systems. GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities
GLO2: Communication
GLO3: Digital literacy
GLO4: Critical thinking
GLO5: Problem solving
GLO6: Self-management
GLO7: Teamwork
GLO8: Global citizenship 

ULO6

Document examples of behaviours which are applicable to the areas of study within animal behaviour. GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities
GLO2: Communication
GLO3: Digital literacy
GLO4: Critical thinking
GLO5: Problem solving
GLO6: Self-management
GLO7: Teamwork
GLO8: Global citizenship 

Assessment

Assessment Description Student output Grading and weighting
(% total mark for unit)
Indicative due week

Assessment 1
Practical reports

Three written reports 45% Weeks 6, 8 and 10

Assessment 2
Online test

1-hour online test 10% Week 9
End-of-Unit Assessment  Timed online test 45% End-of-Unit Assessment Period

The assessment due weeks provided may change. The Unit Chair will clarify the exact assessment requirements, including the due date, at the start of the teaching period.

Learning Resource

The texts and reading list for the unit can be found on the University Library via the link below: SLE224 Note: Select the relevant trimester reading list. Please note that a future teaching period's reading list may not be available until a month prior to the start of that teaching period so you may wish to use the relevant trimester's prior year reading list as a guide only.

Unit Fee Information

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