Module manager: Professor Alison Dunn
Email: a.dunn@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2025/26
BLGY2305 Developing Scientific Excellence or alternative equivalent statistics experience. BLGY1308 Unlocking Scientific Success.
| BLGY1308 | Unlocking Scientific Success |
| BLGY2305 | Developing Scientific Excellence |
This module is not approved as a discovery module
This module explores the evolutionary causes and ecological consequences of animal behaviour. Students will study how the behaviour of animals is adapted to their natural environment. This module explores the adaptive significance of different animal behaviours, considers what selective pressures have led to the evolution of different behaviours, and looks at the plasticity of individual behaviour under different ecological situations. We will explore key concepts in behavioural ecology and look at empirical and theoretical studies and evidence. This knowledge is applied to a range of examples of invertebrate and vertebrate species including humans. The course will focus on animal behaviour from sex to death, covering topics such as: sexual selection, sperm competition, parental care, social learning, social behaviour, and cannibalism. We will also explore how parasites (from single celled pathogens such as malaria, to cuckoos) can manipulate the behaviour of their hosts. On completion of this module, students should be able to develop a critical understanding of current theories and empirical examples in behavioural ecology. The module will involve interactive lecture sessions, surveys of human mating preferences, a film, and a computer based session looking at social networks. The assessments are an individual practical write up and an OTLA.
Aims and objectives of the module.
- To develop an understanding of how the behaviour of animals is adapted to their natural environment.
- To develop an understanding of what selective pressures have led to the evolution of different behaviours, and of the plasticity of individual behaviour under different ecological situations
- To develop a critical understanding of current theories and empirical examples in Behavioural Ecology.
How the learning activities are designed to achieve these aims and objectives.
Lectures- Interactive teaching sessions are designed explain core concepts in behavioural ecology, and to explore empirical and theoretical evidence.
A class based study is used to explore and test key theories in sexual selection using humans as a study organism. In the associated seminar, you will explore the current literature to interpret our survey.
An experiment undertaken in the computer-based practical class demonstrates key concepts in behavioural ecology. The lab report helps develop and demonstrate skills in data presentation and interpretation, critical thinking, academic writing.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
1. Describe and discuss how an animal's behaviour is adapted to the environment in which it lives;
2. Explain the key concepts in animal behaviour which may include sexual selection, parental care, social learning, social networks, and behaviour and parasite-host conflict;
3. Examine critically a range of empirical and theoretical evidence for these hypotheses.
4. Analyse complex data to explain ideas and concepts in animal behaviour / ecology.
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
5. Present and interpret data in the context of key theories
6. Critically evaluate key concepts and empirical evidence, including combining theories and examples from multiple sources to aid interpretation
Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 14 | 1 | 14 |
| Practical | 1 | 3 | 3 |
| Seminar | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| Seminar | 5 | 1 | 5 |
| Private study hours | 176 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 24 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
The practical session involves experimental design and the write up involves analysis and interpretation of the data as well as a formal write up. Students will receive generic feedback on their practical report via the VLE which should be used by the students in addition to the individual comments on the script. There will be a feedback session at which the students can discuss their work.
In addition, there is an OTLA preparation session during which students are given example q and offered a chance to ask questions, plan answers and discuss their plans and queries.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Lab report in the style of a scientific paper based on computer lab. | 30 |
| Coursework | Online Time-Limited Assessment - Two sections. Section 1- choose 1 from 2 essay type q Section 2 - choose 1 from 2 interpretive questions | 70 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
The reading list is available from the Library website
Last updated: 14/03/2025
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team