BIOEB301-23B (HAM)

Advanced Animal Behaviour

15 Points

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The University of Waikato
Academic Divisions
Division of Health Engineering Computing & Science
School of Science
Ecology, Biodiversity and Animal Behaviour

Staff

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Convenor(s)

Chrissie Painting

Chrissie Painting
9639
R.2.20
See Moodle
chrissie.painting@waikato.ac.nz

Lecturer(s)

Administrator(s)

: klaus.reiter@waikato.ac.nz

Placement/WIL Coordinator(s)

Tutor(s)

Student Representative(s)

Lab Technician(s)

Librarian(s)

: anne.ferrier-watson@waikato.ac.nz

You can contact staff by:

  • Calling +64 7 838 4466 select option 1, then enter the extension.
  • Extensions starting with 4, 5, 9 or 3 can also be direct dialled:
    • For extensions starting with 4: dial +64 7 838 extension.
    • For extensions starting with 5: dial +64 7 858 extension.
    • For extensions starting with 9: dial +64 7 837 extension.
    • For extensions starting with 3: dial +64 7 2620 + the last 3 digits of the extension e.g. 3123 = +64 7 262 0123.
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What this paper is about

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This paper provides an up-to-date review of key concepts in the field of Animal Behaviour. Throughout the course you will critically evaluate current research on a variety of topics related to animal behaviour including: communication, signalling, deception, sexual selection, mating systems, parental care, foraging theory, habitat selection and and cooperation. The paper also provides participants with the opportunity to conduct independent laboratory and field studies of behaviour, and will involve several guest lectures to give examples of working on applied animal behaviour problems such as animal welfare and enrichment.
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How this paper will be taught

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This paper is taught through lectures, a field trip and through guided group research projects with lab sessions and opportunities for feedback from regular assessments. Attendance at ALL practical classes is compulsory. Note that this paper is taught in Hamilton.

The course is primarily taught by Chrissie Painting (CP) but we will have guest lectures by Nick Munn (NM), Lindsay Matthews (LM), Lolita Rynkowski (LR), and Laura Hunter (LH).

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Required Readings

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Recommended but not required:

Rubenstein & Alcock (2019) Animal Behaviour. Eleventh Edition, Sinauer Associates, Sunderland, Massachusetts

Note: a copy of this text will be placed on Course Reserve at the library. Previous editions of this book is acceptable for those purchasing second hand copies.

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Learning Outcomes

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Students who successfully complete the course should be able to:

  • Demonstrate a sound knowledge of the field of Animal Behaviour and processes that govern an animal’s behaviour
    Linked to the following assessments:
  • Develop an ability to think critically and constructively about complex issues in biology
    Linked to the following assessments:
  • Develop and/or enhance their research skills
    Linked to the following assessments:
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Assessments

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How you will be assessed

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This course is assessed via internal assessment and an exam, with a ratio of 60:40. The internal assessment of 60% will consist of 2 lab reports (2 x 5% = 10%), one lab presentation (8%), and two tests (20%; i.e., 2 x 10%). Test 1 will cover the preceding lecture material, and Test 2 will cover lectures delivered after Test 1 and before Test 2. There will also be 1 x group research project report (20%), and a video game activity done during a Friday lecture (2%). The exam will cover all material (40%).

Note that Test 1 & Test 2 will be run online through Moodle.

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The internal assessment/exam ratio (as stated in the University Calendar) is 60:40. There is no final exam. The final exam makes up 40% of the overall mark.

The internal assessment/exam ratio (as stated in the University Calendar) is 60:40 or 0:0, whichever is more favourable for the student. The final exam makes up either 40% or 0% of the overall mark.

Component DescriptionDue Date TimePercentage of overall markSubmission MethodCompulsory
1. Zoo trip report
22 Jul 2023
5:00 PM
5
  • Hand-in: In Lab
2. Research project proposal
5
  • Online: Submit through Moodle
3. Hungry Birds video game activity
22 Aug 2023
5:00 PM
2
  • Online: Submit through Moodle
4. Test 1
11 Aug 2023
4:30 PM
10
  • Online: Submit through Moodle
5. Test 2
29 Sep 2023
4:30 PM
10
  • Online: Submit through Moodle
6. Oral presentation of research project
6 Oct 2023
5:00 PM
8
  • In Class: In Lab
7. Research project report
13 Oct 2023
4:30 PM
20
  • Online: Submit through Moodle
8. Exam
40
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Assessment Total:     100    
Failing to complete a compulsory assessment component of a paper will result in an IC grade
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