BIOEB501-23B (HAM)

Applications of 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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In this paper students will critically examine key research topics and current issues in Animal Behaviour. Students will learn about classic papers in Animal Behaviour which introduce key concepts, and contrast these with current papers to assess how these concepts have changed or been built on over time. We will also assess how researchers use innovative approaches to address long standing problems in Animal Behaviour.

Note that the topics listed in the paper schedule are a guide only and will be revised in due course.

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How this paper will be taught

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This paper will be primarily taught through student-led seminars and discussions based on a variety of key concepts in Animal Behaviour. A new topic will be addressed in a 2 hour discussion session each week, during which a classic Animal Behaviour paper will be discussed before students give seminars that contrast this paper with a more recent paper on that topic. Students will read these papers before class and participate in an assessed online discussion with their classmates, and will also prepare a short paper summary for one of the papers on some weeks. During presentations the student giving the seminar will be expected to lead a discussion afterwards, during which all classmates are expected to participate. The major assessment during the course will be a literature review article based on a topic of the student's choice with approval from the course coordinator. During the semester students will meet with the convener to discuss their chosen topic for the review, then will hand in an outline for further feedback. Students will also hand in a draft literature review which will be peer reviewed by a classmate, after which the student will get a chance to revise the paper before hand in. Previous student feedback has said that the structuring of this major assessment with smaller components due throughout the trimester makes this a positive and less stressful learning experience.
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Required Readings

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There is no text book for this course. Papers will be posted on Moodle each week which students will be required to read before class.
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Learning Outcomes

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Students who successfully complete the course should be able to:

  • Develop an ability to think critically and creatively about concepts in Animal Behaviour
    Linked to the following assessments:
  • Develop an appreciation for sound experimental design and problem solving in behavioural science
    Linked to the following assessments:
  • Develop knowledge of historical and influential contributions to the field of animal behaviour
    Linked to the following assessments:
  • Develop skills in oral and written communication and in independent research of current topics in behaviour
    Linked to the following assessments:
  • Evaluate examples of cutting edge, contemporary research on the development, mechanisms, function, and evolutionary history of behaviour
    Linked to the following assessments:
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Assessments

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How you will be assessed

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There will be SIX modes of assessment.

1. Literature Review Essay (c 3000-3500 words) exploring an issue of special interest to the student within the field of Animal Behaviour. This assessment is comprised of several components: a) Meeting with course convener to develop topic choice (2%), b) literature review outline (5%), c) a draft version of literature review for peer review feedback (0%), d) final version of literature review after feedback (25%).

2. Peer review of classmate's literature review (2 x A4 pages, 10%). Each student will peer review one of their classmates draft literature reviews and provide feedback in the structure of a typical manuscript review. A workshop will take place before this is due to guide students on the art of peer review.

3. Student led seminars and discussion (2 x 10% each = 20%). Each student will give 2 presentations during class time where they will have chosen a recent paper that builds on the theme of that week's session. The student will give a 15 minute Powerpoint presentation followed by a 30 minute discussion with classmates. Marks will reflect both the presentation itself and the ability of the student to lead a lively discussion.

4. Perussall paper annotations (8 x annotations = 16% total). Before class each week students will read the papers associated with that session and conduct an online discussion with classmates. Each student will be expected to pose a question to classmates, discuss issues and interesting findings, and reply to any questions/opinions.

5. Paper summaries (4 summaries = 12% total). Students will prepare FOUR short (300 words) paper summaries during the semester based on one of the papers they have read each week. Students will be guided during an introductory session on how to write effective paper summaries.

6. Class participation (10%). During each of the 8 taught sessions students will be assessed on their contribution to lecturer and student-led discussions.

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The internal assessment/exam ratio (as stated in the University Calendar) is 100:0. There is no final exam. The final exam makes up 0% of the overall mark.

The internal assessment/exam ratio (as stated in the University Calendar) is 100:0 or 0:0, whichever is more favourable for the student. The final exam makes up either 0% or 0% of the overall mark.

Component DescriptionDue Date TimePercentage of overall markSubmission MethodCompulsory
1. Meeting with convener to discuss literature review topic
4 Aug 2023
No set time
2
  • Other: Meeting with convener
2. Literature Review Outline
11 Aug 2023
4:30 PM
5
  • Online: Submit through Moodle
3. DRAFT Literature Review for peer review
1 Sep 2023
4:30 PM
0
  • Online: Submit through Moodle
4. Peer Review
15 Sep 2023
4:30 PM
10
  • Online: Submit through Moodle
5. Seminar 1
18 Aug 2023
4:30 PM
10
  • In Class: In Lecture
6. Seminar 2
6 Oct 2023
4:30 PM
10
  • In Class: In Lecture
7. Literature Review
13 Oct 2023
4:30 PM
25
  • Online: Submit through Moodle
8. Perusall paper annotations
13 Oct 2023
4:30 PM
16
  • Online: Submit through Moodle
9. Paper Summaries
13 Oct 2023
4:30 PM
12
  • Online: Submit through Moodle
10. Class Participation
13 Oct 2023
4:30 PM
10
  • In Class: In Lecture
Assessment Total:     100    
Failing to complete a compulsory assessment component of a paper will result in an IC grade
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