BL2312 Animal Behaviour
(BL2312 online module handbook version )
An animal behaviour researcher studies how and why animals behave as they do. This module covers the four broad ways in which we explain behaviour in a range of animals, including examples from all major taxa and from all habitats. Those four broad components are : 1) development, including imprinting, vocal learning; 2) mechanism, including sensory systems in different environments, hormones and pheromones; 3) function, including group living, mating systems; 4) evolution, including kin selection and inclusive fitness, sexual selection.
*Credits: 15*
Semester: 2†
Module OrganiserPre-requisite Modules:Before taking this module you must pass BL1101 and pass BL1102*
Anti-requisite Modules:*
Post-requisite Modules:*
Additional Module Information:
Biology Teaching Office:
Level 2, Biomolecular Sciences Building, University of St Andrews, North Haugh, St Andrews, Fife KY16 9ST
Email: bioteach@st-andrews.ac.uk Phone: +44 (0)1334 46 3602 or 3566
BL2312: Assessment
2-hour Written Examination = 50%
Coursework = 50%*
The following related information applies to all Biology modules:
Who to ask †
(Information in this section applies to all Biology Modules)
Before contacting staff, students should check the content of the Biology Undergraduate Handbook, the module handbook and specific task instructions.
Biology Teaching Office:
We are happy to hear from you about teaching matters. The School of Biology Teaching Office is open Monday to Friday 09.00 - 13.00 and 14.00 - 17.00. School of Biology staff will respond to your emails during these hours. Our team will provide a response to you within three working days.
Biology Teaching Office (Level 2), University of St Andrews, Biomolecular Sciences Building, North Haugh, St Andrews, Fife KY16 9ST
Email: bioteach@st-andrews.ac.uk
Tel: 01334 46 3602 or 3566
BL2312: Contributing Staff †
BL2312: Learning Outcomes †
Students completing module BL2312 successfully should be able to:
- Understand how the framework of Tinbergen and his four questions is used to investigate animal behaviour
- Understand the diversity of species behaviours in solving key problems such as foraging, navigation and choosing mates
- Use quantitative methods to quantify and analyse behavioural data of differing types
BL2312: Acquired Skills †
Practical Skills
Transferable Skills
- Group discussion - participating
- "Full" practical write-up (Intro, Methods, Results, Discussion)
- "Short" practical write-up (e.g. completed worksheet)
- Critically evaluating sources/information
- Problem-solving questions
- Data analysis
- Descriptive statistics
- Shapiro-Wilk test for normality
- t-test/Wilcoxon test
- Use R or R Studio
- Critiquing experimental design
- Designing experiments
- Generate class dataset
- Working in pairs/small groups
Policies †
(Information in this section applies to all Biology Modules)
- The procedures and regulations followed by the School of Biology are outlined in the University Handbook and in the School of Biology UG handbook  JH booklet info (st-andrews.ac.uk)Â
- All coursework associated with the module must be completed and submitted by its due date.
- Specific School regulations relating to absence reporting, penalties and rules for late submission of work, extensions for coursework, return of coursework, S-coding, Good Academic Practice and Academic Alert are stated in the School of Biology UG hand book JH booklet info (st-andrews.ac.uk)  and students are required to carefully read these regulations.
- Students are also referred to the University Handbook, available at: http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/studenthandbook/
