BL4285 Complex Systems in Animal Behaviour
(BL4285 online module handbook version 45)
Behaving animals form complex systems, and can create complicated and beautiful phenomena, such as flocks of birds, termite nests, and patterns of army ant swarms. This course will look at research that examines animal behaviour from a complex systems perspective, where analyses range from captive housing of entire bird flocks, computer simulation, and use of robots to interact with the animals. Introductory lectures will be followed by seminar-style discussion of the primary literature, computer practicals, and hands-on practicals where students will identify complex systems in animal behaviour in the world around them.
*Credits: 15*
Semester: 2†
Module OrganiserPre-requisite Modules:Permission of Biology Honours Adviser required*
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
BL4285: Assessment
Coursework = 100%*
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
BL4285: Contributing Staff †
BL4285: Learning Outcomes †
Students completing module BL4285 successfully should be able to:
- Identify properties of complex systems
- Assess whether and how a system of animal behaviour represents a complex system
- Understand complexity-based methods of studying animal behaviour
- Design experiments using complexity-based methods of studying animal behaviour
- Search and critique primary literature
BL4285: Acquired Skills †
Practical Skills
Transferable Skills
- Group discussion - leading
- Group discussion - participating
- Journal club
- Short individual presentation on project idea (up to 15 min)
- "Short" practical write-up (e.g. completed worksheet)
- "Think piece"
- Handout (for presentation or poster)
- Critically evaluating sources/information
- Finding literature
- Computer programming
- Critiquing experimental design
- Designing experiments
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/
