BL4289 Animal Cognition
(BL4289 online module handbook version 25)
image: Wild rufous hummingbird feeding from an artificial flower in an experiment testing its spatial memory. ÃÂ Photo by TA Hurly†
In this module we will investigate the cognitive abilities of animals, with particular interest in understanding the adaptive value of those abilities. This means that although we will develop an understanding of animal cognition based on standard animal models (typically rats and pigeons), we will extend those principles to addressing cognitive abilities in 'real' animals behaving in the 'real' world. We will use Shettleworth's book, already the key animal cognition text, as our starting point with student-led seminars providing breadth by presenting examples from the recent burgeoning of literature on non-model animals. The result will be a stimulating opportunity to develop a critical understanding of how animals perceive their world, how their cognitive abilities are shaped by that world and how those abilities lead to reproductive success.
*Credits: 15*
Semester: 1†
Module OrganiserPre-requisite Modules:Before taking this module you must pass BL3319*
Anti-requisite Modules:You cannot take this module if you take BL5441*
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
BL4289: 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
BL4289: Contributing Staff †
BL4289: Learning Outcomes †
Students completing module BL4289 successfully should be able to:
- Appraise critically research papers, in particular experimental design aspects
- Describe the current major questions in animal cognition
- Design an experiment to investigate cognition in animals
BL4289: Acquired Skills †
Practical Skills
Transferable Skills
- Group discussion - leading
- Group discussion - participating
- Journal club
- Short informal presentation (using PowerPoint or not)
- Short essay (1000-2000 words)
- Critically evaluating sources/information
- Finding information on the web
- Finding literature
- Generating questions
- 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/