School of Biology current student

Information for current students at the School of Biology

Biology Online Module Handbook

BL4289 Animal Cognition

(BL4289 online module handbook version 25)

cover image

image: Wild rufous hummingbird feeding from an artificial flower in an experiment testing its spatial memory.  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 Organiser
Prof Susan Healy
sdh11@st-andrews.ac.uk
01334 462065
Pre-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: Timetable

Legend (not all modules have every event type):
lecture
tutorial
workshop
practical
other

Semester 1: Week 1

DATE & TIMEVENUESTAFFEVENT
Tuesday
12-09-2023
14:00 to 16:00
Harold Mitchell Building
Seminar Room 1
Prof Susan Healy
-
Tutorial T1: tutorial/workshop
2023-4_BL4289_T1

Semester 1: Week 2

DATE & TIMEVENUESTAFFEVENT
Tuesday
19-09-2023
14:00 to 16:00
Harold Mitchell Building
Seminar Room 1
Prof Susan Healy
-
Tutorial T2: tutorial/workshop
2023-4_BL4289_T2

Semester 1: Week 3

DATE & TIMEVENUESTAFFEVENT
Tuesday
26-09-2023
14:00 to 16:00
Harold Mitchell Building
Seminar Room 1
Prof Susan Healy
-
Tutorial T3: tutorial/workshop
2023-4_BL4289_T3

Semester 1: Week 7

DATE & TIMEVENUESTAFFEVENT
Tuesday
24-10-2023
14:00 to 16:00
Other
Seminar Room 1
Prof Susan Healy
-
Tutorial T4: tutorial/workshop
2023-4_BL4289_T4

Semester 1: Week 8

DATE & TIMEVENUESTAFFEVENT
Tuesday
31-10-2023
14:00 to 16:00
Other
Seminar Room 1
Prof Susan Healy
-
Tutorial T5: tutorial/workshop
2023-4_BL4289_T5

Semester 1: Week 9

DATE & TIMEVENUESTAFFEVENT
Tuesday
07-11-2023
14:00 to 16:00
Other
Seminar Room 1
Prof Susan Healy
-
Tutorial T6: tutorial/workshop
2023-4_BL4289_T6

Semester 1: Week 10

DATE & TIMEVENUESTAFFEVENT
Tuesday
14-11-2023
14:00 to 16:00
Other
Seminar Room 1
Prof Susan Healy
-
Tutorial T7: tutorial/workshop
2023-4_BL4289_T7

Semester 1: Week 11

DATE & TIMEVENUESTAFFEVENT
Tuesday
21-11-2023
14:00 to 16:00
Other
Seminar Room 1
Prof Susan Healy
-
Tutorial T8: tutorial/workshop
2023-4_BL4289_T8
Data Sources: information in this online module handbook is gathered from several sources.
Small footnote marks beside content, or by section titles indicate the source.
* University of St Andrews Module Catalogue
School of Biology Symbiosis Database (module organisers only)
University of St Andrews MMS (St Andrews users only)

BL4289: Assessment

Coursework = 100%*

The following related information applies to all Biology modules:

School of Biology Marking Criteria: See JH booklet info (st-andrews.ac.uk) 
Late submission of continuous assessment work:

All late submissions of coursework that do not require electronic submission should be made via the Biology Teaching Office, Level 2, BMS Building, North Haugh.
Exam details: See School of Biology UG Handbook JH booklet info (st-andrews.ac.uk)  : All Biology exams will be conducted online for 2022-23.
Exam timetable: See Timetables - Exams - University of St Andrews (st-andrews.ac.uk) 
Expected attendance: See JH booklet info (st-andrews.ac.uk)  for detailed attendance requirements.
Good Academic Practice & Avoiding Academic Misconduct: See JH booklet info (st-andrews.ac.uk)
University Student Handbook: University Student Handbook
School and University regulations in the School and University Undergraduate Handbook 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 Alerts.: JH booklet info (st-andrews.ac.uk)
University Student Handbook
Data Sources: information in this online module handbook is gathered from several sources.
Small footnote marks beside content, or by section titles indicate the source.
* University of St Andrews Module Catalogue
School of Biology Symbiosis Database (module organisers only)
University of St Andrews MMS (St Andrews users only)

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.

Questions about Contact
General teaching matters Biology Teaching Office ( bioteach@st-andrews.ac.uk )
Rescheduled or cancelled events Check your University email
Lecture or practical content The lecturer who presented the material
Completing assessed practical assignments The lecturer who set the assignment
Completing assessments Module Organiser (Prof Susan Healy sdh11@st-andrews.ac.uk)
Marking on continuous assessment The Demonstrator or Module Organiser (Prof Susan Healy sdh11@st-andrews.ac.uk)
Marking on exams Module Organiser (Prof Susan Healy sdh11@st-andrews.ac.uk)
Rearranging practical days
Module Organiser (Prof Susan Healy sdh11@st-andrews.ac.uk)
Absence and/or extensions Module Organiser (Prof Susan Healy sdh11@st-andrews.ac.uk)

and the Biology Teaching Office ( bioteach@st-andrews.ac.uk )

Difficulties with academic progress which impact more than one module:

Year Coordinator

See School of Biology UG Handbook for list:
JH booklet info (st-andrews.ac.uk)

Overall performance, progress or future directions:

Advisor of Studies

Disability:

Disability Coordinator ( biodisabilities@st-andrews.ac.uk )

For advice and support on any issue e.g. academic, financial, international, personal or health matters, or if you are unsure of who to go to for help:

Advice & Support Centre

Address: 79 North Street, St Andrews

Email: theasc@st-andrews.ac.uk

Web: https://www.standrews.ac.uk/ask-a-question/

Tel: 01334 462020

University assistance with urgent matters out of office hours:

Tel: 01334 476161

Web: https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/students/advice/counselling/incrisis/

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

Prof Susan Healy
(Module Organiser)

Professor / Director of Centre for Biological Diversitysdh11@st-andrews.ac.uk
Prof Susan Healy
(Module Organiser)
Professor / Director of Centre for Biological Diversitysdh11@st-andrews.ac.uk
Data Sources: information in this online module handbook is gathered from several sources.
Small footnote marks beside content, or by section titles indicate the source.
* University of St Andrews Module Catalogue
School of Biology Symbiosis Database (module organisers only)
University of St Andrews MMS (St Andrews users only)

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
Data Sources: information in this online module handbook is gathered from several sources.
Small footnote marks beside content, or by section titles indicate the source.
* University of St Andrews Module Catalogue
School of Biology Symbiosis Database (module organisers only)
University of St Andrews MMS (St Andrews users only)

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
    Data Sources: information in this online module handbook is gathered from several sources.
    Small footnote marks beside content, or by section titles indicate the source.
    * University of St Andrews Module Catalogue
    School of Biology Symbiosis Database (module organisers only)
    University of St Andrews MMS (St Andrews users only)

    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) 
    • 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/