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Information for current students at the School of Biology

Biology Online Module Handbook

BL5042 Advanced Animal Cognition

(BL5042 online module handbook version )

cover image
In the 21st century animal cognition forms a significant component of animal behaviour and St Andrews has multiple researchers at the forefront of the field. In this module we will investigate the cognitive abilities of animals, with particular interest in understanding the adaptive value of those abilities. We will develop an understanding of animal cognition based on standard animal models (typically rats and pigeons), but 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: 2†

Module Organiser
Prof Susan Healy†
sdh11@st-andrews.ac.uk†
01334 462065†
Pre-requisite Modules:
*
Anti-requisite Modules:
*
Post-requisite Modules:
*
Additional Module Information:
Please check MMS regularly for additional module information


BL5042View content for BL5042 (2023/4) in the Module Management System (MMS)
BL5042Download this handbook as a pdf (may take up to ~30 seconds if updating)
BL5042View BL5042 (2023/4) in the University of St Andrews Module Catalogue
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)

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

BL5042: Timetable †

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

Semester 2: Week 3

DATE & TIMEVENUESTAFFEVENT
Friday
02-02-2024
14:00 to 17:00		Dyers Brae
Seminar Room		Prof Susan Healy
-		Tutorial T1: Introductory session
2023-4_BL5042_T1
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)

BL5042: Reading List

BL5042Click for BL5042 reading list

BL5042: Assessment

100% Coursework*

BL5042View coursework assessment details for BL5042 (2023/4) in MMS

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

BL5042: Contributing Staff †

Prof Susan Healy
(Module Organiser)

Professor / Director of Centre for Biological Diversitysdh11@st-andrews.ac.uk
Dr Shona DuguidLecturer in Animal Cognition and Behaviour (Education Focused)sjd27@st-andrews.ac.uk
Prof Susan Healy
(Module Organiser)		Professor / Director of Centre for Biological Diversitysdh11@st-andrews.ac.uk
Dr Mike WebsterLecturer in Behavioural and Evolutionary Biologymmw1@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)

BL5042: Learning Outcomes †

Students completing module BL5042 successfully should be able to:

  • Understand the role of cognition in animal behaviour
  • Describe current major questions in animal cognition
  • Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of methods for studying animal cognition
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)

BL5042: 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)
    • Wikipedia article
    • Critically evaluating sources/information
    • Finding literature
    • Critiquing experimental design
    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/