Animal Behaviour

This module aims to develop your research skills and covers problem solving, scientific writing, data handling and statistical analysis.

The aim of this module is to develop theoretical, practical and analytical skills to conduct animal behaviour fieldwork, with particular emphasis on how to sample behaviour, assess animal resource and threat abundance and distribution, as well as overall habitat characteristics. 

This module introduces you to the fundamentals of evolution and genetics, with a focus on key concepts that impact animal behaviour and conservation.

In this module you will be introduced to the diversity of animal behaviour. You will learn to describe the behaviour of a wide range of animal species in relation to reproduction, foraging and social behaviour and to identify common behaviours in selected species, explaining their purpose.

This module provides you with a basic understanding of ecology and ecological characteristics of a range of habitats. You will study basic concepts, such as species and succession, communities and ecosystems, biotic and abiotic elements, nutrient cycling, populations and diversity and adaptations of organisms to their environment. Part of this will be achieved through field visits to a range of habitats.

This module provides you with an introduction to the major physiological processes and homoeostasis in animals. Adopting an adaptive approach, this module follows the development of animal organ systems according to influential environmental drivers.

This module covers all aspects of handling and analysing scientific data and the development of employability/graduate skills. You will consider the fundamentals of analysing and interpreting scientific data using examples relevant to all biosciences. Additionally, it will allow you to prepare a better career plan in science, as well as becoming self-aware of your employability skills.

This module enables you to examine how ecological and evolutionary factors affect the survival and reproductive behaviour of animals. The role of ecological and evolutionary selection pressures to maximise inclusive fitness in wild animals is stressed. Particular emphasis is placed on the design and interpretation of a behavioural time budget study on zoo animals.

The aim of this module is to gain an overview of the function of the nervous and endocrine system, how it is interconnected, how it is influenced by the environment and how it affects animal behaviour. You will also receive practical training in up-to-date methods used in this field and to learn how the achieved skills can be applied to own behavioural studies and studies on conservation and animal welfare. 

This module provides a background to the topic of animal communication, from its evolution and function, to its flexibility and adaptation to human dominated landscapes. The systems and modes of animal communication will be examined, along with the wide range of communication across the animal kingdom. The module will explore how animal communication compares to human language, the means through which animals communicate and what they are communicating to each other. 

This module aims to provide a comprehensive background and understanding of animal locomotion and movement. You will investigate the process and mechanisms of motion from its physiological bases through whole animal mechanics, and group level migrations. This module will investigate animal motion in all its forms and at all scales. You will also study the fundamental physiology and anatomy of movement and use these to explore the full range of animal motion and its purposes.

This module enables you to examine different methods used for animal censuses and surveys, including sampling techniques. Residential fieldwork is included.

The aim of this module is to evaluate the behaviour and welfare of companion animals. The module focuses mainly on dogs, specialising in the varied roles our companion animals are faced with in modern society and the impacts these may have on their welfare.

The research project will be in any area appropriate to your programme of study on a topic of your choice. The module provides an opportunity for you to independently develop and demonstrate project planning, time-management and organisational inter-personal skills, along with scientific and practical working methods in a research or applied context. 

This module provides an in-depth discussion of selected topical issues in applied animal behaviour. The module demonstrates how research in animal behaviour can be used to inform management of animals in a range of contexts.

This module aims to provide an in-depth overview of new developments in the knowledge of, and methodology for, studying animal behaviour and its evolution. Emphasis is placed on extending and expanding your knowledge of the research process and to offer experience and guidance in critically evaluating published scientific outputs. The module will reinforce the fundamentals of the scientific process in Animal Behaviour, such as formulating questions, collecting and analysing data, interpreting and communicating scientific findings.

This module provides an introduction to biological issues in ecosystems during a residential field trip abroad. You will critically evaluate biological issues in selected habitats and design and carry out field-based studies to investigate biological questions.

This module enables you to investigate learning and cognition in animals and link these abilities to the ecological and social environment of an individual and species. Animal learning and cognition is discussed with respect to current (proximate factors) and evolutionary conditions (ultimate factors).

This module provides you with an understanding of the role of ex situ conservation in maintaining global biodiversity and the methods used in maintaining ex situ collections of animals and plants.

This module builds on neurobiology-related concepts taught during the level 5 Physiology of Life module. The module provides you with an insight into how molecular, cellular and organ components contribute to form the body's most complex system and how different factors can produce dysregulation of the nervous system.

This module enables you to understand the importance of behaviour and welfare to the effective management of a range of captive animals (wild and domestic). Behavioural problems are identified and possible methods of solving or ameliorating are considered.

This module provides an overview of current topics in primatology, including evolution, ecology and behaviour of primate species, using a mixture of lectures and seminars, along with fieldwork, practical and workshop elements.

The aim of this module is to apply aspects of evolution and ecology to the interpretation of animal social behaviour and social systems. The module focuses on survival and reproductive strategies, social organisation and mechanisms of behaviour.

This module provides relevant, stimulating and career-orientated experiential learning to encourage you to develop transferable skills relevant to the work environment and to foster initiative and independence of thought.