Experimental Behavioural Zoology

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2010:

All of

• 654-217 Animal Structure and Function
• 654-218 Comparative Animal Physiology
• 654-219 Ecology

Plus one of

• 652-214 Principles of Genetics
• 516-212 Fundamentals of Cell Biology
• 536-234 Integrative Human Physiology

OR

• 654-204 Ecology: Individuals and Populations (prior to 2009)

Plus one of

• 654-201 Invertebrate Structure and Function (prior to 2009)
• 654-202 Vertebrate Structure and Function (prior to 2009)
• 654-203 Animal Physiology (prior to 2009)

• 654-305 Experimental Animal Behaviour (prior to 2010)
• 654-303 Experimental Animal Behaviour (prior to 2003)

This subject explores the techniques and methods of undertaking research in zoology with an emphasis on behaviour, including experimental and sampling design, data collection, statistical analysis of data, presentation of the research results and peer review. Students will participate in a group project, in which they will design, execute, analyse and interpret observational and experimental studies of animals in either natural or captive populations.

To provide students with an opportunity to engage in an authentic experience of the entire process of scientific research: from translating a general question in animal behaviour to a specific hypothesis about the relationship between measurable variables; developing an experimental or sampling design; collecting and analysing data; preparing an oral presentation and a draft written report; formally reviewing reports prepared by other students and revising their reports in line with the reviews provided by their colleagues; and finally submitting an individual report for assessment.

A scientific report totalling up to 1500 words due at the end of semester (60%); evaluation of contribution by group members (10%); reviews of written and spoken work by peers (20%); a 10-minute oral presentation towards the end of semester (10%).

M. S. Dawkins, Observing animal behaviour: design and analysis of quantitative data, Oxford University Press, Oxford, 2007.

P. Martin & P. Bateson, Measuring behaviour: an introductory guide, 3rd Ed. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 2009

This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:

• Bachelor of Commerce
• Bachelor of Environments
• Bachelor of Music

You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects.

The subject builds upon existing generic skills, including an ability to assimilate and critically evaluate new knowledge within a scientific paradigm, and to communicate that knowledge to others. Students should also develop skills in managing a group research project, and in analysing, interpreting and evaluating scientific data critically. They should also gain experience in writing a scientific report, providing and responding to peer reviews, and making an oral presentation

This subject is available for science credit to students enrolled in the BSc (both pre-2008 and new degrees), BASc or a combined BSc course.