Behavioural Physiology

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Classify environmental factors modulating the connection between behaviour and physiology.
• Characterize intrinsic versus extrinsic drivers of individual variation in physiology and behaviour.
• Identify physiological mechanisms for behaviour.
• Critique different methods for studying behaviour and physiology in lab and field settings
• Distinguish the impact of biotic and abiotic pressures on animal behaviour and physiology
• Understand how animals have adapted behaviourally and physiologically to life in their unique environment.

We will discuss topics spanning a range of subjects related to animal behaviour and physiology, including metabolic physiology, biomechanics, sociality, neurophysiology, endocrinology, and more, and highlight the methods that scientists are currently using to study animal behaviour and physiology both in the lab and in the field.

This module will combine lectures, guest seminars, student-led critical discussions of the scientific literature, and practical applications of behavioural physiology to aquarium-based and wild animals.

All supporting materials will be supplied electronically or available through the library. Students should bring an internet enabled device to each class session (e.g., laptop, tablet, or smart phone) to facilitate use of electronic learning materials in class. Supporting materials will include recently published books on behaviour and physiology, scientific literature, and other electronic resources.

A wide range of support can be provided as need to any students with learning and teaching needs.

Formative

This is how we’ll give you feedback as you are learning. It is not a formal test or exam.

Class discussions

• Assessment Type: Formative
• Feedback: Peer feedback will be provided in person during the student-led discussion, as well as in writing following the discussion by the module lead.
• Final Assessment: No
• Group Work: Yes

Weekly exercises / tests and assignments

• Assessment Type: Formative
• Feedback: Feedback on weekly knowledge quizzes will be provided in writing by the module lead.
• Final Assessment: No
• Group Work: No

Coursework Presentation

• Assessment Type: Formative
• Feedback: Feedback will be provided in written form for both the abstract and brief talk by the module lead. For the talk, there will also be an opportunity for peer feedback through in-person discussion.
• Final Assessment: No
• Group Work: Yes

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.

Repeat

An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.