This module is inactive in the selected year. The information shown below is for the academic year that the module was last running in, prior to the year selected.
2020/21 Undergraduate Module Catalogue
PSYC1617 Exploring Animal Behaviour
10 creditsClass Size: 347
Module manager: Dr Pam Birtill
Email: p.birtill@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2020/21
Module replaces
PSYC2022: Animal BehaviourThis module is approved as a discovery module
Module summary
This module focuses on animal behaviour from Darwin to the present day. An overview of methods used to study animal behaviour is followed by detailed analysis of animal learning, instincts and learning, habitat selection, migration, antipredator defence, altruism, mate selection and aggression. Throughout, there is consideration of how and why specific behaviours may have evolved, and discussion of the nature/nurture debate.Objectives
This module aims to provide an overview of key concepts in Animal Behaviour.Students will be introduced to a range of information within this discipline.
Learning outcomes
Students will possess a sound understanding of contemporary theory and research in key areas of psychology, ethology and sociobiology.
On successful completion, students will be aware of diverse approaches to the study of animal behaviour, the different questions that may legitimately be asked about behaviour, the role of natural selection in the evolution of behaviour, and the complexities and futility of the nature-nurture debate.
Skills outcomes
Students will appreciate the significant differences between various approaches to the study of animal behaviour and, in particular, the importance of the question being asked.
They will also be able to critically evaluate theory and evidence in this intriguing field of enquiry.
Syllabus
Lecture 1 Introduction to animal behaviour & natural selection theory
Lecture 2 Animal learning I
Lecture 3 Animal learning II
Lecture 4 Instincts & learning
Lecture 5 The organisation of behaviour
Lecture 6 Habitat selection & finding food
Lecture 7 Migration
Lecture 8 Antipredator behaviour
Lecture 9 Altruism
Lecture 10 Mate selection
Lecture 11 Aggression
Audio visual recordings of relevant TV programmes/broadcasts are made available on the VLE to support this module.
Teaching methods
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
| Lecture | 11 | 1.00 | 11.00 |
| Private study hours | 89.00 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 11.00 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 100.00 | ||
Private study
Students will have approximately 89 hours of private study.It is envisaged that this time will be spent:
- reading for each lecture (2 hours per lecture x 10 = 20 hours)
- independent reading and video study (30 hours)
- and exam preparation (39 hours)
Opportunities for Formative Feedback
To help students assess their own progress on the module, a short MCQ (formative assessment only) will be run online in/around week 6.Methods of assessment
Coursework
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
| In-course MCQ | . | 0.00 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 0.00 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Exams
| Exam type | Exam duration | % of formal assessment |
| Online Time-Limited assessment | 1 hr 00 mins | 100.00 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 100.00 | |
Psychology MCQ sheet required.
Reading list
The reading list is available from the Library websiteLast updated: 25/01/2021
Browse Other Catalogues
- Undergraduate module catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate module catalogue
- Undergraduate programme catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate programme catalogue
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team.PROD