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Module Catalogue

PS371-15 Animal Behaviour

Department
Psychology
Level
Undergraduate Level 3
Module leader
Olga Feher
Credit value
15
Module duration
12 weeks
Assessment
50% coursework, 50% exam
Study location
University of Warwick main campus, Coventry

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Introductory description

This main aim of this module is to develop students’ scientific understanding of the evolutionary approach to studying human psychology by examining the behaviour of non-human animals.

Module aims

The module will consider how animals behave in their natural environment, and why they behave in these ways. Its focus is on scientific ideas of broad applicability. The module takes a comparative approach across a broad range of animal taxa, and considers animal behaviour in an integrative framework, from the points of view of its causation, function, evolution and development.
Students will collect behavioural data in the field and/or in practical classes and will be required to explore, visualise and analyse the data using standard software packages. They will be taught the basics of sound and video analysis and how to design behavioural experiments to test hypotheses.

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

The module will cover a variety of topics, for example:

  • Tinbergen’s 4 questions and different levels of analysis
  • Birdsong as a test case for the integrative analysis of animal behaviour
  • Developmental and genetic bases of behaviour
  • Neural and physiological bases of behaviour (learning)
  • Principles of communication
  • Social evolution
  • Social behaviour

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

  • Analyse animal behaviour as part of an integrative framework where all aspects of behaviour are considered (development, mechanisms, evolution, adaptive value)
  • Apply animal behaviour data to inform knowledge of the evolution and genetic origins of human behavioural and psychological traits
  • Understand and develop basic knowledge of the neural, genetic and physiological bases of behaviour and how these interact to produce behaviour
  • Analyse different aspects of animal behaviour, such as communication, predator avoidance, foraging, reproduction, and parental and social behaviour;
  • Develop and apply collection, analysis and presentation of behavioural data and experimental design skills.

Indicative reading list

Rubenstein, D. R. & Alcock, J. (2019). Animal Behavior, Eleventh Edition. Oxford University Press.

Searcy, W. A. & Nowicki, S. (2005). The Evolution of Animal Communication. Princeton University Press.

Subject specific skills

Analysis of animal behaviour and consider this as part of a broader behavioural framework
Understanding and analysis of behavioural and psychological traits
Data collection, analysis and presentation of behavioural data and experimental design skills.

Transferable skills

effective communication skills to develop a cogent argument supported by relevant evidence and being sensitive to the needs and expectations of an audience
critically evaluation primary and secondary sources
effective personal planning skills
data analysis and interpretation

Study time

Type Required
Lectures 12 sessions of 2 hours (16%)
Seminars 9 sessions of 1 hour (6%)
Other activity 2 hours (1%)
Private study 115 hours (77%)
Total 150 hours

Private study description

Guided Student Study

Other activity description

Visit to Twycross Zoo

Costs

No further costs have been identified for this module.

You do not need to pass all assessment components to pass the module.

Assessment group C
Weighting Study time Eligible for self-certification
Assessment component
Literature review 32% Yes (extension)
Reassessment component is the same
Assessment component
Observation project with presentation 18% No

Oral presentation on data analysis project in groups of 2 or 3. The project is based on observational data collected during the zoo trip.
Reassessment component
Observation project with presentation No

If students are not able to attend the zoo trip, they may collect observational data from online zoo cams. If students miss the oral presentation during the last 2 weeks, they can submit a slide show with a recorded narration accompanying the slides.
Assessment component
Online Examination 50% No

~Platforms - AEP

  • Online examination: No Answerbook required
Reassessment component is the same
Feedback on assessment

On oral presentation: feedback form accompanying mark that will give constructive feedback on both format (including slides, props, presentation skills) and on content (data collection, exploration, visualisation, analysis).\r\nOn lit review: feedback form that will consider the relevance and breadth of background research, discussion skills, ability to summarise the literature and detect relevant connections and overarching theoretical issues/hypotheses.\r\nFormative feedback: bi-weekly online quizzes. These will be optional and not marked, but will provide students and the instructor feedback on students¿ understanding of major concepts.\r\n

Past exam papers for PS371

Courses

This module is Optional for:

  • Year 3 of UPHA-VL78 BA in Philosophy with Psychology
  • UPSA-C800 Undergraduate Psychology
    • Year 3 of C800 Psychology
    • Year 3 of C800 Psychology
  • Year 4 of UPSA-C801 Undergraduate Psychology (with Intercalated year)
  • Year 3 of UIPA-C8L8 Undergraduate Psychology and Global Sustainable Development
  • Year 3 of UPSA-C804 Undergraduate Psychology with Education Studies
  • UPSA-C802 Undergraduate Psychology with Linguistics
    • Year 3 of C802 Psychology with Linguistics
    • Year 3 of C802 Psychology with Linguistics