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 654-303 Experimental Behavioural and Evolutionary Biology

Note

  • Experiments involving the use of animals are an essential part of this subject; exemption is not possible.
  • Students may not gain credit for 654-303 and 654-305 Behavioural and Evolutionary Biology.

Credit Points

25.0

Coordinator

Dr M A Elgar and Dr J Komdeur

Prerequisites

Zoology 654-204 and 654-205; Mathematics and Statistics 620-160 (Before 1998: 619-100).

Semester

1

Contact

36 lectures (three a week) and 50 hours practical work

Subject Description

This subject describes and evaluates contemporary issues in evolutionary and behavioural biology. In particular, it highlights the relevance of evolutionary theory to ultimate explanations of animal behaviour and other life-history characteristics. Topics include natural and sexual selection; the evolution of sex and of sex allocation; the underlying neural mechanisms of animal behaviour (including motor, sensory and central nervous systems); foraging, competitive, mating and parental behaviour; learning; communication; and comparative social behaviour. The subject provides an opportunity to assimilate and evaluate critically the relevant, contemporary literature, thereby ensuring a familiarity and understanding of current and controversial issues in behavioural and evolutionary biology. Group projects will allow students to design, execute, analyse and interpret simple observational and experimental studies of animal behaviour.

Assessment

A 3-hour end-of-semester written examination; up to 3000 words of essay work and/or practical assignments.

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Status:                   Official 1998
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Email Enquiries:          Course_Information@registrar.unimelb.edu.au