Module overview
This course will provide an overview of behavioural physiology, which is a growing, interdisciplinary research area that stems from the idea that animal physiology and behaviour are inextricably linked and mutually enriching fields of study. This field focuses on identifying the causal physiological mechanisms responsible for observed behavioural patterns in animal species, and distinguish which mechanisms are common across animal groups and which are unique adaptations to specific taxa. Animals also face a barrage of natural and anthropogenic pressures driven by environmental factors throughout their lifetime, which can modulate the connection between physiology and behavior.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Critique different methods for studying behaviour and physiology in lab and field settings
- Understand how animals have adapted behaviourally and physiologically to life in their unique environment.
- Distinguish the impact of biotic and abiotic pressures on animal behaviour and physiology
- 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.
Syllabus
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.
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
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.
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Practical classes and workshops | 6 |
| Lecture | 24 |
| Independent Study | 120 |
| Total study time | 150 |
Resources & Reading list
Textbooks
Suzanne Currie and David H. Evans (2020). The Physiology of Fishes. CRC Press.
Dustin R. Rubenstein. Animal Behavior. Oxford University Press.
Richard W. Hill, Margaret Anderson, and Daniel Cavanaugh (2021). Animal Physiology. Oxford University Press.
Christopher D. Moyes and Patricia M. Schulte (2021). Principles of Animal Physiology. Pearson.
Joshua Schimel (2011). Writing Science. Oxford University Press.
Assessment
Formative
This is how we’ll give you feedback as you are learning. It is not a formal test or exam.
Weekly Class Participation
- Assessment Type: Formative
- Feedback: Feedback on weekly engagement exercises will be provided in class by the module lead.
- Final Assessment: No
- Group Work: Yes
Coursework Presentation
- Assessment Type: Formative
- Feedback: Feedback on presentation slides will be provided in written form by the module lead.
- Final Assessment: No
- Group Work: Yes
Class discussions
- Assessment Type: Formative
- Feedback: Peer and lecturer feedback will be provided in person during the student-led discussion.
- Final Assessment: No
- Group Work: Yes
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Written group project | 40% |
| Critical discussion | 20% |
| Exam | 40% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Video | 100% |
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.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Critical essay | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External