Behavioural Physiology

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.

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.

Study time
Type	Hours
Lecture	24
Practical classes and workshops	6
Independent Study	120
Total study time	150

Resources & Reading list

Textbooks

Christopher D. Moyes and Patricia M. Schulte (2021). Principles of Animal Physiology. Pearson.

Dustin R. Rubenstein. Animal Behavior. Oxford University Press.

Suzanne Currie and David H. Evans (2020). The Physiology of Fishes. CRC Press.

Joshua Schimel (2011). Writing Science. Oxford University Press.

Richard W. Hill, Margaret Anderson, and Daniel Cavanaugh (2021). Animal Physiology. 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.

Breakdown
Method	Percentage contribution
Critical discussion	20%
Written group project	40%
Exam	40%

Referral

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

Breakdown
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.

Breakdown
Method	Percentage contribution
Critical essay	100%

Repeat Information

Repeat type: Internal & External