Observations and Experiments in Animal Behaviour
| Module title | Observations and Experiments in Animal Behaviour |
|---|---|
| Module code | PSY2214 |
| Academic year | 2024/5 |
| Credits | 15 |
| Module staff | Dr Safi Darden (Convenor) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 11 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 50 |
|---|
Module description
In this module we will explore the ways in which to pose and answer scientific questions by making observations and carrying out experiments, focusing on animal behavior. This module will enable you to run a series of observational investigations and experiments in both the laboratory and field (largely on the University campus) to test key hypotheses in animal behaviour. We will take you through the scientific method of designing, running, analysing and reporting scientific results.
Given the wide applicability of the scientific method, this module would be suitable for both specialist and non-specialist students and those following an interdisciplinary pathway.
We recommend that you have also taken PSY1105.
Module aims - intentions of the module
This module will provide you with a critical understanding of, and practical training in, the detailed objectives, strengths and weaknesses of good research techniques in animal behaviour research, both in the laboratory and field. You will be introduced to the cyclical and additive nature of scientific research and exposed to a range of study systems, research methods and questions. The practical sessions will cover key areas of current research in animal behaviour such as mate choice, foraging behaviour and social behaviour. At the end of this module you should be capable of designing, conducting, and discussing the results of your original research projects in the third year.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. Show a detailed critical appreciation and practical experience of appropriate methods for preliminary observation and the collection of pilot data
- 2. Identify relevant behavioural components
- 3. Develop questions and hypotheses from preliminary observations
- 4. Design experiments to test specific hypotheses
- 5. Conduct research safely and with moral integrity
- 6. Collect behavioural data in real time or from video recordings; know how to avoid or minimize observer bias on the collection and recording of data
- 7. Analyse and classify behavioural data
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 8. Describe how scientists advance understanding of animal behaviour
- 9. Illustrate detailed factual and conceptual knowledge of the subject and identify a variety of ideas, contexts and frameworks
- 10. Solve complex problems systematically, think critically and creatively and appreciate the complexities of the issues at a well-developed level
- 11. Apply essential principles in designing research and critically evaluate and analyse empirical evidence and assess the reliability of empirical evidence using a range of defined techniques
- 12. Discuss the wider ethical issues relating to the subject and its application at a well-developed level
- 13. Gain awareness of how structural biases can contribute to the questions that are asked in the field and how these questions are addressed.
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 14. Interact effectively within a learning group, giving and receiving information and ideas and modifying responses where appropriate
- 15. Manage learning using resources for the discipline
- 16. Evaluate your own strengths and weaknesses, challenge received opinion and develop your own criteria and judgment, and seek and make use of feedback
- 17. Manage and select information and data from a range of sources and develop appropriate information finding strategies
- 18. Take responsibility for their own learning with minimum direction within defined guidelines
- 19. Communicate effectively in formats appropriate to the discipline
- 20. Identify key problems and choose appropriate methods for their resolution in a considered manner
- 21. Manage time effectively to do successful research and meet deadlines
Syllabus plan
Constructing ethograms
Methods for observing and recording behaviour
Observing one individual
Making preliminary observations in the lab, and developing hypotheses
Developing observational designs to address hypotheses
Analysing and interpreting results of observational studies
Developing experimental designs to address hypotheses
Analysing and interpreting results of experimental studies
There will be sessions during which you will design, analyse, write-up and present the empirical studies associated with two different projects.
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 33 | 117 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching | 33 | Practicals (11 x 3 hours) |
| Guided Independent Study | 117 | Background reading, viewing pre-recorded preparatory lectures, writing up and analysing data from the practical sessions |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engagement in discussion in practicals | 11 practicals | All | Informal comments |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 100 | 0 | 0 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Practical report 1 | 40 | 1500 words | All | Individual feedback on performance in 3-5 areas |
| Practical report 2 | 40 | 1500 words | All | Individual feedback on performance in 3-5 areas |
| Notebook | 20 | Entry for each practical session | All | Individual feedback on performance in 3-5 areas |
| 0 | ||||
| 0 | ||||
| 0 |
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Practical report 1 | Practical report 1 | All | August Ref/Def |
| Practical report 2 | Practical report 2 | All | August Ref/Def |
| Notebook | Notebook | All | August Ref/Def |
Re-assessment notes
Three assessments are required for this module. Where you have been referred/deferred in the practical reports you will be required to resubmit them. If you are successful on referral, your overall module mark will be capped at 40%; deferred marks are not capped.
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
Core textbooks (essential reading):
- Ploger, B. J. & Yauskawa, K. 2003. Exploring Animal Behavior in Laboratory and Field: An Hypothesis-testing Approach to the Development, Causation, Function, and Evolution of Animal Behavior. Academic Press.
- Dawkins, M.S. 2007 Observing Animal Behaviour. Oxford University Press, Oxford
You will also be given a reading list of papers from scientific journals which complement and expand the material in the textbooks; the subject is evolving faster than textbooks can be written.
Supplementary reading:
- Altman, J. 1974. Observational study of behaviour: sampling methods. Behaviour, 49, 227-267.
Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources
| Credit value | 15 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 7.5 |
| Module pre-requisites | PSY1205 Introduction to Statistics or BIO1333 Fundamental Principles for Bioscientists or equivalent. |
| Module co-requisites | None |
| NQF level (module) | 5 |
| Available as distance learning? | No |
| Origin date | 01/11/2011 |
| Last revision date | 07/10/2022 |
