Evolution and Behaviour
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| LIFE3013 | Life Sciences | 3 | 20 | Autumn UK |
- Code
- LIFE3013
- School
- Life Sciences
- Level
- 3
- Credits
- 20
- Semesters
- Autumn UK
Summary
A series of student-driven assignments and discussion groups/workshops on evolutionary biology with an emphasis on behaviour. Example topics include: adaptation, sex and evolution, kinship theory, communication, and human behavioural ecology. On the way we will develop your skills in understanding assessment criteria, presenting to an audience and writing and editing. This module requires you to work productively in a group of your peers. Students are advised that assessed coursework is set very early in this module and joining the module after the first session will reduce your preparation time; this will not constitute an extenuating circumstance.
Target Students
Available to year 3 students registered for Biology U6UBOLGY/U6UBOLGYPY/U7UBOLGY (C100/C101), Zoology U6UZOLGY/U7UZOLGY (C300/C301) , Genetics U6UGNTCS / U7UGNTCS (C400/C401), including degrees with a placement year. Also for year 3 Natural Science students who are following a Biology pathway.Pre-requisite modules: LIFE2060 Animal Behaviour and Physiology and LIFE2081Ecology. Students must have taken either or both of these modules before enrolling on this module.Students are reminded that enrolments which are not agreed by the Offering School in advance may be cancelled without notice.
Classes
This module may be delivered through lectures, seminars, workshops and labs etc
Assessment
- 65% Coursework 1: Individual essay that incorporates a formative draft essay peer review exercise (2,000 words).
- 35% Presentation: Long-form group presentation with slides, notes and reference list, includes hosting a discussion session for peer presentations (25 minutes).
Assessed by end of autumn semester
Educational Aims
This module examines current debates and classic conundrums about evolution in the context of behaviour. The module is based on a series of self-guided topic investigations, in which students present and discuss primary research that informs and clarifies the group’s thinking on each themed topic. Each topic will conclude with group discussion sessions where students will share their discoveries and conclusions about the topic at hand. These topics will then form the basis of a set essay question for students to complete.Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and understanding of:
A1. the relationship between the life and environmental sciences and other disciplines and forms of knowledge
A2.current trends and developments with the life and environmental sciences
A3. appropriate terminology, nomenclature and classification
A4. genetics
A5. organism behaviour
A6. interaction of organisms and their environment
Intellectual Skills
The ability to:
B1. critically analyse and interpret published information and data
B2. think independently while giving due weight to the arguments of others
B3. understand complex ideas and relate them to specific problems or questions
B4. acquire substantial quantities of information systematically, process it effectively, and draw appropriate conclusions
Professional Skills
The ability to:
C1. articulate knowledge and understanding of scientific concepts
C2. write and construct scientific documents (e.g. papers, reports, posters etc) using appropriate styles, conventions, and terminology
Transferable Skills
The ability to:
D1. work productively with others
D2. communicate effectively in writing
D3. communicate effectively by oral presentation
D4. organise and manage your working time, schedule tasks, and meet deadlines
D5. use and access information and communication technology
D6. reflect upon and assess your own progress, strengths and weaknesses