BI3EK7-Behavioural Ecology and Life History Theory
Module Provider: School of Biological Sciences
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:6
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites: BI1EAA1 Ecology and Behaviour
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Module version for: 2017/8
Module Convenor: Prof Richard Sibly
Email: r.m.sibly@reading.ac.uk
Summary module description:
Aims:
To be able to research, discuss, and write scientific reviews of selected areas of behavioural ecology
Assessable learning outcomes:
By the end of the module it is expected that the student will be able to:
•describe and discuss critically the state of current research in selected areas, citing key references where necessary
•research and present structured critical reviews
Additional outcomes:
The module will also provide students with an opportunity to develop their written and oral presentational skills during small group seminars.
Outline content:
To understand behavioural ecology it is necessary to understand how life histories evolve. After an introduction describing current understanding of this process, the framework of evolutionary life-history theory is used to tackle selected topics in behavioural ecology. These may include Selfishness and Altruism; Mate Choice; The Evolution of Eusociality; Agent-based Models of Animal Behaviour and Animal Cognition.
Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
Lectures introduce important research questions and set the scene, but students are challenged to seek answers to unresolved questions and to obtain perspective by reading scientific papers reporting important field studies. In the second half of the course, students research and present seminars covering a range of topical issues.
Summative Assessment Methods:
| Method |
Percentage |
| Written exam |
70 |
| Oral assessment and presentation |
30 |
Other information on summative assessment:
Assessment of seminar presentation, and performance asking questions of another seminar
Penalties for late submission:
The Module Convenor will apply the following penalties for work submitted late, in accordance with the University policy.
where the piece of work is submitted up to one calendar week after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for the piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.
The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at:
http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.
Length of examination:
Two-hour examination
Requirements for a pass:
A mark of 40% overall
Reassessment arrangements:
Re-sit examination in August/September
Additional Costs (specified where applicable):
1) Required text books:
2) Specialist equipment or materials:
3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:
4) Printing and binding:
5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:
6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:
Last updated: 21 April 2017