Courses & Units

Behavioural and Evolutionary Ecology KPZ303

Hobart

Introduction

This unit aims to provide you with an understanding of animal behaviour within an evolutionary and ecological framework. There will be an emphasis on fundamental principles (e.g., the ways in which animals interact with their own and other species and the environment, mechanisms to maximise reproductive success, determinants of fitness of an individual). In lectures, these principles will be highlighted by presentation of the history and theory of behavioural ecology, recent examples and advances (primary literature and research within the School), and detailed case studies. The practical classes are designed to initially develop understanding of relevant research methodology (the process of science, research design, data analysis and synthesis) via group research projects. The group projects will emphasise experimental design and data collection in real situations (not always as easy as it may seem) framed within a theoretical framework. Scientific presentation skills are important to any budding scientist (or for that matter in most job situations); these skills will be developed through presentation of the research project to peers as a conference talk and in a written report in the form of a scientific manuscript (in the format of the journal Behavioral Ecology). The forum assessment will develop your ability to access primary literature and to critique and apply this knowledge to address novel questions in Behavioural and Evolutionary Ecology.

Summary

Unit name Behavioural and Evolutionary Ecology
Unit code KPZ303
Credit points 12.5
College/School College of Sciences and Engineering
School of Natural Sciences
Discipline Zoology
Coordinator Doctor Geoffrey (Geoff) While
Available as an elective?
Delivered By Delivered wholly by the provider

Availability

Location Study period Attendance options Available to
Hobart Semester 2 On-Campus International Domestic

Key

On-campus
Off-Campus
International students
Domestic students

Key Dates

Study Period Start date Census date WW date End date
Semester 2 12/7/2021 10/8/2021 30/8/2021 17/10/2021

* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).

Unit census dates currently displaying for 2021 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2021 will be available from the 1st October 2020. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

Learning Outcomes

  • Demonstrate a coherent understanding of major themes in behavioural and evolutionary ecology
  • Design and plan a scientific investigation that will allow you to analyse and solve scientific problems
  • Collect, analyse and interpret scientific data
  • Demonstrate science communication skills including scientific writing, verbal discussion, debate, and oral presentation appropriate to scientific discourse

Fee Information

Field of Education Commencing Student Contribution 1,3 Grandfathered Student Contribution 1,3 Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution 2,3 Domestic Full Fee 4
010905 $993.00 $993.00 not applicable $2,354.00
  • Available as a Commonwealth Supported Place
  • HECS-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility3
  • FEE-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility4

1 Please refer to more information on student contribution amounts.
2 Please refer to more information on eligibility and Approved Pathway courses.
3 Please refer to more information on eligibility for HECS-HELP.
4 Please refer to more information on eligibility for FEE-HELP.

If you have any questions in relation to the fees, please contact UConnect or more information is available on StudyAssist.

Please note: international students should refer to What is an indicative Fee? to get an indicative course cost.

Requisites

Prerequisites

Admission into a Masters course OR KZA212 Functional Biology of Animals

Teaching

Teaching Pattern

2 hours of lectures per week, and 3 hours of practicals per week.

AssessmentExamination (50%)|Report (20%)|Presentation (10%)|Assignment (20%)
TimetableView the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required

Required readings will be listed in the unit outline prior to the start of classes.

LinksBooktopia textbook finder

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