This unit aims to provide students with an understanding of behavioural ecology within an evolutionary 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. Practicals will develop students' understanding of relevant research methodology, with an emphasis  on research design. Extended workshops/discussions will allow in depth exploration of specific areas of behavioural ecology, while a  group research project will emphasise experimental design and data collection in a real situation. Scientific presentation 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 scientific journal article (e.g., Behavioural Ecology). An assignment in the format of a review in Trends in Ecology and Evolution will further develop  the students' ability to synthesise and communicate cutting edge ideas in behavioural ecology and evolutionary biology.

This unit starts from an advanced undergraduate level base, but includes personalized, additional learning tasks to facilitate learning  outcomes at a postgraduate level.