Behavioural and Evolutionary Ecology unit (KPZ303)

Hobart

Introduction

This unit aims to provide you with an understanding of animal behaviour within an evolutionary and ecological framework. There is 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. 

Summary

Unit name	Behavioural and Evolutionary Ecology
Unit code	KPZ303
Credit points	12.5
College/School	Sciences and Engineering School of Natural Sciences
Discipline	Biological Sciences
Coordinator	Associate Professor Geoff While
Available as an elective?	Yes
Delivered By	University of Tasmania
Level	Advanced

Availability

Location	Study period	Attendance options		Available to
Hobart	Semester 2

Note

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Key Dates

Study Period	Start date	Census date	WW date	End date
Semester 2	5/7/2026	27/7/2026	30/8/2026	24/10/2026

* 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 2026 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2026 will be available from the 1st October 2025. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

Learning Outcomes

• Explain the major concepts in behavioural and evolutionary ecology and their relevance to understanding biological diversity
• Design a study that effectively tests a specific hypothesis, incorporating appropriate methods and justifying the choice of study system
• Collect, analyse, and interpret data using appropriate methods to test a hypothesis and draw evidence-based conclusions.
• Communicate scientific ideas and results in written, verbal and graphic forms to both a scientific and general audience

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	$1,192.00	$1,192.00	not applicable	$3,575.00

• 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 UniConnect 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

KZA212 Functional Biology of Animals

Teaching

Teaching Pattern	Lecture content provided each week, 12 x two hour weekly lectorials and 12 x three hour weekly practical field or laboratory classes, as well as some online self-paced activities.
Assessment	Research Engagement Journal (10%)|Research Project Presentation (10%)|Lectorial Quizzes (20%)|Examination (30%)|Research Project Report (30%)
Timetable	View 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.
Recommended	Krebs, J.R., Davies, N.B. and West, S. A. (2012). An Introduction to Behavioural Ecology. Blackwell Science. ISBN: 0865427313

The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.