Animal Behaviour and Evolution

This module allows you to undertake a novel research project in the area of animal behaviour and evolution. You'll be introduced to project management methodology and will develop a critical awareness and insight into relevant theoretical and applied aspects of your subject area. You’ll then practise the skills of research design, analysis and communication through the written presentation of your research, in the format of a scientific paper. 

You'll apply the theoretical knowledge acquired in the taught modules in the Animal Behaviour Field Course. You’ll develop, execute, analyse and report on a small research project in the field. This module includes a European based field trip (the cost of which is included in the course fees). You may be able to undertake the field course in other global settings subject to an additional fee.   

The module is underpinned by evolutionary thinking and the four levels of analysis Niko Tinbergen put forward for the study of animal behaviour, namely development (learning), mechanism (neurological and hormonal underpinnings), function (how does it help an individual survive and reproduce) and evolution (how did it evolve). You'll employ a case study approach to examine current research and its practical applications. 

Biodiversity loss is a major global challenge with over one million species on the brink of extinction from threats including land use change, over exploitation, climate change and pollution. Drawing on examples from around the world, such as savannah, forests, peatlands, and marine environments, this module evaluates the latest techniques for assessing and monitoring biodiversity, natural capital and ecosystem services. 

This module deals with both fundamental and applied aspects of avian biology. This includes an introduction to avian taxonomy and phylogeny; examining the evolution of avian communication and other life-history strategies; patterns of migration; quantifying anthropogenic threats and avian extinction risk; examining the impacts of climate change on avian behaviour evolution and conservation; as well as the race to save species from extinction. 

Within the context of population genetics, this module will introduce the application of molecular genetics tools to a range of problems in conservation biology, ecology, and evolutionary biology. You'll learn through a combination of lectures, seminars, and data analysis practicals. Particular emphasis will be placed on the applied use of genetic and genomic technologies for in-situ and ex-situ conservation and population management, through exploring real-life case studies and the primary scientific literature.

An introduction is provided to the essential techniques for the collection and analysis of data needed for advanced studies within conservation. Indicative techniques may include Geographical Information Systems (GIS), behavioural recording in lab and field, census methods using Distance Sampling, analysing species distributions, video and sound analysis, camera trapping and social network analysis. As well as investigating aspects of study design and use of relevant technology, the module will also provide experience in specialist software and analysis techniques.  

On this module you'll design scientific studies and correctly interpret research output. You'll be introduced to a broad range of the statistical tools used by scientists, from formulating hypotheses, choosing the appropriate statistical test, and collecting and presenting the data ready for dissemination. In this series of lectures and computer practicals, we will discuss approaches to experimental design and analysis using the modern statistical software R.