Handbook

Animal Behaviour provides one of the most fascinating and rewarding fields of biological study. In this course, the study of animal behaviour and the levels at which it can be studied are introduced, including areas often referred to as ‘ethology’ or ‘behavioural ecology’. The observation and description of behaviour along with the development, function and evolution of behaviour in an ecological context are examined as important elements in the analysis of behaviour, particularly social behaviour. Topics include sensory control systems, foraging behaviour, communication, home range, territorial behaviour, aggression and dominance, sexual behaviour, mate choice, mating systems, play and social organisation. The critical relevance of the study and understanding of animal behaviour for conservation and wildlife management is emphasized alongside applied skills in these areas and science communication. This is a level three course (3rd year), although advanced level two students (in their 2nd year) can do well in this course. The course is exclusively online and has largely asynchronous delivery. The course has won multiple awards for teaching excellence and student experience and is one of the most popular courses offered at UNSW. Assumed knowledge: BIOS2011 Evolutionary and Physiological Ecology.