Module
Approaches in Evolutionary and Behavioural Ecology
Module title | Approaches in Evolutionary and Behavioural Ecology |
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Module code | BIOM4018 |
Academic year | 2020/1 |
Credits | 15 |
Module staff | Dr Abraham Kuijper (Lecturer) |
Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
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Duration: Weeks | 8 | 2 |
Number students taking module (anticipated) | 35 |
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Description - summary of the module content
Module description
This module will introduce you to the methods used to carry out research in evolutionary and behavioural ecology, focussing specifically on commonly used techniques in mathematical modelling, experimental design, behavioural analyses, experimental evolution, phylogenetics, comparative analyses and genetics. In addition, the module will showcase the use of various techniques in ongoing research at our campus, equipping you with the necessary aptitude to carry out future scientific research. You will gain experience in assessing the pros and cons of various techniques and how they can be employed to address key questions in ecology and evolution.
This module is available to both Evolution and Behavioural Ecology and Conservation and Biodiversity Masters students. A basic understanding of mathematics, genetics, molecular biology and physiology is required.
Module aims - intentions of the module
This module deals with the pros and cons of key methods and approaches in evolutionary and behavioural ecology and will familiarise you with modern technology and approaches to enable you to critically evaluate current techniques in the field. The module aims to provide a synthetic understanding of the scientific processes in general, but in particular about the pros and cons of different practical methods in evolutionary and behavioural ecology. The Approaches in Evolutionary and Behavioural Ecology module showcases the use of mathematical models, as well as the use of genetic, physiological and observational techniques in evolutionary and behavioural ecology. You will be introduced to these topics and skilled in how they relate to evolutionary research in general, and specifically to current issues in evolutionary and behavioural ecology.
This module will ensure that you will have the appropriate understanding of the practical principles underlying the study of evolutionary and behavioural ecology research, in particular those that are relevant to your research project. The main aim of this module is to provide you with the ability to critically assess current scientific literature and methodologies and to facilitate the planning and execution of your independent research project. This will equip you for a future research-oriented career.
Learning will be supported by interactive lectures, active participation in discussion groups, together with practical and independent study.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. Describe, systematically and fully, key methodsin evolutionary and behavioural ecology
- 2. Critically and independently assess the research area
- 3. Conduct a literature review of a current research topic in the research areas covered
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 4. Discuss ideas and construct coherent arguments based on their independent and critical assessment of the discipline
- 5. Solve practical problems in evolutionary biology
- 6. Critically assess scientific literature
- 7. Describe and evaluate multiple approaches to tackle a research question
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 8. Professionally present ideas and results in writing
- 9. Prioritise, generate, and summarise data relevant to the testing of rational hypotheses
- 10. Present written reports in a clear, concise, and logical manner
- 11. Think critically, and critically appraise and logically solve problems
Syllabus plan
Syllabus plan
Whilst the module’s precise content may vary from year to year, it is envisaged that the syllabus will cover some or all of the following topics:
- Mathematical models. This will cover examples of how models are used to understand the evolution of behaviour, the different modelling strategies in behavioural ecology (evolutionary game theory, quantitative genetics, population genetics, computer simulations), the advantages and disadvantages of each, and the rationale and value of modelling.
- Experimental design. This will cover pros and cons of different experimental designs and pitfalls to avoid
- Behavioural analyses. This will cover hands-on examples of different techniques to measure behaviour in animals.
- Phylogenetic analyses. We showcase how phylogenetics and comparative analyses can be used to make inferences in evolutionary biology.
- Sequencing techniques. We highlight how the latest developments in high throughput sequencing and analyses of sequence data (bioinformatics) help us understand evolutionary processes at the genetic level.
- Making a research plan. Learn to integrate multiple techniques to test hypotheses in ecology and evolution
- Poster assessment. Learn to effectively use a poster to showcase a research method.
Learning and teaching
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
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23 | 127 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
Category | Hours of study time | Description |
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Scheduled teaching and learning activities | 9 | Lectures |
Scheduled teaching and learning activities | 4 | Group-led discussion of topics/papers |
Scheduled teaching and learning activities | 8 | Practical sessions you will gain practical experience in designing a research programme using the approaches you have learnt about in the module |
Scheduled teaching and learning | 2 | Poster session |
Guided independent study | 127 | Additional research, reading and preparation for module assessments |
Assessment
Formative assessment
Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
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Group discussion and subsequent presentation | 3 hours | 1-11 | Oral |
Article discussions | Ongoing throughout the module | All | Oral |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
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100 | 0 | 0 |
Details of summative assessment
Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
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Poster presentation | 50 | 1xA2 poster, <500 words | 1-6, 9-11 | Written and oral |
Factsheet | 50 | 1200 words | 5-6, 9-11 | Written |
Re-assessment
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
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Poster presentation | Poster presentation | 1-6, 9-11 | During an appropriate specified time period before the end of July |
Factsheet | Factsheet | 5-6, 9-11 | During an appropriate specified time period before the end of July |
Re-assessment notes
Deferral – if you miss an assessment for certificated reasons judged acceptable by the Mitigation Committee, you will normally be either deferred in the assessment or an extension may be granted. The mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of deferral will not be capped and will be treated as it would be if it were your first attempt at the assessment.
Referral – if you have failed the module overall (i.e. a final overall module mark of less than 50%) you will be required to resubmit the original assessment as necessary. The mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of referral will be capped at 50%.
Resources
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
- Ruxton, G.D. and Colegrave, N. Experimental design for the Life Sciences (4th ed). Oxford University Press, 2016.
- Hickman C., Keen S., Larson A., Eisenhour D., l’Anson H., Roberts L. Integrated Principles of Zoology (16th ed). McGraw & Hill Education, 2013.
- Beebee, T. and Rowe, G. An Introduction to Molecular Ecology (3rd ed). Oxford University Press, 2017.
Additional reading:
- Freeland, J. R., Kirk, H. and Peterson, S. D. Molecular Ecology (2nd ed). Wiley-Blackwell, 2011.
- McElreath, R and Boyd, R. Mathematical Models of Social Evolution: a Guide for the Perplexed. University of Chicago Press, 2007.
Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources
Module has an active ELE page
Credit value | 15 |
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Module ECTS | 7.5 |
Module pre-requisites | None |
Module co-requisites | None |
NQF level (module) | 7 |
Available as distance learning? | No |
Origin date | 01/10/2008 |
Last revision date | 18/08/2020 |