This paper provides an up-to-date review of issues in the field of Animal Behaviour. Throughout the course you will critically evaluate current research on a variety of topics related to animal behaviour including: communication, sexual selection, conflict, mating systems, parental care, foraging theory, predator-prey interactions, habitat selection and and cooperation. The paper also provides participants with the opportunity to conduct independent laboratory and field studies of behaviour, and will involve several guest lectures to give examples of working on applied animal behaviour problems such as animal welfare and enrichment.

This paper is taught through lectures, a tutorial, a field trip and through guided group research projects with lab sessions and opportunities for feedback from regular assessments. Attendance at ALL practical classes is compulsory. Note that this paper is taught in Hamilton.

This course is assessed via internal assessment and an exam, with a ratio of 60:40. The internal assessment of 60% will consist of 2 lab reports (2 x 5% = 10%), one lab presentation (8%), and two tests (20%; i.e., 2 x 10%). Test 1 will cover the preceding lecture material, and Test 2 will cover lectures delivered after Test 1 and before Test 2. There will also be 1 x group research project report (20%), and a video game activity done during a Friday lecture (2%). The exam will cover all material (40%).

Note that Test 1 & Test 2 will be run online through Moodle.

This paper has a Moodle page (http://elearn.waikato.ac.nz) where you will be able to access lecture recordings, PDF files of lecture notes, some readings, and assessment materials.

Please note: Moodle will be used for class notices etc. and it is your responsibility to check the site regularly. Instructions provided on Moodle and in lectures are considered to be given to the class as a whole. Paper materials are copyright and must not be passed on to third parties.

Lectures: 21 (including 1 tutorial and 2 tests); field trip (6 hours); lab classes: 5 x 3 hours (15 hours); totalling 42 hours contact time. In addition, at least 100+ hours for readings, further data collection for research projects, and assessment preparation.

These figures are approximations only, as papers vary in their requirements and students vary in both the amount of effort required and the level of grades they wish to achieve.