MB5430 - Behaviour of Marine Animals
Credit points: |
03 |
Year: |
2018 |
Student Contribution Band: |
Band 2
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Administered by: |
College of Science and Engineering |
Available to Graduate Diploma of Research Methods, Graduate Certificate of Research
Methods, Graduate Diploma of Science and Masters of Applied Science students. Also
available to Masters of Development Practice, Graduate Certificate of Development
Practice, Graduate Diploma of Development Practice and Master of Science students.
A major part of this subject will be a field excursion to Orpheus Island during which
students will get hands-on experience collecting behavioural information using a range
of underwater techniques.Principles of animal behaviour will be overviewed in an evolutionary
framework. Emphasis will be on topics pertinent to the establishment and maintenance
of marine communities. The subject structure will include: methods for studying behaviour
in marine systems, ontogenetic development of behaviour, habitat selection, animal
communication, social spacing, mating systems, foraging behaviour, predator avoidance
and behavioural flexibility.Specific topics will include: evolution of behaviour;
development of behaviour; optimality; habitat selection and larval behaviour; visual,
chemical and electrical communication; territoriality and competition; mating systems
and sexual selection; parental care; modes of predator avoidance; mimicry; individuality
of behaviour.
Learning Outcomes
- gain an understanding of the intellectual foundation of marine behavioural studies;
- gain experience in the methods used in marine behaviour studies;
- introduce students to the diversity of behaviours that characterise marine animals
and their importance;
- introduce students to the empirical basis of marine behaviour studies.
Assumed Knowledge:
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Students enrolling in this subject should have an undergraduate degree in a relevant
discipline or have acquired equivalent knowledge through other study. They should
have an excellent understanding of mathematics (including statistics), ecological
principles and invertebrate biology, and should have completed BZ5001.
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Note:
Minor variations might occur due to the continuous Subject quality improvement
process, and in case of
minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest
official information.