Understanding animal behavior awakens the individual to the complexity of daily phenomenon in the animal kingdom - how animals live and survive in their environment. Much of this occurs around us every day and everywhere we go. But the city-dweller lives in increasing isolation of animals and understands little of the world around them. This is one approach to understanding nature and the student will also peek into the intertwined world of ecology, biology and evolution.
Behaviors such as learning,sociality, territoriality, predation and defense, courtship and communication, will be highlighted with examples from across animal diversity. How behaviors have evolved to fit specific ecological conditions wil be examined. You will be introduced to the scientific study of animal behaviour through quantitative methods. This will not be a passive process - you will actively decide on and explore the behaviour of a local wild animal through a group research project and present your findings during a student symposium.
By the end of the module,you will have gained a better understanding of and empathy for animals, understand the value of scientific approach to animal care, human-animal conflict and conservation. And hopefull, through this process, better understand our own behavior.