Experimental Animal Behaviour (ZOOL30007)

Undergraduate level 3Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

Availability
Semester 1
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In this subject you will conduct group-based, hands-on, original research into animal behaviour. Over the semester you will be immersed in the entire process of scientific research - from hypothesis development and experimental design, through to data collection and statistical analysis. You will report your findings in spoken and written formats, and critically review the work of other students. Study animals range from insects and spiders, to fish, birds and mammals – in the lab, zoo or wild. You will emerge with an authentic experience of scientific research – complete with its challenges, frustrations and the thrill of scientific discovery.

Intended learning outcomes

On completion of this subject, students should be able to:

  • Locate and synthesise relevant information from the literature in order to establish the aims, scope and context of a research project
  • Develop a rigorous observational or experimental study that addresses the aims of the project
  • Undertake methodologically rigorous data collection and data analysis
  • Identify and interpret patterns in data, and, using appropriate statistical inference, relate discoveries and insights to relevant published literature on the topic
  • Provide constructive and authoritative feedback on written and oral reports of other students through peer review
  • Draw on peer reviews of their own work to redraft, reframe and refine their ideas
  • Communicate a rational, lucid, scientific argument in a written report and either as an oral or poster presentation
  • Collaborate effectively with student peers in a team to achieve excellent project outcomes

Generic skills

This subject builds upon existing generic skills, including the ability to:

  • Assimilate and critically evaluate new knowledge within a scientific paradigm
  • Communicate orally or in writing all aspects of the project (rationale, design, analysis, outcomes)
  • Organise activities towards a goal and work cooperatively and constructively as a member of a research team
  • Conduct statistical analysis, interpretation and critical evaluation of scientific data
  • Provide and respond to peer feedback

Last updated: 4 March 2025

Eligibility and requirements

Prerequisites

Code Name Teaching period Credit Points
MAST20031 Analysis of Biological Data
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5

AND

One of

Code Name Teaching period Credit Points
BIOL20001 Evolution: Making Sense Of Life
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
ECOL20003 Ecology
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
ZOOL20005 Animal Structure and Function
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5

Corequisites

Corequisites

Student must complete the following subject at the same time and in the same calendar year:

Code Name Teaching period Credit Points
ZOOL30006 Animal Behaviour
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5

Non-allowed subjects

None

Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)

The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.

Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home

Last updated: 4 March 2025

Assessment

DescriptionTimingPercentage

A written project plan submitted by the end of the first three weeks of semester

  • 200 words
From Week 2 to Week 410%

Reviews of written and spoken work by peers (2 written reviews, 400 words each and 1 oral review, 200 words; 25%) followed by a rejoinder to reviewer comments (500 words, 5%)

  • 1500 words (total)
From Week 7 to Week 1130%

An oral presentation (approx. 1 hour group planning time; 2 hours of preparation of presentation slides and notes)

  • 3 minutes
From Week 9 to Week 1210%

Evaluation of contribution to project work by group members (including supervisor)

  • 200 words
End of semester10%

A written scientific report

  • 2000 words (total)
During the examination period40%

Last updated: 4 March 2025

Dates & times

  • Semester 1
    CoordinatorEmile van Lieshout
    Mode of deliveryOn Campus (Parkville)
    Contact hours3 hours of tutorial per week (36 hours total) and 60 hours of practical project work in students' own time during the semester
    Total time commitment170 hours
    Teaching period 3 March 2025 to 1 June 2025
    Last self-enrol date14 March 2025
    Census date31 March 2025
    Last date to withdraw without fail 9 May 2025
    Assessment period ends27 June 2025

    Semester 1 contact information

    evl@unimelb.edu.au

     

Time commitment details

Estimated total time commitment of 170 hours

What do these dates mean

Visit this webpage to find out about these key dates, including how they impact on:

  • Your tuition fees, academic transcript and statements.
  • And for Commonwealth Supported students, your:
       -  Student Learning Entitlement. This applies to all students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP).
     

    Subjects withdrawn after the census date (including up to the ‘last day to withdraw without fail’) count toward the Student Learning Entitlement.

Additional delivery details

This subject requires all students to actively and safely participate in laboratory activities.

Last updated: 4 March 2025

Further information

Last updated: 4 March 2025