Animal Behaviour (BIOL3207)

Course overview

Patterns of invertebrate and vertebrate animal behaviour, physiological bases of behaviour, development of behaviour, how patterns of behaviour evolve and how these are studied. Examples will be taken from both invertebrate and vertebrate animals. Evaluate and test hypotheses about behaviour critically. Critique papers from the primary literature and carry out research projects on animal behaviour.

This course offers comprehensive coverage of animal behaviour, exploring physiological, ecological, and evolutionary perspectives. Students will engage with key concepts through online modules, critically assess introduced ideas, and participate in weekly Problem-Based Learning (PBL) activities. Assessment for this component of the course will include weekly quizzes, short-answer questions, and a final exam. This will be worth 60% of your final mark.

Practical sessions are designed to equip students with the skills needed to conduct independent research in the field. Working in groups of 3–4, students will undertake a semester-long research project. Each group will plan their study and prepare a formal research proposal (group assignment). Students can choose from a variety of project topics, ranging from those conducted on campus to fieldwork involving day trips within Brisbane or 3–4 days of camping at the Moreton Bay Research Station. Projects may focus on invertebrates (e.g., insects, crabs) or vertebrates (e.g., kangaroos, birds, water dragons). Following this, they will conduct the research, analyse the data, and individually create a poster summarising their findings to be presented at the end of the semester (individual assignment). They will also be required to do a longer methods section for their statistical analysis. These activities will account for 40% of the course assessment.

Course requirements

Assumed background

Students are expected to have done some first-year biology (ideally BIOL1020 and BIOL1030 or equivalent), and two statistics and experimental design courses (BIOL2006 and STAT1202). While no specific second year course is a prerequisite, students are expected to perform at a third-year level in this subject; thus they will be expected to think more critically, and write better, than would be expected for a second-year subject.

Recommended companion or co-requisite courses

We recommend completing the following courses at the same time:

BIOL2006 or BIOL2106

Incompatible

You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:

ZOOL3002

Course contact

Course staff

Timetable

The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.

Aims and outcomes

The goals of this course are to provide a well-rounded coverage of the field of animal behaviour from physiological, ecological and evolutionary perspectives and to provide students with a complete research project experience in this area.

Learning outcomes

After successfully completing this course you should be able to:

Assessment

Assessment summary

A hurdle is an assessment requirement that must be satisfied in order to receive a specific grade for the course. Check the assessment details for more information about hurdle requirements.

Assessment details

Project proposal

• Team or group-based

Mode

Written

Category

Paper/ Report/ Annotation

Weight

15%

Due date

2/04/2025 2:00 pm

Learning outcomes

L05, L06, L07

Task description

Submission guidelines

The assessment is to be submitted as an electronic version through Turnitin.
- Access the Assessment folder on the course Blackboard site.
- Upload an electronic version through the Turnitin site for the assignment.
- Assignments can be uploaded multiple times before the due date/time. The last upload before the due time will be the final version.
- You will be sent a receipt, retain the receipt as proof of submission.

Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.

See the Additional assessment information section further below for information relating to extension and deferral applications

Late submission

A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.

You are required to submit assessable items on time. If you fail to meet the submission deadline for any assessment item, then 10% of the maximum possible mark for the assessment item (assessment ‘marked from’ value) will be deducted as a late penalty for every day (or part day) late after the due date. For example, if you submit your assignment 1 hour late, you will be penalised 10%; if your assignment is 24.5 hours late, you will be penalised 20% (because it is late by one 24-hour period plus part of another 24-hour period).

Poster presentation

Mode

Product/ Artefact/ Multimedia

Category

Poster

Weight

25%

Due date

21/05/2025 2:00 pm

Other conditions

Student specific.

See the conditions definitions

Learning outcomes

L05, L06, L07

Task description

Submission guidelines

Each students needs to submit a digital copy of their poster and a video of their poster presentation via turnitin by Wednesday 21st May, 2pm.

Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.

See the Additional assessment information section further below for information relating to extension and deferral applications

Late submission

A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.

You are required to submit assessable items on time. If you fail to meet the submission deadline for any assessment item, then 10% of the maximum possible mark for the assessment item (assessment ‘marked from’ value) will be deducted as a late penalty for every day (or part day) late after the due date. For example, if you submit your assignment 1 hour late, you will be penalised 10%; if your assignment is 24.5 hours late, you will be penalised 20% (because it is late by one 24-hour period plus part of another 24-hour period).

PBL quizzes

• Online

Mode

Written

Category

Quiz, Reflection

Weight

20%

Due date

Quiz 1 (Module 2) 14/03/2025 5:00 pm

Quiz 3 (Stats Quiz) 21/03/2025 5:00 pm

Quiz 4 (Module 4) 28/03/2025 5:00 pm

Quiz 5 (Module 5) 4/04/2025 5:00 pm

Quiz 6 (Module 6) 11/04/2025 5:00 pm

Quiz 7 (Module 7) 2/05/2025 5:00 pm

Quiz 8 (Module 8) 9/05/2025 5:00 pm

Quiz 9 (Module 9) 16/05/2025 5:00 pm

Quiz 10 (Module 10) 23/05/2025 5:00 pm

Other conditions

Student specific.

See the conditions definitions

Learning outcomes

L01, L02, L03, L04

Task description

Submission guidelines

Quizzes will be completed in Blackboard.

Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.

See the Additional assessment information section further below for information relating to extension and deferral applications

Late submission

A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.

You are required to submit assessable items on time. If you fail to meet the submission deadline for any assessment item, then 10% of the maximum possible mark for the assessment item (assessment ‘marked from’ value) will be deducted as a late penalty for every day (or part day) late after the due date. For example, if you submit your assignment 1 hour late, you will be penalised 10%; if your assignment is 24.5 hours late, you will be penalised 20% (because it is late by one 24-hour period plus part of another 24-hour period). 

End of semester exam

• Hurdle
• Identity Verified
• In-person

Mode

Written

Category

Examination

Weight

40%

Due date

End of Semester Exam Period

7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025

Other conditions

Time limited.

See the conditions definitions

Learning outcomes

L01, L02, L03, L04

Task description

Hurdle requirements

Exam details

Submission guidelines

Deferral or extension

You may be able to defer this exam.

See the Additional assessment information section further below for information relating to extension and deferral applications

Course grading

Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.

Supplementary assessment

Supplementary assessment is available for this course.

Should you fail a course with a grade of 3, you may be eligible for supplementary assessment. Refer to my.UQ for information on supplementary assessment and how to apply.

Supplementary assessment provides an additional opportunity to demonstrate you have achieved all the required learning outcomes for a course.

If you apply and are granted supplementary assessment, the type of supplementary assessment set will consider which learning outcome(s) have not been met.

Supplementary assessment can take any form (such as a written report, oral presentation, examination or other appropriate assessment) and may test specific learning outcomes tailored to the individual student, or all learning outcomes.

To receive a passing grade of 3S4, you must obtain a mark of 50% or more on the supplementary assessment.

Additional assessment information

Assessment Submissionﾠ

It is the responsibility of the student to ensure the on time, correct and complete submission of all assessment items.ﾠ

Please ensure you receive and save the submission confirmation for all submitted items, you may be asked to produce this as evidence of your submission.ﾠ

Applications for Extensions to Assessment Due Dates

Extension requests are submitted online via my.UQ – applying for an extension. Extension requests received in any other way will not be approved. Additional details associated with extension requests, including acceptable and unacceptable reasons, may be found at my.UQ.

Please note:

• Requests for an extension to an assessment due date must be submitted through your my.UQ portal and you must provide documentation of your circumstances, as soon as it becomes evident that an extension is needed. Your application must be submitted on or before the assessment item's due date and time.
• Applications for extension can take time to be processed so you should continue to work on your assessment item while awaiting a decision. We recommend that you submit any completed work by the due date, and this will be marked if your application is not approved. Should your application be approved, then you will be able to resubmit by the agreed revised due date.
• If an extension is approved, you will be notified via your my.UQ portal and the new date and time for submission provided. It is important that you check the revised date as it may differ from the date that you requested.
• If the basis of the application is a medical condition, applications should be accompanied by a medical certificate dated prior to the assignment due date. If you are unable to provide documentation to support your application by the due date and time you must still submit your application on time and attach a written statement (Word document) outlining why you cannot provide the documentation. You must then upload the documentation to the portal within 24 hours.
• If an extension is being sought on the basis of exceptional circumstances, it must be accompanied by supporting documentation (eg. Statutory declaration).
• For extensions based on a SAP you may be granted a maximum of 7 days (if no earlier maximum timeframe applies). See the Extension or Deferral availability section of each assessment for timeframes. Your SAP is all that is required as documentation to support your application. However, additional extension requests for the assessment item will require the submission of additional supporting documentation e.g., a medical certificate. All extension requests must be received by the assessment due date and time.
• An extension for an assessment item due within the teaching period in which the course is offered, must not exceed four weeks in total. If you are incapacitated for a period exceeding four weeks of the teaching period, you are advised to apply for Removal of Course.
• If you have been ill or unable to attend class for more than 4 weeks, you are advised to carefully consider whether you are capable of successfully completing your courses this semester. You might be eligible to withdraw without academic penalty - seek advice from the Faculty that administers your program.
• Students may be asked to submit evidence of work completed to date. Lack of adequate progress on your assessment item may result in an extension being denied.
• There are no provisions for exemption from an assessment item within UQ rules. If you are unable to submit an assessment piece then, under special circumstances, you may be granted an exemption, but may be required to submit alternative assessment to ensure all learning outcomes are met.

Applications to defer an exam

In certain circumstances you can apply to take a deferred examination for in-semester and end-of-semester exams. You'll need to demonstrate through supporting documentation how unavoidable circumstances prevented you from sitting your exam. If you can’t, you can apply for a one-off discretionary deferred exam.

Deferred Exam requests are submitted online via mySi-net. Requests received in any other way will not be approved. Additional details associated with deferred examinations, including acceptable and unacceptable reasons may be found at my.UQ.

Please note:

• Applications can be submitted no later than 5 calendar days after the date of the original exam.
• There are no provisions to defer a deferred exam. You need to be available to sit your deferred examination.
• Your deferred examination request(s) must have a status of "submitted" in mySI-net to be assessed.
• All applications for deferred in-semester examinations are assessed by the relevant school. Applications for deferred end-of-semester examinations are assessed by the Academic Services Division.
• You’ll receive an email to your student email account when the status of your application is updated.
• If you have a medical condition, mental health condition or disability and require alternative arrangements for your deferred exam you’ll need to complete the online alternative exam arrangements through my.UQ. This is in addition to your deferred examinations request. You need to submit this request on the same day as your request for a deferred exam or supplementary assessment. Contact Student Services if you need assistance completing your alternative exam arrangements request.

Turnitinﾠ

All written assessment must be submitted via the appropriate Turnitin submission portal, which can be found within the Blackboard site. You are responsible for ensuring that your submission is complete. It is wise to re-enter the Turnitin portal and confirm that your submission is there and that it has not been altered during the submission process.ﾠ

By submitting work through Turnitin you are deemed to have accepted the following declaration “I certify that this assignment is my own work and has not been submitted, either previously or concurrently, in whole or in part, to this University or any other educational institution, for marking or assessment”.ﾠ

In the case of a Blackboard outage, please contact the Course Coordinator as soon as possible to confirm the outage with ITS.ﾠ

Plagiarism

You should be aware that the University employs purpose built software to detect plagiarism. It is very important that you understand clearly the practical meaning of plagiarism.

DEFINITION OF PLAGIARISM: Plagiarism is the act of misrepresenting as one's own original work the ideas, interpretations, words or creative works of another. These include published and unpublished documents, designs, music, sounds, images, photographs, computer codes and ideas gained through working in a group. These ideas, interpretations, words or works may be found in print and/or electronic media.

EXAMPLES OF PLAGIARISM:

1. Direct copying of paragraphs, sentences, a single sentence or significant parts of a sentence;

2. Direct copying of paragraphs, sentences, a single sentence or significant parts of a sentence with an end reference but without quotation marks around the copied text;

3. Copying ideas, concepts, research results, computer codes, statistical tables, designs, images, sounds or text or any combination of these;

4. Paraphrasing, summarising or simply rearranging another person's words, ideas, etc without changing the basic structure and/or meaning of the text;

5. Offering an idea or interpretation that is not one's own without identifying whose idea or interpretation it is;

6. A 'cut and paste' of statements from multiple sources;

7. Presenting as independent, work done in collaboration with others;

8. Copying or adapting another student's original work into a submitted assessment item.

Learning resources

You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.

Library resources

Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.

Additional learning resources information

Slides from PBL sessions will be posted on the Blackboard course website and any papers from the scientific literature that will be required reading will be available through the library's online journals.

Learning activities

The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.

Policies and procedures

University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:

• Student Code of Conduct Policy
• Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
• Assessment Procedure
• Examinations Procedure
• Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure

Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.