SLE224 - Animal Behaviour
Unit details
| Year | 2026 unit information |
|---|---|
| Enrolment modes: | Trimester 2: Waurn Ponds (Geelong) |
| Credit point(s): | 1 |
| EFTSL value: | 0.125 |
| Unit Chair: | Trimester 2: Peter Biro |
| Prerequisite: | SLE132 |
| Corequisite: | Nil |
| Incompatible with: | Nil |
| Educator-facilitated (scheduled) learning activities - on-campus unit enrolment: | 1 x 2 hour lecture per week, 3 x 3 hour practical experience (laboratory) per trimester. |
| Typical study commitment: | Students will on average spend 150 hours over the teaching period undertaking the teaching, learning and assessment activities for this unit. |
Content
The unit will be presented as a series of modules (2-5 classes each) which will examine explanations for the evolution of the diverse array of behavioural strategies we see in animals today. Topics include Proximate and ultimate causes of behaviour; How does behaviour develop; Control of behaviour: endocrine control mechanisms; Function of behaviour – foraging; Migration and navigation behaviour; Proximate control of mating behaviour; and Evolution of human behaviour. Topics will be covered by staff which show internationally recognised research outputs within these areas, making the coverage both relevant and up to date.
Learning outcomes
| ULO | These are the Unit Learning Outcomes (ULOs) for this unit. At the completion of this unit, successful students can: | Alignment to Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes (GLOs) |
|---|---|---|
| ULO1 | Have a clear understanding of the mechanisms which control behaviour and the role of Tinbergen's 4 whys to understand them. | GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities |
| ULO2 | Recognise that behaviour has a function and be able to demonstrate the concept of optimal behaviour. | GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities |
| ULO3 | Explain the evolution of animal communication systems, mating systems, foraging and (anti-)predator behaviour. | GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities GLO4: Critical thinking GLO5: Problem solving GLO6: Self-management |
| ULO4 | Understand how we test theory with data using data visualisation and analysis, and communicate results. | GLO2: Communication |
| ULO5 | Appreciate how the study of animal behaviour is useful for applied problems in industry, society and the environment. | GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities GLO8: Global citizenship |
Assessment
| Assessment Description | Student output | Grading and weighting (% total mark for unit) | Indicative due week |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment 1 | Three written reports | 45% | Weeks 6, 8 and 10 |
| Assessment 2 | 1-hour online test | 10% | Week 9 |
| End-of-Unit Assessment | Timed online test | 45% | End-of-Unit Assessment period |
The assessment due weeks provided may change. The Unit Chair will clarify the exact assessment requirements, including the due date, at the start of the teaching period.
Learning resource
The texts and reading list for SLE224 can be found via the University Library.
Note: Select the relevant trimester reading list. Please note that a future teaching period's reading list may not be available until a month prior to the start of that teaching period so you may wish to use the relevant trimester's prior year reading list as a guide only.
Unit Fee Information
Fees and charges vary depending on the type of fee place you hold, your course, your commencement year, the units you choose to study and their study discipline, and your study load.
Tuition fees increase at the beginning of each calendar year and all fees quoted are in Australian dollars ($AUD). Tuition fees do not include textbooks, computer equipment or software, other equipment or costs such as mandatory checks, travel and stationery.
For further information regarding tuition fees, other fees and charges, invoice due dates, withdrawal dates, payment methods visit our Current Students website.