BIOL3103 Sensory Physiology and Animal Behaviour
Later Year Course
| Offered By | School of Botany and Zoology |
|---|---|
| Academic Career | Undergraduate |
| Course Subject | Biology |
| Offered in | First Semester, 2009 and First Semester, 2010 |
| Unit Value | 6 units |
| Course Description |
This is an Honours Pathway Course, in which lectures emphasize recent research topics and students carry out a substantial research project with PhD students, postdoctoral researchers and senior academics in the School of Biology (Research School of Biological Sciences and the School of Botany and Zoology). Entry to this option will be subject to the approval of the course convener. The course will examine current topics in Sensory Physiology and Neural Control of Behaviour (Neuroethology), such as Sensory Ecology, Animal Communication, Animal Navigation, Endocrine Systems and Control of Reproduction. The emphasis is on information processing in animals under natural conditions, both with regard to environmental variables and internal states, including the design of sensory systems in relation to environment and life style. Topics covered may vary between years and students are advised to check the syllabus with the course convener. A quota may be placed on enrolments for this course. |
| Learning Outcomes |
On satisfying the requirements of this course, students will have the knowledge and skills to: 1. Describe and understand the way in which light, sound, mechanical forces and chemicals are being sensed and coded in sensory systems2. Identify, explain and analyse the information content of different sensory modalities 3. Assess and analyse the structure and knowledge-base of animal navigation and animal communication 4. Describe the neural and hormonal processes that control rhythms, reproduction and feeding 5. Conduct and critically assess measurements and experiments on colour & motion vision, on functional morphology of insect eyes and on animal navigation 6. Write a scientific report on an extended research project in neuroethology ( one of ANU's research strengths) |
| Indicative Assessment |
Assessment will be based on:
|
| Workload | 3 hours of lectures per week and a six-week long project |
| Requisite Statement | |
| Recommended Courses | Courses in Physics & Neuroscience |
| Science Group | C |
| Academic Contact | Prof Jochen Zeil |
The information published on the Study at ANU 2009 website applies to the 2009 academic year only. All information provided on this website replaces the information contained in the Study at ANU 2008 website.
