This course deals with carrying out research on the behavioural ecology of free-living animals. Students will work in tutorial groups to develop hypotheses about behaviour that will be tested during a week-long field trip. Results are then presented in a poster at the course's 'conference' and in a report in the form of a scientific paper. 

The course emphasises the design and effective reporting of scientific research, and will expose you to all of the stages of carrying out and reporting original research. 

Research topics have included: 

• Anti-predator behaviour in kangaroos, parrots and emus
• Foraging behaviour of antlions and bees
• Habitat segregation in birds
• Sex differences in plumage and vigilance
• Social structure of fairy-wrens
• Social foraging in seagulls
• Sex differences in foraging in oystercatchers
• Song and alarm calls in birds
• Schooling behaviour of fish

Graduate students attend joint classes with undergraduates but will have modified assessment.

Upon completion of the course, students will have developed knowledge and skills related to the practice of research. These will include:

1. Literature skills to identify and critically evaluate the current state of knowledge about a specific research question in behavioural ecology
2. Formulation of testable hypotheses based on an understanding of the research literature
3. Practical skills in behavioural ecological research
4. Ability to collaborate as a group to reach research goals
5. Skills in scientific communication, including written communication and the preparation of a research poster.
6. Ability to interpret data against original hypotheses and knowledge of the literature, and suggest avenues for future research

Assessment will be based on:

• Individual written introduction to a research problem (5%; LO 1, 2, 5)
• Participation in the group's research effort (10%; LO 3, 4)
• Group poster presented at class 'Conference' (25%; LO 4, 5)
• Individual research paper based on the whole semester's project (40%; LO 1, 2, 5, 6)
• Literature review of a broader or related area in which project carried out (20%; LO 1, 5)

A five-day field trip during the first semester break plus a 1-2 hour class meeting each week, plus weekly meeting with a project tutor, plus group meetings independent of tutors. Overall, about 60-65 hours of contact with teaching staff, plus group and individual time.

Bachelor of Science or equivalent with a major in the field of biological sciences with relevant experience or academic achievement. Must also be studying BIOL3131 or have demonstrated knowledge of behavioural ecology equivalent to that course.  Working knowledge of statistics is strongly recommended.