BIOL6103 Sensory Physiology and Animal Behaviour
| Offered By | School of Botany and Zoology |
|---|---|
| Academic Career | Graduate Coursework |
| Course Subject | Biology |
| Offered in | First Semester, 2009 and First Semester, 2010 |
| Unit Value | 6 units |
| Course Description |
This is a 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 convenor. The course will examine current topics in Sensory Physiology and Neural Control of Behaviour (Neuroethology), such as:
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 convenor. Note: Graduate students attend joint classes with undergraduates but are assessed separately. |
| 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, a six-week long project and an extended essay on a chosen topic |
| Course Classification(s) | AdvancedAdvanced courses are designed for students having reached 'first degree' level of assumed knowledge, which provide a deep understanding of contemporary issues; or 'second degree' and higher levels of knowledge; or for transition to research training programs. and SpecialistSpecialist courses are designed for students having reached 'first degree' level of assumed knowledge, which provide for the acquisition of specialist skills; or 'second degree' and higher level of knowledge; or for transition to research training programs; or knowledge associated with professional accreditation. |
| Areas of Interest | Health, Medicine and the Body |
| Eligibility |
Bachelor of Science or equivalent with a major in the field of biological sciences with relevant experience or academic achievement. First year Biology, first year Genetics and first year Statistics are recommended. First year Chemistry is desirable. |
| Recommended Courses | Courses in Physics & Neuroscience |
| 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.
