This subject requires on campus attendance. Refer to Additional Requirements for more information.
Animal Behaviour
UndergraduateMAQ-BIOX33202026
Course information for 2026 intake
- Study method
- Online & on-campus
- Assessments
- Subject may require attendance
- Enrol by
- 19 July 2026
- Entry requirements
- Prior study needed
- Duration
- 13 weeks
- Start dates
- 27 July 2026
- Price from
- $1,245
- Upfront cost
- $0
- Loan available
- FEE-HELP available
Animal Behaviour
About this subject
On successful completion, a student will be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding and knowledge of fundamental concepts in animal behaviour.
- Evaluate the interaction of genetic and environmental factors in influencing animal behaviour.
- Critically assess the role of natural selection, including sexual selection, in shaping animal behaviour.
- Apply animal behaviour research to complex conservation challenges.
- Apply the tools of behavioural sampling to research questions in animal behaviour.
- Formulate hypotheses and predictions and design, conduct, and analyse behavioural experiments.
- Synthesise and communicate research findings in animal behaviour from the primary scientific literature.
- A week-by-week guide to the topics you will explore in this subject will be provided in your study materials.
This unit explores the fascinating world of animal behaviour, searching out unifying principles that underlie the extreme diversity of behaviour in nature. Why do birds and bees sing and dance? What keeps families together? How do animals find food? How do animals with very different sensory systems navigate their environment? How has animal behaviour been shaped by evolution and what are the relative roles of natural and sexual selection?
This unit provides insights into sensory processes and decision making. It also reviews major current issues in the study of animal communication while exploring the physiological and neural mechanisms underpinning behaviour, and the function and evolution of natural behaviour. Lectures examine the natural behaviour of diverse animal species, from insects to humans, using instructive examples to illustrate evolution, navigation, foraging, predator–prey interactions, mating systems, mate choice, conflict, communication, and social behaviour. The course also covers theoretical and empirical aspects of animal signalling, modes of communication, the sensory basis of communication, and the evolution of signalling. Practical work involves observing and quantifying behaviour, hypothesis development, data collection, and analysis.
- Graphical abstract of original research (15%)
- A group-based oral presentation (15%)
- Report of an experimental lab or field based/on campus study (35%)
- Final Exam (35%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
This research-intensive university in north-western Sydney offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. With over 44,000 current students, Macquarie has a strong reputation for welcoming international students and embracing flexible and convenient study options, including its partnership with Open Universities Australia.
Learn more about Macquarie University.
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- QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:
- 11
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- 10
Entry requirements
Prior study
You must have successfully completed the following subject(s) before starting this subject:
Additional requirements
- Attendance requirements - Fieldwork (in-person).
Study load
- 0.125 EFTSL
- This is in the range of 10 to 12 hours of study each week.
Equivalent full time study load (EFTSL) is one way to calculate your study load. One (1.0) EFTSL is equivalent to a full-time study load for one year.
Find out more information on Commonwealth Loans to understand what this means to your eligibility for financial support.
What to study next?
Once you’ve completed this subject it can be credited towards one of the following courses
UndergraduateMAQ-BSC-DEG
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