This unit contains mature or sensitive content and may not be suitable for some students.
Biological Basis of Behaviour
UndergraduateMAQ-BIOX13202024
Previously MAQ-BIOX122
Course information for 2024 intake
Venture into the animal kingdom. Track how genes and environment influence the function and evolution of animal behaviour. Study genetics. Sense how people and animals communicate. Reflect on human life today and the role of culture in evolution.
Enrolments for this course are closed, but you may have other options to start studying now. Book a consultation to learn more.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- Subject may require attendance
- Entry requirements
- Prior study needed
- Duration
- 13 weeks
- Loan available
- HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP available
Biological Basis of Behaviour
About this subject
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
- Describe the basic functioning of the nervous system in animals, including the senses
- Explain the principles of evolution by natural selection and sexual selection
- Understand basic concepts and principles in genetics, epigenetics, perception, learning, human evolution, explanations in animal behaviour, and the topics on the nature of science, ethics, study skills, animal behaviour and on evolution and human behaviour presented in the unit
- Understand collected scientific data including those presented in graphic form
- Extract key points from scientific papers and other forms of presentation and accurately communicate these to a general audience
- Comment critically on scientific papers and other forms of presentation with regard to life on our planet today
- A week-by-week guide to the topics you will explore in this subject will be provided in your study materials.
This unit is suitable for all students interested in behaviour. It covers a range of topics relevant to today's society in a manner accessible to all students. Basic mechanisms are covered, together with function and evolution. Lecture topics include explanations of behaviour, evolution, evolutionary origins of behaviour, basic neuroscience, perception, learning, brain and behaviour, and topics in animal behaviour. Lectures culminate with some reflections on the lives of humans in our modern world and the role of culture in human evolution.
- Pratice based task (4%)
- commentary summarising a scientific articule and topic (30%)
- Final Examination (35%)
- Quantitative analysis data (5%)
- Quizzes in Textbook (26%)
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
- Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:
- 10
Entry requirements
Equivalent subjects
You should not enrol in this subject if you have successfully completed any of the following subject(s) because they are considered academically equivalent:
MAQ-SCI140 (Not currently available)
MAQ-BIOX122 (Not currently available)
Others
NCCW (pre-2020 units): SCI140, BIOL122, BBE100, BIOX122
NCCW (2020 and onwards): BIOL1320 Biological Basis of Behaviour
Additional requirements
- Other requirements - Students who have an Academic Standing of Suspension or Exclusion under Macquarie University's Academic Progression Policy are not permitted to enrol in OUA units offered by Macquarie University. Students with an Academic Standing of Suspension or Exclusion who have enrolled in units through OUA will be withdrawn.
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
UndergraduateMAQ-ART-DEG
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