Warning! This unit contains mature content and may not be suitable for some students. Any student under the age of 16 who would like to enrol in this unit must first complete a Parental Consent Form.
Undergraduate MAQ-BIOX1320-2023
Biological Basis of Behaviour
Previously MAQ-BIOX122
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.
$1,080 $1,335
Your upfront cost: $0
Duration
18 weeks
Study method
100% Online
Available loans
- HECS-HELP
- FEE-HELP
Assessments
Subjects may require attendance
Prior study
Not required
Start dates
- 24 Jul 2023
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.
Explore Macquarie courses.
QS Ranking 2023
14
Times Higher Education Ranking 2023
10
Need help?
Our student advisors are here to guide you with:
- Enrolling and eligibility
- Fee and loan information
- Credit and recognition for prior learning
Subject details
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.
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-Biological Basis of Behaviour (No longer 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.
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%)
- summarising a scientific articule and topic (30%)
- Final Examination (35%)
- Major lab quiz (3%)
- Quizzes in Textbook (28%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).