Enrolments for 2020 have closed.
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Biological Basis of Behaviour
Undergraduate | MAQ-BIOX1320 | 2020
Previously MAQ-BIOX122
Course information for 2020 intake
View information for 2021 course intakeVenture 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.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- Subject may require attendance
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR needed,
- No prior study
- Duration
- 18 weeks
HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP available
Biological Basis of Behaviour
About this subject
At the completion of this subject students will:
- Describe the basic functioning of the nervous system in animals, including the senses
- Explain the principles of evolution by natural selection and sexual selection
- Outline basic concepts and principles of animal communication, sexual selection, human evolution, genetics, epigenetics, perception, learning, and the topics of animal behaviour presented in class
- Extract and relate key theoretical ideas concerning the special topics on the evolution of human behaviour
- Understand and present collected scientific data
- Extract key points from scientific papers and accurately communicate these to a general audience
- Comment critically on scientific papers with regard to life on our Planet today
- Overview
- How science 'works'
- Ethics
- Good study habits
- Brief history
- Different explanations of behaviour
- Evolution
- Genetics and epigenetics
- Basic neuroscience
- Senses
- Perception
- Learning
- Animal behaviour
- Communication
- Sexual selection
- Human evolution
- Topics on evolution and human behaviour
- Review
This subject was previously known as BIOX122 Biological Basis of Behaviour
This subject 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. Live lectures feature a mix of lectures and discussions based on stimulating video clips.
- Assignment 1 — Lab exercise 1 (4%)
- Assignment 2 — Lab exercise 2 (7%)
- Commentary (25%)
- Invigilated Exam (45%)
- Quiz — Based on review questions (19%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
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Entry requirements
No 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-PSY140 (Not currently available)
MAQ-BIOX122-Biological Basis of Behaviour (no longer available)
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.
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