Evolutionary Behavioural Ecology

Knowledge The candidate should be able to demonstrate knowledge concerning: - The importance of personalities and plasticity in the evolution of behaviour; - The application of optimality and game theory to explain animal behaviour; - How state-dependent decision-making affects optimal behaviour in animals; - The evolution of animal behaviour in a social context and how we study it; - The current research frontiers in the evolution of cooperation and conflict; - Central issues and controversies in current research on kin selection. Skills The candidate should be able to demonstrate skills in: - Evaluating and discussing the primary scientific literature; - Critically evaluating scientific theory and methodologies; - Verbally discussing current issues at the forefront of biological research. General competence The candidate should demonstrate general competence in: - Working individually and in a group to resolve advanced scientific questions; - The ability to effectively communicate complex scientific arguments, theories and evidence; - Using specific knowledge to construct a broader framework of scientific understanding.

Seminar: 30 hours Intensively taught