Catalogue - Subjects - University of 58吃瓜

BL4289 Animal Cognition

2026 to 2027 Semester 2

Curricular information may be subject to change

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

The Scottish Credit Accumulation and Transfer (SCOTCAT) system allows credits gained in Scotland to be transferred between institutions. The number of credits associated with a module gives an indication of the amount of learning effort required by the learner. European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits are half the value of SCOTCAT credits.

SCQF level

SCQF level 10

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) provides an indication of the complexity of award qualifications and associated learning and operates on an ascending numeric scale from Levels 1-12 with SCQF Level 10 equating to a Scottish undergraduate Honours degree.

Availability restrictions

Not automatically available to General Degree students

Planned timetable

To be arranged

This information is given as indicative. Timetable may change at short notice depending on room availability.

Module coordinator

Prof S D Healy

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module Staff

Prof S Healy

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module description

In this module we will investigate the cognitive abilities of animals, with particular interest in understanding the adaptive value of those abilities. This means that although we will develop an understanding of animal cognition based on standard animal models (typically rats and pigeons), we will extend those principles to addressing cognitive abilities in 'real' animals behaving in the 'real' world. We will use Shettleworth's book, already the key animal cognition text, as our starting point with student-led seminars providing breadth by presenting examples from the recent burgeoning of literature on non-model animals. The result will be a stimulating opportunity to develop a critical understanding of how animals perceive their world, how their cognitive abilities are shaped by that world and how those abilities lead to reproductive success.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisites

BEFORE TAKING THIS MODULE YOU MUST PASS BL3319

Anti-requisites

YOU CANNOT TAKE THIS MODULE IF YOU TAKE BL5441

Assessment pattern

Coursework = 100%

Re-assessment