Animal Communication and Human Language (PLIN0037)

Do animals have language? This interdisciplinary module surveys what is currently known about the communication systems of other species. The module aims are to (i) foster an understanding of underlying features of human languages and the abilities that underpin its use (ii) introduce background and skills needed to read and assess relevant research on animal communication (iii) develop critical reasoning skills to evaluate claims about the relationship between human language and animal communication.

Lectures include group discussion of primary research articles assigned in advance. In the final week students give in class presentations, requiring research on a species not discussed in class. The module is assessed by essay questions.

 

This research-based project allows final year BSc students to conduct original experimental research in the laboratory of a member of Biosciences academic...

Advanced Research Project in Physiology (PHOL0014)

This research-based project allows final year BSc students to conduct original experimental research in the laboratory of a member of Biosciences academic staff or in one of the laboratories of our associated Institutes.

Students who are eligible for the module will be invited to submit applications for up to 5 projects, in order of preference. Supervisors of these projects will then select students to work with them based on prior academic performance and/or interview, e-mail, 'phone, Skype dialogue. With the agreement of the module organiser, students are also free to arrange projects with other members of staff who are not within the above scheme.

You will be introduced to contemporary research methods in a specific area of physiology and develop the ability to evaluate critically both theories and evidence. Your project will be written up as a scientific report to include a substantial account of related published work and of the methods used as well as a description and discussion of the results obtained. You will also be expected to defend a poster presentation of their project.

After taking this module you will be able to:

Plan and execute under supervision, an experiment or investigation, analyse critically the results and draw valid conclusions.
	Evaluate the level of uncertainty in your results, understand the significance of error analysis and be able to compare these results with expected outcomes, theoretical predictions or with published data.
	Evaluate the significance of your results in this context.
	Communicate both orally and in writing complex scientific ideas and the conclusions of an experiment, investigation or project concisely, accurately and informatively.
	Manage your own learning and to make use of appropriate texts, research articles and other primary sources.
	Demonstrate the competent use of specialised equipment, the ability to identify appropriate pieces of equipment and to master new techniques and equipment