Module PSYC3507: Animal Learning

Department: Psychology

PSYC3507: Animal Learning

Prerequisites

• • 60 Credits from Level 2 Psychology modules

Corequisites

• None

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None

Aims

• The course will introduce students to the main findings and theoretical issues that have been derived from research into animal behaviour. This broadly consists of associative learning theory and, comparative psychology. and comparative cognition
• Students will develop an understanding of the similarities and differences between different ways of studying animal behaviour. In particular, emphasis will be placed on cognitive, associative, and evolutionary approachesdifferent theoretical accounts of associative learning.

Content

• This module covers advanced topics in animal learning and applies an associative analysis to animal learning
• Topics include:
• The nature of conditioned responding in associative learning
• The nature of the associations formed during learning
• Theoretical and empirical analysis of Pavlovian conditioning
• The conditions of learning. Formal accounts of associative learning
• The role of attention in associative learning The influence of nonassociative processes on associative learning
• The application of associative learning to habituation
• Associative analysis of discrimination learning
• Conceptual and historical issues in psychology of animal learning

Learning Outcomes

• Students will be expected to acquire:
• Detailed knowledge of classic and contemporary associative learning theory, evidence and research methods

• Ability to review critically and consolidate understanding of a coherent body of animal behaviour work and apply it appropriately

• Good written communication skills.
• Good IT skills in word processing, data manipulation and presentation
• Abilities to work independently in scholarship and research within broad guidelines

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• Students' acquisition of detailed knowledge will be facilitated by lectures, and, for example, small group work, audio-visual materials, discussions and detailed reading lists
• These modes of teaching provide students with detailed knowledge of the key theories and the skills needed to evaluate different theoretical positions in light of current evidence
• The examination will assess students' detailed knowledge and understanding of the subject.
• Some modes of teaching, for example, the use of group discussions and small group work, will ensure that students are exposed to a range of different theoretical positions, and encouraged to understand their inter-relations
• These modes of teaching will also give students the opportunity to interpret and evaluate the significance of empirical work
• The written examination assesses students' acquired knowledge of theoretical principles and empirical studies and their ability to organise and synthesise them coherently and critically in written form in response to a set question
• The examination will also assess students' written communication skills

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

None

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University