Due to the COVID-19 crisis, the information below is subject to change,
in particular that concerning the teaching mode (presential, distance or in a comodal or hybrid format).
2 credits
20.0 h + 10.0 h
Q1
This biannual learning unit is being organized in 2020-2021
Teacher(s)
Gofflot Françoise; Van Dyck Hans;
Language
English
Main themes
This course is for students who wish to discover or deepen their knowledge about animal behaviour.
The diversity of animal behaviour is an inexhaustible source of fascination. First, we present this scientific field also called ethology, its concepts and methods. During the sessions, the students will address issues related to the use of space, the exploitation of food resources and the development of social interactions between individuals. Communication methods and functions will be discussed, as well as reproduction and parental behaviours. Students will also learn the importance of cognitive processes, including the mechanisms of learning, and the importance of personality in animal behaviour. The importance of different rhythms on behaviour will be highlighted by the study of chronobiology.
The diversity of animal behaviour is an inexhaustible source of fascination. First, we present this scientific field also called ethology, its concepts and methods. During the sessions, the students will address issues related to the use of space, the exploitation of food resources and the development of social interactions between individuals. Communication methods and functions will be discussed, as well as reproduction and parental behaviours. Students will also learn the importance of cognitive processes, including the mechanisms of learning, and the importance of personality in animal behaviour. The importance of different rhythms on behaviour will be highlighted by the study of chronobiology.
Aims
At the end of this learning unit, the student is able to : | |
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Content
Module 1: The science of animal behaviour
An introduction to key concepts for studying animal behaviour, including evolution, natural selection, anthropomorphism, and the scientific method.
Module 2: Learning, cognition and development
How animals learn to adjust their behaviour to their environment, and how they use their mental abilities to solve practical problems.
Module 3: Communication
An introduction to the various means animals use to send signals to each other, and how these signals are influenced by the environment and social context.
Module 4: Finding food and avoiding predators
How animals find and exploit food resources, and how they avoid becoming food themselves.
Module 5: Mating systems and parental care
The complexities of creating the next generation, from finding and competing for a mate to rearing offspring.
Module 6: Living in groups
The costs and benefits of living with others, how complex social groups arise, and why some animals forego reproduction to help others breed.
An introduction to key concepts for studying animal behaviour, including evolution, natural selection, anthropomorphism, and the scientific method.
Module 2: Learning, cognition and development
How animals learn to adjust their behaviour to their environment, and how they use their mental abilities to solve practical problems.
Module 3: Communication
An introduction to the various means animals use to send signals to each other, and how these signals are influenced by the environment and social context.
Module 4: Finding food and avoiding predators
How animals find and exploit food resources, and how they avoid becoming food themselves.
Module 5: Mating systems and parental care
The complexities of creating the next generation, from finding and competing for a mate to rearing offspring.
Module 6: Living in groups
The costs and benefits of living with others, how complex social groups arise, and why some animals forego reproduction to help others breed.
Teaching methods
Due to the COVID-19 crisis, the information in this section is particularly likely to change.
Exceptionally in 2020-2021, students are invited to follow a MOOC (massive open online course). The course will therefore be taken online. This course combines videos, written texts, animations, interviews with scientists. This MOOC composed by Wageningen University is taught in English.
Evaluation methods
Due to the COVID-19 crisis, the information in this section is particularly likely to change.
Continuous assessment during the term (small assignments, quiz, multiple choice questions), associated with a written exam during the session.
Bibliography
Manuel de support :
Éthologie animale : Une approche biologique du comportement. Anne Sophie Darmaillacq, Frédéric Lévy- deboeck Ed. édition 2019.
Éthologie animale : Une approche biologique du comportement. Anne Sophie Darmaillacq, Frédéric Lévy- deboeck Ed. édition 2019.
Faculty or entity
BIOL
