Animal behaviour

Aim

The course aims to provide a thorough overview of key concepts and the biology underlying animal behaviour. A particular emphasis will be placed on theoretically addressing underlying and evolutionary explanations for variation, as well as the adaptive values in behaviours, with relevant connections to the species' ecology and evolutionary history. This includes genetic and physiological mechanisms, the ontogenetic development of behaviours, the influence of cognitive processes, and phylogenetic relationships.

Upon completion of the course, students should be able to:

• Explain fundamental concepts and mechanisms underlying animal behaviour, as well as behavioural variation and its underlying evolutionary processes.
• Apply the methods and concepts presented during the lectures, and be able to describe how to conduct behavioral studies from a scientific perspective.

Content

Basic concepts underlying animal behaviour regarding the genetic and physiological background of behaviour, processes influencing variation in behaviours throughout the animal's life course, such as ontogeny and cognition, as well as the adaptive value and evolutionary consequences of behavioural variation. The course includes behavioural ecology and human ethology.

The course includes mandatory student presentations, seminars, and laboratory sessions. One laboratory session will be carried out at a zoo.