The Senses, Cognition and Learning of Animals

Aim

The course aims are to give the students an understanding about the sensory systems of animals. How they perceive information about the world but also the cognitive processes that result in a response from the animal. Besides comparing the cognitive abilities and the emotions present in animals, the course aims to give the student an understanding of learning theories and their applications. The student should after the course be able to:

• Explain learning theory and its applications, as well as the sensory biology and cognitive abilities of different animal species.
• Reflect in a written report about animals’ abilities within the scope of this course. This also includes to give feedback to other students.
• Apply learning theories in practice and study sensory abilities and also cognitive tests on animals.
• Communicate assignments orally.
• Summarize and present scientific papers.

Content

The course contains concepts of sensory systems and cognitive processes, how animals filter out and process information from their surroundings. The most common sensory receptors such as photoreceptors, mechanoreceptors, chemoreceptors, magnetoreceptors will be discussed, from receptor level and the processing of a signal, to the response of the animal. In addition, the course attends to theories of learning which also includes practical exercises on animals. The course will also focus on animal cognition such as memory, problem-solving and emotional systems in animals, in connection to the behaviour of the animal in relation to humans and the surrounding environment.