| NBID63 |
Applied Ethology, 15 ECTS credits.
/Tillämpad etologi/
For:
ETH
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Prel. scheduled
hours: 120
Rec. self-study hours: 280
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Area of Education: Science
Main field of studies: Biology
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Advancement level
(G1, G2, A): A
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Aim:
Behaviour is the primary means by which an animal interacts with and adapts to its physical and social environment. The behaviour is shaped by both evolutionary and ontogenetic processes and therefore has a close connection to genetics and physiology. Understanding the biology of behaviour is therefore an important basis for deeper insights into the adaptive capacities and the needs of animals. Consequently, it is also an important tool to for understanding animal welfare in captivity, and the biological basis for animal conservation.
The student will be able to assess and reflect on the mechanisms, function, phylogeny and ontogeny of behaviour systems, with a focus on the behaviour of domesticated animals and other animals in captivity. The student will develop a proficiency in finding, evaluating and compiling primary and secondary research literature on relevant topics, and apply methods and theories in new contexts. Furthermore, the student will develop skills in formulating relevant scientific hypotheses on applied ethological problems, and plan, design and carry out rigid, quantitative studies in order to test those. Also the ability to analyse and interpret experimental data will be developed and the student will be able to communicate in new contexts, including to present the results both in written and oral format. The student will also synthesize and reflect on scientific results by means of both written and oral communication of results obtained through literature searches. Furthermore, the student will develop critical assessment abilities, allowing proper scientific judgement of scientific data on animal behaviour. The student will also develop a societal and ethical perspective on the use of ethology in assessment of animal welfare.
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Prerequisites: (valid for students admitted to programmes within which the course is offered)
A bachelor's degree with a major in the field of biology, including at least 5 ECTS credits in the field of physiology.
Note: Admission requirements for non-programme students usually also include admission requirements for the programme and threshhold requirements for progression within the programme, or corresponding.
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Organisation:
Understanding of basic principles of animal behaviour, obtained for example through a course in basic ethology comprising 15 ECTS. A possible starting point would be John Alcock: Animal Behavior (8th ed.) Sinauer, Sunderland, 2005. Furthermore, the student should possess fundamental knowledge of animal physiology and genetics, and of principles of evolution. Extra costs due to travelling and living must be paid by the student.
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Course contents:
The course covers the following topics:
- History and context of applied ethology
- -Ethological methods for sampling and analyzing data
- Behaviour genetics and animal domestication
- Behaviour endocrinology, stress, and behaviour disorders
- Motivation and animal welfare
- Behaviour and conservation
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Course literature:
Recommended course textbooks: Bolhuis & Giraldeau: The behaviour of animals; Barnard et al; Asking questions in biology; Martin & Bateson: Measuring behavior.
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Examination: |
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Seminar participation and submissions
Submission of review paper
Practical project reports
Home examination
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2 ECTS
3 ECTS
5 ECTS
5 ECTS
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Grades on the whole course is determined by the grade on UPG4 |
Course language is English.
Department offering the course: IFM.
Director of Studies: Agneta Johansson
Examiner: Per Jensen
Link to the course homepage at the department
Course Syllabus in Swedish
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