Behavioural Ecology

The course Behavioural Ecology provides insight into how evolution through natural selection shapes behaviour of animals (domestic or wild, vertebrate or invertebrate). The course includes acquiring theoretical knowledge, searching scientific information, critical reading of literature, observation and presentation of results. The acquired knowledge is directly applied in a short research project on captive or wild animals - depending on the opportunities; these can be either invertebrates or vertebrates.

• Use evolutionary concepts to explain animal behaviour

• Define and apply the four questions of Tinbergen in behavioural issues

• Apply the basic behavioural and ecological skills of observation and (statistical) data analysis

• Plan, perform, and finalize a small behavioural ecological research project

• Present and defend the results of a research project in a scientific oral presentation

• Written test with open questions (40%)
• Assignment oral presentation (25%) The content of the presentation and defense of it is graded by two staff members; In case of a failed presentation students can hand in a revised version of a videotaped presentation with critical discussion of three questions in .docx file at the next re-sit period.
• Assignment portfolio (35%) Practical assignment (performance and executing research project) assessed by group supervisor; In case of a failed assignment students can repeat the assignment in the course of the following year.

ZSS06200 Fieldwork Safety BHE20303 Animal Behaviour.

• N.B. Davies, J.R Krebs, S.A. West (2012). An Introduction to Behavioural Ecology 4th Edition (digitally available on the library website)