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Behavioural Endocrinology

HAP21806

About this course

Behavioral endocrinology refers to genetic, molecular, cellular, psychological, and social influences on behaviour. This course reviews the current state of knowledge at the interfaces of hormones and behaviour in mammals. The course Behavioural Endocrinology consists of 4 themes, namely:

  1. Introduction to behavioural endocrinology;
  2. Reproduction;
  3. Regulation of homeostasis;
  4. Stress, social behaviour and learning.
    The course addresses basic principles of behaviour and endocrinology, but especially outlines the interrelationships of hormones, behaviour and nervous systems. Contemporary knowledge is presented from diverse perspectives taking into account the historical background and findings that laid the foundations for modern studies of behavioral endocrinology.

Learning outcomes

After successful completion of this course students are expected to be able to:

  • Interpret the importance of hormones and behavioural influences for an optimal functioning of the organism and interpret the importance of deviations from the optimum
  • Summarize the regulatory mechanisms underlying the interactions between hormones and behaviour
  • Apply the four different levels of analysis of behavioural questions
  • Summarize the organizational and activating effects of gonadal hormones in relation to male and female reproduction, reproductive behaviour and parental care
  • Discuss the concepts of different mating strategies
  • Explain the types and control of the biological clocks and rhythms and the relation between biological clocks and seasonal rhythms
  • Explain the physiological effects of the stress response
  • Analyse the environmental influences on behavioural endocrinology and correlates of social behaviour, stress and learning and to conceptualize this knowledge in relation to adaptation

Prior knowledge

Mandatory Knowledge:
ZSS06100 Laboratory Safety
Assumed Knowledge:
EZO10306/EZO10806 Zoology (- English) and HAP20306 Human and Animal Physiology.

Resources

Additional information

  • Credits
    ECTS 6
  • Level
    bachelor
If anything remains unclear, please check the FAQ of Wageningen University.

Offering(s)

  • Start date

    12 May 2025

    • Ends
      4 July 2025
    • Term *
      Period 6
    • Location
      Wageningen
    • Instruction language
      English
    • Register between
      1 Jun, 00:00 - 6 Apr 2025
    Enrolment open
These offerings are valid for students of Utrecht University