Behavioural Ecology

BHE30306

About this course

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.

Learning outcomes

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

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

Prior knowledge

Mandatory Knowledge:
ZSS06200 Fieldwork Safety
Assumed Knowledge:
BHE20303 Animal Behaviour (if you did not follow this course, we highly recommend the free online MOOC "introduction to Animal Behaviour": https://www.wur.nl/en/show/introduction-to-animal-behaviour.htm). Without this background knowledge this course will be difficult.

Resources

Additional information

  • Credits
    ECTS 6
  • Level
    bachelor
  • Selection course
    No
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
    Enrolment open
For guests registration, this course is handled by Wageningen University