Animal Behavior - Ethology

The goal of this course is to understand animal behavior in an integrative manner, in light of Tinbergen’s four “whys”: from its ontogenesis and neurobiological causes to its evolution and biological functions. In addition to historical, conceptual, and methodological insights, students will be guided to understand the diversity of traits involved as well as the variety of scientific approaches and questions associated with them. Through various examples, this course will highlight the diversity of disciplines that study animal behavior—including neuroscience, ethology, and behavioral ecology—and will help students make informed decisions about continuing their studies in appropriate fields such as animal physiology and neuroscience, evolutionary biology and ecology, or other related areas.

Knowledge: Subject-Specific Skills

Apply the fundamental concepts of behavioral biology

Understand the various schools of thought on the relationship between the brain and behavior

Understand the relationships between genotype and phenotype (morphology and anatomy, behavior, interactions) and their evolution

Understand the major neurobiological processes that guide behavioral responses

Understand species interactions within communities and their role in the structure and dynamics of biodiversity

Understand the concept of behavioral adaptation in response to environmental changes

Understanding of major neurophysiological functions and their diversity, in interaction with the biotic or abiotic environment

Understand the impact of stress and natural and human-induced disturbances on biodiversity (from the organism to the biosphere)

Expertise:

Understand and be able to apply the various approaches and tools used in neuroscience, ethology, and behavioral ecology: observation, sampling, experimentation, and statistical analysis      

Be familiar with the scientific vocabulary associated with various disciplines; understand simple written or oral scientific sources; be able to understand a general-interest document in French or English (written, oral, or video)

Be able to apply concepts and tools from various disciplines to analyze a document, an observation, or the results of an experiment

Be able to develop a logical argument using critical thinking (identifying limitations, cross-referencing with the literature, and defending a point of view)           

Be able to deliver an oral presentation and write a scientific report, using illustrations and a presentation style appropriate for the target audience, with the help of appropriate computer tools

Be able to identify a research question, propose and implement an observational approach, a sampling plan, or an experimental design, and analyze the resulting data using computer tools for data entry, analysis, and storage.

Be able to use the various registers of written and spoken French with ease

Interpersonal Skills:

Knowing how to successfully carry out a project as part of a group  

Be able to work independently, adapt to new situations, and take appropriate initiative

Knowing how to position oneself within a group to facilitate project implementation, and knowing how to listen and engage in dialogue

Adhere to the principles of ethics, professional conduct, and environmental responsibility

Respect others, as well as the equipment and organisms the student is working with

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