Animal behavior - Ethology

The aim of this teaching unit is to take an integrative approach to animal behavior, in the light of Tinbergen's four "whys": from ontogeny and neurobiological causes to evolution and biological functions. In addition to historical, conceptual and methodological contributions, students will be coached to grasp the diversity of traits involved, as well as the diversity of approaches and associated scientific questioning. Using a variety of examples, this course will highlight the diversity of disciplines studying animal behavior: Neuroscience, Ethology, Behavioral Ecology, and will provide students with the information they need to continue their studies in the appropriate fields: Animal Physiology and Neuroscience/ Evolutionary Biology and Ecology/ Others....

Knowledge : Disciplinary skills

Mobilize the fundamental concepts of behavioral biology

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

Know the relationships between genotype and phenotype (morpho-anatomy, behavior, interactions) and how they evolve.

Understand the major neurobiological processes that guide behavioral responses

Understanding the interactions between species in communities and their role in the structure and dynamics of biodiversity

Understanding the notion of behavioral adaptation to environmental change

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

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

Know-how :

Know and know how to apply the different approaches and tools used in neuroscience, ethology and behavioral ecology: observation, sampling, experimentation and statistical analysis.      

Know the scientific vocabulary associated with disciplines, understand a simple written or oral scientific documentary source, be able to understand a document for the general public in French or English (written, oral or video).

Mobilize concepts and tools from different disciplines to analyze a document, an observation or the results of an experiment.

Be able to develop a logical argument with a critical mind (limits, confrontation with the biblio, defense of a point of view)           

Give an oral presentation and write a scientific report, using illustrations and a presentation adapted to the audience concerned, with the help of appropriate IT tools.

Propose a problem, propose and implement an observation approach, a sampling plan or an experimental approach, and analyze the resulting data, using IT tools for data entry, analysis and storage.

Use the different registers of written and spoken French with ease

People skills :

Successful project management within a group  

Ability to work independently, adapt to a new context and take relevant initiatives

Knowing how to position yourself in a group with the aim of implementing the project, knowing how to listen and exchange ideas

Respect the principles of ethics, professional conduct and environmental responsibility

Respect others as well as the equipment and organizations on which the student works

L1 majors