Biology of animal behavior

The aim of this course is to understand animal behavior in an integrative way, in the light of Tinbergen's four 'whys', from its ontogeny to its evolution: from its ontogeny, its neurobiological causes to its evolution and its biological functions. In addition to historical, conceptual and methodological contributions, the students will be accompanied in order to apprehend the diversity of the features involved as well as the diversity of the approaches and the associated scientific questionings.

Majors L1, L2, L3S5

Person(s) in charge : Aurélie CELERIER (Bio-MV) ; Olivier DURIEZ (BE) 

Contact details of the person(s) responsible (tel/email) : aurelie.celerier @ umontpellier.fr (aurelie.celerier @ umontpellier.fr); olivier.duriez @ umontpellier.fr (olivier.duriez @ umontpellier.fr);

Disciplinary competencies

- Know and know how to implement the different approaches and tools used in evolutionary biology and ecology: observation, sampling, experimentation, modeling and statistical analysis

- Know the applications of organism biology, evolutionary biology and ecology (health, agronomy, conservation, restoration)

- To know the relations between genotype and phenotype (morpho-anatomy, behavior, interactions) and their evolution

- To know the interactions between species in communities and their role in the structure and dynamics of biodiversity

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

- Know the main applications of ecology (health, agronomy, conservation, restoration)

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

Cross-cutting competencies

- Know and know how to implement the different approaches and tools used in evolutionary biology and ecology: observation, sampling, experimentation and statistical analysis

- English: know the scientific vocabulary associated with the disciplines, understand a simple written or oral scientific document, be able to understand a general public document in English (written, oral or video)

- Know how to mobilize concepts and tools from different disciplines to analyze a document, an observation or the result 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)     

- Know how to make an oral presentation and a scientific written report, using illustrations and a presentation adapted to the public concerned, with the help of adapted computer tools

- Be able to propose a problem, propose and implement an observation approach, a sampling plan or an experimental approach, and analyze the resulting data, using computer tools for data entry, analysis and storage

- Know how to carry out a project within a group

- Know how to work independently, adapt to a new context and take relevant initiatives

- Knowing how to position oneself in a group in order to implement the project, knowing how to listen and exchange

- Respecting others and the equipment and organizations you work with