About this course
This course introduces students to the field of Animal Behaviour, considering the four questions of Tinbergen, i.e. causation, development, function, and evolution of behaviour. Students also learn about methods in Animal Behaviour, and apply this knowledge during a practical. The course will provide students with important basic tools, knowledge, and experience for studying animal behaviour. Finally, students are instructed in best practices in science, and in scientific writing. As part of the course students write a scientific paper in English in the style of a scientific publication using data collected and analysed during the practical.
Learning outcomes
Discuss and analyse principles of behaviour
Define, apply, and distinguish the 4 questions of Tinbergen
Apply behavioural and evolutionary thinking to interpret data, and to report scientific findings in animal behaviour
Define behaviours, and analyse the evolutionary process of different behaviours
Comprehend the theoretical framework of the evolutionary and mechanistic approach in animal behaviour
Design and conduct research in animal behaviour
Apply the best practices of scientific writing in English in animal behaviour
Assessment method
- Assignment report (35%)
- Written test with open and closed questions (55%)
- Assignment report (10%)
Resources
- Breed, M. D., & Moore, J. (2015). Animal behavior. Academic Press. Note: The WUR library have ebook copies for WUR students. https://wur.on.worldcat.org/oclc/784140591
Additional information
- Contact a coordinator
- Levelbachelor
- Mode of instructionon campus