Prerequisites:

First-cycle Bologna degree or a university degree in the natural sciences.

Content (Syllabus outline):

• History and introduction; proximate and ultimate causes of behaviour
• Methods in behavioural biology
• Biology of aggressive behaviour
• Biology of reproductive behaviour (mating systems, sexual selection, sexual conflict)
• Biology of parenting behaviour
• Biology of (pro)social behaviour

Readings:

• Alcock, J. (2013). Animal behavior: an evolutionary approach. Sinauer Associates. Chapters: 2, 10 – 14.
• Martin, P., & Bateson, P. (2007). Measuring Behaviour: An Introductory Guide. Cambridge University Press
• Selected articles from scientific journals.

Objectives and competences:

The purpose of the course is to acquaint students with the concepts of the behavioural biology, which we understand as a manifestation of various proximal and distal processes. We will explain the basic research methods in the field of behavioral biology. Students will be introduced to selected chapters of behavioral biology, i.e. biology of aggressive, (pro) social behavior and parental behavior. The emphasis will be on study of sexual systems, mating behavior, sexual selection, and sexual conflict. Students will learn about research work in behavioral biology and be able to critically interpret results.

Intended learning outcomes:

• Knowledge of basic concepts in behavioural biology
• Knowledge of methodology in behavioural biology
• Knowledge of selected topics in the field of behavioural biology.
• Skills in reading and interpreting literature on behavioural biology, as well as summarizing and presenting these in written and oral forms (seminar).
• Ability to set up experiments and interpret behavioural results.
• Knowledge of research trends in behavioural biology.

Assessment:

Short written seminar and its presentation (50 %), examination (50 %).