You will first learn about the history of the study of behaviour, and differences in emphases between the fields of psychology and ethology (with particular reference to the learning process). Later, we will take an integrated approach to studying behaviour by using a framework of proximate (developmental and mechanistic) and ultimate (functional and phylogenetic) explanations. Fundamental processes influencing animal behaviour will be considered, including the relative contributions of evolutionary processes, genetics, the nervous system, learning, and the environment.
You will learn how to frame questions and hypotheses in the scientific investigation of behaviour, and will use basic techniques for describing and recording behavioural observations. You will discover potential applications of behavioural studies and enhance your understanding of sound experimental design. Such skills will be useful in a wide range of scientific and animal management careers.
The course will primarily be taught via a range of exciting lectures, but each session will also feature discussions, visits from special non-human guests, scientific games, 3D videos, experiments, demonstrations, student presentations and digital quizzes.
