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Please check the official study guide for the most up to date course information

Animal behaviour: recording and analysis

Teacher
Semester
Semester 3
Credits
5

An understanding of animal behaviour is important for the management and conservation of a wide variety of animals.

Students on this course will learn to:

  • (i) address questions in biodiversity and conservation within a behavioural framework.
  • (ii) record the behaviour of animals in the field and laboratory using appropriate techniques.
  • (iii) analyse behavioural data using dedicated software and appropriate statistical methods.
  • (iv) interpret and present the results of behavioural analyses.

The syllabus will include the following aspects:
Case studies: applications of animal behaviour in biodiversity and conservation; Describing behaviour; Behaviour sampling and recording rules; Recording equipment; Behavioural software; Observing and recording animal behaviour in the field; Designing and conducting behavioural experiments; Reliability of behavioural data; Analysing observational and experimental data; Analysing social behaviour; Interpreting behavioural data and presenting results; Ethics of behavioural studies.

The module begins with a short introduction to the application of animal behaviour in conservation. This is followed by a variety of practical learning sessions in the laboratory and the field

Final Competencies

1  Describe the application of animal behaviour in conservation.

2  Design and carry out a robust behavioural study under field or laboratory conditions, having regard to sampling design and ethical considerations.

3  Analyse behavioural data using appropriate software and statistical techniques.

4  Interpret and clearly present the results of behavioural studies.

 

Further course information can be found here: https://studiekiezer.ugent.be/studiefiche/en/C004314/2021