5 ECTS credits
125 h study time
Offer 1 with catalog number 4015715FNR for all students in the 1st semester at a (F) Master - specialised level.
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Historical background and main trends in Behavioural Ecology. Analysis of foraging and habitat selection within a behavioural ecology perspective. Behavioural strategies of anti-predation, cooperation and conflict. Concepts and tools in studies on animal communication. Comparative study of communication media (acoustical, visual, chemical). Sensory channels and perception. Structure and function of signals and cues. Introduction to information theory. Information transfer and collective decision in animal societies
Prerequisites : Basic Training in Biology, Bioengineering & Behavioural sciences
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To get an overwiew of current trends in behavioural ecology with an emphasis on animal communication and its evolution. To understand the ultimate and proximate causes driving the behaviour of animal species in their natural environement To provide a comparative analysis of the main vectors of information and to discuss about their biological function mainly in insects and vertebrates
As regards the learning outcomes, the student should be able
1°)to discuss the mechanisms and constraints that impact the behavioral strategies of animals in natural populations
2°)to form an idea of the diversity of communication at different biological levels (individual, populations, communities)
3°) to understand how animals process information and make adaptive decisions
4°) to critically analyze data in the field of behavioural ecology and ethology
The final grade is composed based on the following categories:
Other Exam determines 100% of the final mark.
Within the Other Exam category, the following assignments need to be completed:
Oral examination with a written preparation of two main questions. The examination concerns the written (slides) and oral matter covered during the lectures. Starting from the two main questions, the examination will cover other parts of the course to assess the ability of the student to get an integrated overview of the matter
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This offer is part of the following study plans:
Master of Biology: AR Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree in Tropical Biodiversity and Ecosystems, start at Brussels
Master of Biology: AR Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree in Tropical Biodiversity and Ecosystems, start at Paris
Master of Biology: AR Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree in Tropical Biodiversity and Ecosystems, start at Cayenne