Duration
10h Pr, 4d FW
Number of credits
| Master in biology of organisms and ecology (120 ECTS) | 3 crédits |
Lecturer
Coordinator
Language(s) of instruction
French language
Organisation and examination
Teaching in the second semester
Schedule
Units courses prerequisite and corequisite
Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program
Learning unit contents
The aim of this stage is to learn varied ethometric techniques and to apply them to adequately quantify behavioural observations. Groups of three (possibly four) students select a model species present in the zoo, determine and define the list of exhibited behavioural patterns, learn to recognize each studied individuals and finally quantify behavioural acts through standardized observations and recordings (scan or focal methods). Therefore, students obtain activity budgets and/or social interaction matrices but also test for an eventual effect of the observers. After the stage itself, the students integrate their data and compare them to the relevant literature. Therefore, this practical allows students to cope with varied aspects of scientific research and more specifically in Ethology.
Learning outcomes of the learning unit
This formation aims to acquire the methodology to identify and quantify individual and social behaviours. It will allow to apply the theoretical aspects in ethometry and ethology in a situation that makes it possible easily behavioural observation s (i.e. in zoos). The approaches will encompass varied data sampling (e.g. scan and/or focal sampling).
Prerequisite knowledge and skills
Students following this practical need to have followed lectures in ethology and/or ethometry.
Students with residual credits from before their Master's level studies must contact the professors of this course to assess the possibilities for internship enrollment.
Planned learning activities and teaching methods
Learning proceeds by successive practical steps: bibliographic search on behavioural patterns of the study species, preliminary observations of behaviours, classment of the observed behaviours and preparation of the grids of observation, quantitative analyses of behaviours and methodologies, and preparation of a report.
Mode of delivery (face to face, distance learning, hybrid learning)
Face-to-face course
Additional information:
The participation to the practical is mandatory (3-4 days), in Koln (in late March in 2023). The preparation of the bibliography and the reports are done separately.
Recommended or required readings
Informations are provided on ecampus
Written work / report
Additional information:
The evaluation is based on a written report and the participation in the practical. Detailed instructions for preparing the report are available on ecampus.
The report, in English or French, will include a brief introduction (1/2 page), a detailed presentation of the observation methods and the group present in the enclosure studied, as well as a description of the reconstituted environment, a "results" section, a discussion of the results in relation to the literature and a bibliographical list. Aspects relating to the behavioral description of the animals observed must be kept separate from those relating to the "observer" effect, both in the results and in the discussion.
Detailed instructions for preparing the report are provided on ecampus. The report is due by April 30.
Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)
Work placement(s)
The practical in the zoo is the core of this learning unit. It usually takes place in Cologne (Germany). See for updates due to the sanitary crisis in the French version.
Organisational remarks and main changes to the course
The internship at Cologne Zoo takes place in the second quarter (end of March). Registrations must be received by September 28. Late registrations in October may be considered if logistically possible. A registration form is available on ecampus. It should be emailed to the two supervisors in pdf format, with a brief indication of the chosen finality and details of any residual credits. The participation to the cost of overnight accommodation (in principle 3 on site in 2024; shared rooms), breakfasts, some of the evening meals, transport costs (train) must be paid within one week of confirmation to the university, with a copy of the proof of payment sent to both supervisors immediately afterwards. Only students who have received confirmation of acceptance and have paid on time will be registered for the course. All (final) bookings will be made in October to ensure availability. Preparation for the internship also takes place during the year before the practical part in Cologne.
Contacts
Prof. Mathieu Denoël, Laboratory of Ecology and Conservation of Amphibians.
Dr. Fany Brotcorne, Primatology Research Group.