Duration
15h Th, 40h Pr, 1d FW
Number of credits
| Master in biology of organisms and ecology (120 ECTS) | 4 crédits | |||
| Master in psychology (120 ECTS) | 3 crédits |
Lecturer
Language(s) of instruction
French language
Organisation and examination
Teaching in the first semester, review in January
Schedule
Units courses prerequisite and corequisite
Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program
Learning unit contents
The ethometry course aims to develop practical knowledge of methods for measuring and analyzing animal behavior. For each of these methods, theoretical teaching aims at explaining how it works, advantages and limitations, both for the observation of single individuals and of individuals in groups.
The systematic observation of behavior is an activity which concerns in particular the biologist and the psychologist; it is carried out in natural environment or in laboratory.
The course will also allow the student to become aware of the different sources of bias that may affect the quality of the data collected in the context of the observation (biases related to the construction of the ethogram, to the observer himself, the use of electronic data collection equipment, or the circumstances of the observation itself). Statistical techniques to evaluate the reliability of measurements will be discussed (use of R for inter-observer reliability tests, for example).
Lastly, the methods of individual identification and the contribution of traditional and modern behavior analysis techniques (e.g. video-tracking, radio-tracking, RFID telemetry) will be addressed in different groups (fish, amphibians, rodents, non-human primates).
Learning outcomes of the learning unit
Learning the different quantitative techniques in behavioural research and put them into practices. Several model species will be presented to illustrate varied approaches and zoological groups.
Prerequisite knowledge and skills
General basic knowledge in ethology and statistics but pre-requisites are not obligatory.
Planned learning activities and teaching methods
Theoretical lectures and practicals (e.g., application of behavioural analysis techniques from video recordings, reading of papers).
Mode of delivery (face-to-face ; distance-learning)
Presence during lectures and practicals as well as distance-learning for practicals
Recommended or required readings
The lectures are in part based on the book by P. martin & P. Bateson. "Measuring behaviour. An introductory guide. Third edition" (2007). Cambridge.
A few scientific papers will also be used to complement the topics presented during the lectures and could possibly be part of works done in groups.
Assessment methods and criteria
Evaluations on the theoretical courses and on the practical aspects (details will be given during the lectures).
Work placement(s)
Application of the methods learned during the lectures.
Organizational remarks
Further information: http://www.labos.ulg.ac.be/etho/en/denoel/teaching
Support for practicals on ecampus and/or here on line.
Contacts
Prof Mathieu Denoël, Laboratoire d'Ethologie des Poissons et Amphibiens, Biologie du Comportement, Institut de Zoologie (Bât. I1), Quai van Beneden 22, 4020 Liège. E-mail: Mathieu.Denoel[a]uliege.be
Prof Michael Ovidio, Laboratoire de Démographie des Poissons et d'Hydroécologie, Institut de Zoologie (Bât. I1), Quai van Beneden 22, 4020. Email: M.Ovidio@uliege.be
Prof André Ferrara, Psychologie de l'apprentissage et cognition animale. ULiège, FPLSE, Quartier Agora / Place des Orateurs 2 (Bât. B32). Email: a.ferrara@uliege.be