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 lectures in Ethometry aim to give the bases for the quantitative study of animal behaviour. The different methodologies will be explained with theoretical and applied examples so to show their respective advantages and drawbacks. A special attention is given to the quality of quantitative data recording and potential biases (observer effects).
Lectures will be focused on rodents, amphibians and teleost fish what will provide an opportunity to discuss common and specific methodologies. New technologies such as video-trcaking will be presented. In teleosts and amphibians, an overview of the different techniques of tracking in the field will be given (RFID telemetry, radio-tracking, GPS) as they give potentials to quantify key behavioural traits (movements, dispersal, space use).
Finally, individual identification being essential to link behavioural patterns to specific individuals, a key aspect in behavioural ecology, the different techniques of identification will be presented.
Learning outcomes of the learning unit
The main aim of the lecture is to show the value of a good quantitative data recording and analysis in the study of animal behaviour. Then, the lectures aim to present the overview of the varied alternative options for the quantitative study of behaviours. The zoological groups are used primarily to present different contexts and specificities. At the aim of this course, it is expected that students will have a valuable basic approach to the quantitative study of behaviours on organisms such as those presented during the lectures.
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 practical presentations, what is essential given that videos will be explained, .... Some videos presented during lectures will be be uploaded on eCampus for distance learning.
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. There is no obligation to buy the book.
A few scientific papers will also be used to complement the topics presented during the lectures. They can be downloaded from eCampus.
Assessment methods and criteria
Evaluations on the theoretical courses and on the practical aspects during a written exam (for the first session). In second session, depending on the number of students, the exam may also be oral. The exam will cover both the theoretical and preactical examples presented by the different teachers and will include at least one video to analyse.
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
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
Adaptation of teaching commitments following the COVID-19 pandemic for the May-June 2020 session
Teaching methods implemented : distance-learning
Assessment subjects
Assessment methods
Contacts
Adaptation of teaching commitments following the COVID-19 pandemic for the Aug-Sept 2020 session
Assessment subjects
The exam will consist in a written online examination on the lectures presented by Prof. Ferrara and denoël. The exact modalities will be communicated to the students.
Assessment methods
Writen exam online