Behavioural ecology

Duration

20h Th

Number of credits

Lecturer

Mathieu Denoël

Language(s) of instruction

French language

Organisation and examination

Teaching in the first semester, review in January

Schedule

Schedule online

Units courses prerequisite and corequisite

Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program

Learning unit contents

The lectures aim to provide functional explanations to the complexity of behavioural patterns exhibited in varied environmental situations. It explains how behaviours contribute to the survival and reproductive success of individuals and how the observed tactics and strategies have been selected. Optimality and maximalisation are of primary importance in this perspective. After a general introduction, the lectures are divided into three main parts: resource exploitation, reproductive systems and interactions.
- Chapter 1: main concepts and methods in behavioural ecology.
- Chapter 2: choice of feeding patches, dietary items and reproductive habitas.
- Chapter 3: sexual dimorphism, mate choice, intra-sexual selection, sex roles, public information, mating systems, alternative mating tactics, and sperm competition.
- Chapter 4: interactions with conspecifics (parental care, life in groups, cooperation, altruism)

Learning outcomes of the learning unit

The aim of the course is to explain relations among behaviour, ecology and evolution in a perspective of optimality and selection. It consists in explaining theories in behavioural ecology on diversity of behavioural patterns and in illustrating them with empirical data from varied zoological groups.

Prerequisite knowledge and skills

It is useful to have bases in ethology.

Planned learning activities and teaching methods

The lectures are mainly based on power points made available on ecampus. Examples illustrate the various presented concepts.

Mode of delivery (face to face, distance learning, hybrid learning)

The lectures are given in the first quadrimester. However, due to the lack of room availabilities with the current restrictions, the modalities of presentation are expected to be adapted.

Organisational adjustments related to the current health context

The complete power point notes provided on ecampus will not be presented in the oral lectures due to the current restrictions. In 2020, the lectures will be a summary of the matter to present the different chapters and concepts.

Recommended or required readings

The Power-Point slides and the table of contents of the lectures are available on ecampus for the registered students. Book recomendations are available on ecampus (without obligation).

Assessment methods and criteria

Below you will find information on the evaluation methods planned for in-person and remote exams as well as those planned for hybrid sessions. Depending on how the health crisis evolves, the chosen method will be communicated to you no later than one month before the start of the exam session.

Any session :

- In-person

oral exam

- Remote

written exam

- If evaluation in "hybrid"

preferred in-person


Additional information:

The evaluation is planned to be based on an oiral exam. It is based on the whole matter provided on ecampus but focused on the matter presented during the lectures.

Work placement(s)

Organizational remarks

The lectures start at the end of September or in October. Additional details can be communicated by e-mail to the registered students or made available on the following web page: http://www.labos.ulg.ac.be/etho/en/denoel/teaching

Contacts

Prof. Mathieu Denoël Laboratory of Ecology and Conservation of Amphibians Institute of Zoology (Bat. I1) University of Liege Quai van Beneden 22 4020 Liège
E-mail: Mathieu.Denoel[a]uliege.be