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 first semester, review in January
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 and test varied methodologies to record animal behaviour. Groups of three (possibly four) students select a model species present in the zoo (primates or others), 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 and focal methods). Therefore, students obtain activity budgets and/or social interaction matrices s 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 such as ad libitum, scan and focal.
Prerequisite knowledge and skills
Students following this practical need to have followed lectures in ethology and/or ethometry.
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)
The participation to the practical is mandatory (2-4 days), generally in Koln (in late September or October). The preparation of the bibliography and the reports are done separately.
Organisational adjustments related to the current health context
Due to the sanitary restrictions, particularly associated with international travels, the duration of the practical in 2020 will be reduced and will occur in Pairi Daiza instead of Cologne.
Recommended or required readings
Informations are provided on ecampus
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
written exam ( open-ended questions )
- Remote
written work
- If evaluation in "hybrid"
preferred remote
Additional information:
The evaluation is based on a written report and the participation in the practical. Depending on the number of registered students, the practical in the zoo might be replaced by another approach.
Work placement(s)
The practical in the zoo is the core of this learning unit. It usually takes place in Cologne (Germany)
Organizational remarks
The practical in the zoo of Cologne being hold at the start of the academic year (in October in 2020), the inscriptions and participation to the payment of accomodations and meals need to be done via the procedure sent by email to Master 1 students and/or on demand to the teachers or the secretary (Valérie Beaupain, 04-3665081, valerie.beaupain@uliege.be). A first set of reservations and payments will be done the year of the practical to make it possible.
The number of participants is limited. The form of registration will need to be filled and given as early as possibly to supervisors along with a brief motivation letter, with copy to the secrerariat, after which a confirmation will be given to proceed to the payment to the university. A proof of payment needs to be sent to the supervirors upon pre-acceptance. Only students that have been accepted and have paid on time will be registered. For the practical in 2021, the first registrations are requested by March 15. Registrations will be closed when the maximum number of accepted students is reached. Transportation is not provided. More information on the web site of the lab: http://www.labos.ulg.ac.be/etho/en/denoel/practicals
Contacts
Prof. Mathieu Denoël, Laboratory of Ecology and Conservation of Amphibians, Institute of Zoology, Quai van Beneden 22, 4020 Liege. E-mail: Mathieu.Denoel[a]uliege.be
Dr. Fany Brotcorne, Primatology Research Group, Institute of Zoology, Quai van Beneden 22, 4020 Liege. E-mail: fbrotcorne@uliege.be