CODE 115179 ACADEMIC YEAR 2024/2025 CREDITS 4 cfu anno 3 SCIENZE BIOLOGICHE 8762 (L-13) - GENOVA SCIENTIFIC DISCIPLINARY SECTOR BIO/05 TEACHING LOCATION GENOVA SEMESTER 1° Semester TEACHING MATERIALS AULAWEB OVERVIEW Ethology is the study of animal and human behaviour using an evolutionary approach. This perspective allows us to formulate questions about behavioural patterns that can be tested with experimental methods. Ethology provides essential information for use in the management field and for conservation purposes. AIMS AND CONTENT LEARNING OUTCOMES The Ethology course aims to provide students with basic knowledge of animal behaviour, considered as a set of phenotypic characters subjected to natural (and sexual) selection and, as such, adapted to the living environment. The numerous examples (some of which are treated in an extremely in-depth manner both in their current implications and from an evolutionary perspective) will allow students to develop critical and analytical skills useful for future in-depth studies and personal research. AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES Attendance and participation in the planned training activities will allow the student to acquire knowledge of animal behaviour in an adaptive way. Specifically, the student will be able to: - Know the main historical development in the field of Ethology. - Know the relationships between instinctive and learned behaviours in the development of behavioural patterns. - Know the ontogeny and phylogeny of behaviours. - Learn about rhythmic behaviours on different time scales. - Understand the main aspects of behavioural ecology (predation, defence, territoriality, reproduction, parental care, sociality) - Know the rudiments of human ethology PREREQUISITES To effectively address the contents of the course, basic knowledge is required regarding (for Biological Sciences students) Elements of Evolutionary Biology and Zoology and Laboratory or (for Natural and Environmental Sciences students) General Biology and Elements of Systematic Zoology. TEACHING METHODS The course consists of frontal lessons. Attendance at lessons is strongly recommended. The classroom lessons are delivered through multimedia presentations. SYLLABUS/CONTENT 1. Introduction to ethology (basic concepts and definitions). 2. Bases of behaviour: nervous system and sense organs, endocrine system, neurons, action potentials 3. Organization of behaviour (cycles) 4. Instinctive behaviors 5. Learning (with notes on epigenetic modifications) 6. Feeding behaviour 7. Social behaviour and hierarchies 8. Choice of habitat and territoriality 9. Orientation and navigation (insights into bird migration) 10. Communication (insights into birdsong) 11. Courtship and sexuality 12. Reproduction 13. Parental care RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY All the slides used during the lessons and other teaching material will be available on AulaWeb at the end of each lesson cycle. The book indicated below is suggested as an example, but students can still use other university-level texts. The recommended text is available and consultable at the M.F.N. School of Sciences library. Alcock J., (Varie edizioni). Etologia. Un approccio evolutivo. Edizione. Zanichelli, Bologna. TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD MARZIA BO Ricevimento: The reception of the students will be agreed directly with the teacher GIORGIO BAVESTRELLO Ricevimento: Meetings with students will be agreed directly with the teacher Exam Board GIORGIO BAVESTRELLO (President) MARZIA BO (President Substitute) LESSONS Class schedule The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy EXAMS EXAM DESCRIPTION The exam consists of an oral test and is aimed at assessing the knowledge of the fundamental elements of the subject and the ability to connect between the various topics. The exams dates are published on the UNIGE website. ASSESSMENT METHODS Details on how to prepare for the exam and the degree of in-depth analysis required for each topic will be provided during the lessons. The exam will focus mainly on the topics covered during the lectures and will aim to assess if the student has reached an adequate level of knowledge. The ability to present arguments clearly and with correct terminology will also be assessed. Exam schedule Data appello Orario Luogo Degree type Note 28/01/2025 10:00 GENOVA Orale 20/02/2025 10:00 GENOVA Orale 20/02/2025 10:00 GENOVA Orale 18/06/2025 10:00 GENOVA Orale 22/07/2025 10:00 GENOVA Orale 17/09/2025 10:00 GENOVA Orale FURTHER INFORMATION Constant and regular attendance to lectures is strongly recommended. Students who have valid certification of physical or learning disabilities on file with the University and who wish to discuss possible accommodations or other circumstances regarding lectures, coursework and exams, should speak both with the instructor and with Professor Sara Ferrando (sara.ferrando@unige.it), the Department’s disability liaison.
