HET300 Scientific Methods in Ethology

General learning objectives: After completing the course, students should be able to describe and explain the most important ethological research methods, including their strengths and weaknesses. In addition, students should be able to develop scientifically relevant research designs, as well as be able to conduct some of the methods in practice.

Knowledge: Students should be able to define ethological problems, as well as describe and explain the following aspects and methods of ethological research: naturalistic observations vs. experimental manipulations, descriptive behaviour studies, classification of behaviour, the development of ethograms, behavioural events and states, factors that affect research design, continuous observation, scan sampling, focal animal sampling, sequence analysis, various behaviour tests, observation equipment and registration equipment, computer programs for registration of behaviour, relevant data analyses, as well as the reliability and validity of behavioural data. Students should also be familiar with how behavioural data are presented.

Skills: Students should be able to apply their knowledge to the planning and design of research in ethology and consider the limitations that various methods place on the interpretation of research results. Students should master the technical aspects of the selected methods in which they gain practical experience.

Reflection: Students should develop a critical, knowledge-based interpretation of conclusions in scientific reports on ethology. In addition, students should be able to evaluate the ethical aspects of research methods.