01257 - Ethology

Academic Year 2023/2024

  • Teaching Mode: Traditional lectures
  • Campus: Bologna
  • Corso: First cycle degree programme (L) in Natural Sciences (cod. 5823)

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student possesses the scientific study method and basic knowledge of animal behaviour in relation to the evolution and the environment.

Course contents

The origin of ethology

Ethology concepts: behaviours, stimuli and behavioural bases

Behavioural development and learning

Communication and social behavioural

Reproductive systems, parental care and sexual selection

Behavioural ecology

The study of behaviour

Readings/Bibliography

Slides of the course

Scientific papers suggested during the course

Bogliani, G., Carere, C., Cervo, R., Grasso, D., Luschi, P. (2022). Etologia - Lo studio del comportamento animale. UTET

Alcock, J., Rubenstein, D.R. (2020). Etologia - Un approccio evolutivo. Zanichelli

Teaching methods

Lectures with the support of presentations (PowerPoint)

Practical exercises and videos

Assessment methods

Oral exam based on questions related to the contents of the course

Teaching tools

PC, projector

Office hours

See the website of Pietro Milanesi