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 work out scientifically relevant research design, as well as be able to practically conduct some of the methods. 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 working out of ethograms, behavioural incidents and conditions, factors that affect research design, continuous observation, spot tests of behaviour, the focal animal method, sequence analyses, 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. The students are to be familiar with how behavioural data is best presented. Students should be able to apply the knowledge aims when planning research design 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 they are given practical experience with. Students are to develop a critical, knowledge-based attitude towards conclusions in scientific reports on ethology. In addition, students are to evaluate the ethical sides of the research methods.

Lectures are given on the various methodical aspects, and demonstrations/exercises concerning the use of technical equipment are held. The students are to complete two projects where they design an experiment, conduct observations, perform data analyses and present the results at a seminar. A separate report is to be produced for each project that is to describe and discuss all the mentioned aspects of the project, including relevant literature studies emphasising methodology. The project work is demanding, and all students must be obliged to take active part in all phases of the project work.

The projects have their own supervisors who must be used in all stages of the work.

HET200, HFX221, PHI100.

Demonstrations/exercises.

The project report is assessed and weighs 50 %. Oral exam 50 %. The assessment also takes into account the extent and quality of each student\r´s work with the projects. In a group, students may therefore receive varying grades.

The total workload of 300 hours can be divided as follows: Lectures and course readings: 100 hours. Lectures: 30 hours. Project work with a presentation: 170 hours.

Special requirements in Science

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Week 36-47: Lectures and demonstrations/exercises (4 hours per week). Special exercises may require more time. Week 40-48: Project work (170 hours) Week 49/50: Presentation of project work

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The external examiner will assess the project reports.