Course: Neuroethology

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Course title Neuroethology
Course code KZO/675
Organizational form of instruction Lecture
Level of course Master
Year of study not specified
Frequency of the course In academic years starting with an odd year (e.g. 2017/2018), in the summer semester.
Semester -
Number of ECTS credits 4
Language of instruction Czech
Status of course Compulsory-optional
Form of instruction Face-to-face
Work placements unspecified
Recommended optional programme components None
Lecturer(s)
  • Sedláček František, prof. RNDr. CSc.
Course content
Content of lectures: Introduction, ethology and related disciplines, behavioural models - ethological, cybernetic, neurophysiological; data communication and processing. Neural systems - structure and function; sensory, association and motor braincetres; homoeostasis. Sense organs - structure and function; threshold values; localization and identification; neural, cognitive maps. Motor systems - reflex, tonic control; spontaneous pike generators (pacemakers); innate behavioural programs. Motivation; selective attention; arousal. Learning - physiological mechanisms; types and localization of memmory; bird song. Echolocation in bats and dolphins, recognition of predators.

Learning activities and teaching methods
Monologic (reading, lecture, briefing), Dialogic (discussion, interview, brainstorming)
  • Preparation for classes - 30 hours per semester
  • Class attendance - 30 hours per semester
  • Preparation for exam - 40 hours per semester
Learning outcomes
Presentation of neuronal mechanisms which determine the observed behaviour i.e. capacity of sense organs, data processing in brain and motor systems.
It is about two-hour long lecture for master degree studets. Periodicity: in each academic year
Prerequisites
For students interested in animal behaviour and its link to neural mechanisms, that passed the basic bachelor course "KZO/159 Biology of animal behaviour".

Assessment methods and criteria
Oral examination, Written examination

By written exam students will be asked to answer 10 questions briefly concerning the main principles and mechanisms of animal behaviour and function of neural systems.
Recommended literature
  • Banich M.T., Compton R.J. Cognitive Neuroscience.. Wadsworth Cengage Learning., 2011. ISBN 978-0-8400-3265-2.
  • Bradbury J.W., Vehrencamp S. Principles of Animal Communication.. Sinauer Associates, Inc., Publishers Sunderland, Massachusetts, 2011. ISBN 9780878930456.
  • Carew T.J. Behavioral Neurobiology: The Cellular Organization of Natural Behavior. Sinauer Associates, Inc., Sunderland, Massachusetts, 2000. ISBN 0-87893-084-1.


Study plans that include the course
Faculty Study plan (Version) Category of Branch/Specialization Recommended year of study Recommended semester
Faculty: Faculty of Science Study plan (Version): Zoology (1) Category: Biology courses - Recommended year of study:-, Recommended semester: -
Faculty: Faculty of Science Study plan (Version): Zoology (1) Category: Biology courses - Recommended year of study:-, Recommended semester: -