Neuroethology
To introduce an understanding of the neuronal mechanisms that control complex animal behavior.
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
Explain the neuronal mechanisms underlying sensory processing, motor control, and learning in animals.
Analyze specialized behaviors such as echolocation, sexually dimorphic behavior, and spatial navigation from a neuroethological perspective.
Describe the role of behavioral plasticity and critical periods in shaping animal behavior and neural development.
Evaluate experimental techniques and findings in neuroethology through critical analysis of original research papers.
Communicate scientific insights effectively through written reports and oral presentations.
Explore the neuronal mechanisms that underlie and control complex animal behavior. Learn about sensory processing mechanisms responsible for behaviors such as echolocation and sensory navigation. Learn about motor control mechanisms such as central motor pattern generators, stereotyped behavior, and spatial navigation. Discuss the evolutionary strategy and the biological ideas of animal behavior and underlying neuronal mechanisms, including sexually dimorphic behavior, behavioral plasticity, learning and memory, and the critical period. Critically analyze original research papers and literature to provide an understanding of modern experimental techniques in neuroethology.
Introduction (Basic Neurophysiology and neuronal circuits)
Sensory information I: Visual and Auditory (map formation, plasticity and critical period, etc.)
Sensory information II: Olfactory (Chemical) and other senses
Sensory perception and integration I (Echolocation, Sound localization, etc.)
Sensory perception and integration II (Sensory navigation, etc.)
Motor control I (Stereotyped behavior)
Motor control II (Central pattern generator)
Sexually dimorphic behavior
Learning I (Learning and memory)
Learning II (Associative learning)
Learning III (Sensory motor learning during development)
Learning VI (Spatial navigation)
Behavioral plasticity and the critical period
Recent techniques in neuroethology
Homework, 20%; Written reports, 4 x 20%.
Neuroscience background required
Behavioral Neurobiology, by Thomas J Carew (2000) Sinauer