Animal Behaviour

Animal Behaviour

University of Melbourne

STUDENT NAME

Sid Gustafson

GRADE

A

COMPLETION DATE

October 31st 2013

NOTES

Student has earned a certificate with distinction.

COURSE DETAILS

Instructors: Raoul Mulder, Mark Elgar

Duration of course: 8 weeks

Time commitment: 6-8 hours/week

Description:

Many of us derive inspiration from watching natural history documentaries and their astounding catalogue of wild animal behaviours.  In this course, we will explore how scientists study animal behaviour, and in particular how behaviour is shaped by the evolutionary forces of natural and sexual selection. Topics include resource acquisition; avoiding enemies; mate choice and sexual conflict; cues, signals and communication; parental care and social behaviour; and the role of genes, environments and learning in regulating behavioural diversity.  We draw on examples from across the animal kingdom to illustrate the complex mechanisms underlying adaptations, and complement these with natural history videos that highlight key concepts. We evaluate the scientific rigour of studies used to test theory, and highlight the often ingenious methods adopted by researchers to understand animal behaviour.

Syllabus:

We will cover the following topics:

• Behaviour, Ecology and Natural Selection
• Genes, Environment and Learning
• Finding food and avoiding predators
• Communication
• Sexual selection and sperm competition
• Mating systems and sex allocation
• Parental care and conflict
• Social behaviour

Associate Professor Raoul Mulder
Department of Zoology University of Melbourne

Professor Mark Elgar
Department of Zoology University of Melbourne

This Course Record Represents...

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DISTINCTION

The student’s performance in this course met the standard for Distinction as defined by the course instructor.

Dr Gustafson is an equine veterinarian, veterinary behaviorist, and novelist. He helps refine horse and dog training methods to accommodate the inherent nature and behavior of horses and dogs. Applied veterinary behavior enhances optimum health, performance, soundness, contentment, and longevity in animal athletes. Natural approaches to development, training, nutrition, and conditioning sustain equine health and enhance performance. Behavioral and nutritional enrichment strategies enhance the lives of stabled horses. Training and husbandry from the horse's perspective result in content, cooperative horses. DrSid provides equine behavior consultations to help recreate the needs and preferences of horses in training and competition.