Universität Wien
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300010 VO Vertebrate social systems: mechanisms (2026W)

3.00 ECTS (2.00 SWS), SPL 30 - Biologie
Tu 27.10. 09:45-13:00 Seminarraum 1.4, Biologie Djerassiplatz 1, 1.013, Ebene 1

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Details

Language: English

Lecturers

Classes (iCal) - next class is marked with N

  • Friday 30.10. 11:30 - 14:45 Seminarraum 1.7, Biologie Djerassiplatz 1, 1.010, Ebene 1
  • Wednesday 11.11. 13:15 - 16:30 Seminarraum 1.5, Biologie Djerassiplatz 1, 1.012, Ebene 1
  • Thursday 12.11. 15:00 - 18:15 Seminarraum 1.7, Biologie Djerassiplatz 1, 1.010, Ebene 1
  • Friday 13.11. 11:30 - 14:45 Seminarraum 1.7, Biologie Djerassiplatz 1, 1.010, Ebene 1
  • Wednesday 18.11. 15:00 - 18:15 Seminarraum 1.5, Biologie Djerassiplatz 1, 1.012, Ebene 1
  • Thursday 19.11. 15:00 - 18:15 Seminarraum 1.7, Biologie Djerassiplatz 1, 1.010, Ebene 1
  • Friday 20.11. 11:30 - 14:45 Seminarraum 1.7, Biologie Djerassiplatz 1, 1.010, Ebene 1

Information

Aims, contents and method of the course

Students gain an advanced, comparative understanding of the neurobiological, endocrine, and physiological mechanisms underlying vertebrate social systems. They learn to analyze social structures through the lens of neural and physiological plasticity. Upon completion, students will be capable of critically evaluating cutting-edge literature on social physiology, behavioral syndromes, and individual variation in social behavior.

Course Contents:
Living with conspecifics is a fundamental feature of the vertebrate nervous system and physiology. While addressing the diversity of social systems across vertebrate taxa, this course focuses primarily on the underlying physiological and mechanistic controls:
. Physiology of Sociality: Neural substrates, neuropeptides (oxytocin, vasopressin/vasotocin), and endocrine axes (HPA).
. Mechanisms of Social Interaction: Physiological basis of pair-bonding, parental care, dominance hierarchies, social stress, and cooperation.
. Individual Variation: Proximate mechanisms, development, and evolutionary significance of animal personalities and behavioral syndromes.
. Developmental Plasticity: Epigenetic factors and early-life experiences shaping adult social responsiveness.

Teaching and Learning Methods:
Lecture series incorporating recent empirical research, case studies across vertebrate classes, and visual conceptual models. Includes brief discussion segments on physiological methodologies.

Assessment and permitted materials

Assessment is conducted via a written, in-person final examination at the end of the semester.

Exam Format: Written in-person exam consisting of 5 open-ended questions (no multiple-choice).
Requirements: Questions are designed to be answered concisely and structurally, ideally using relevant keywords, core concepts, and brief explanations.
Scoring: Each question is worth up to 10 points (total score: 50 points).
Duration: Maximum of 60 minutes.

Permitted Aids:
This is an in-person closed-book examination.
No aids or resources (such as lecture notes, literature, smartphones, smartwatches, or dictionaries) are permitted during the exam.

Minimum requirements and assessment criteria

Question Requirement: Students must answer at least 4 out of the 5 questions on the exam.
Literature Reference: At least one exam question directly addresses the assigned scientific literature.
Minimum Pass Mark: A minimum overall score of 30 out of 50 points (60%) is required to pass.

Grading Scale (Total: 50 points):
The exam consists of 5 questions, each worth up to 10 points:
50 – 45 points: Excellent (1 / Sehr gut)
44 – 40 points: Good (2 / Gut)
39 – 35 points: Satisfactory (3 / Befriedigend)
34 – 30 points: Sufficient (4 / Genügend)
29 – 00 points: Unsatisfactory (5 / Nicht genügend)

Examination topics

The examination covers all theoretical concepts, physiological mechanisms, and empirical findings presented in the course. Exam preparation is based on the following materials:
. Lecture Slides: All presentation materials (PPT) made accessible to students via Moodle.
. Lectures & Conceptual Discussions: Oral explanations and scientific discussions regarding core concepts of social behavior and its underlying mechanisms.
. Primary Literature / Research Papers: Key original research articles and review papers integrated into the lectures and referenced on Moodle. At least one exam question will directly reference this mandatory literature.

Reading list

Textbooks: A representative overview of relevant international textbooks on behavioral physiology and sociobiology will be presented and discussed during the first lecture.

Lecture Materials & Presentations: All presentation slides (PPT) will be made accessible via Moodle throughout the semester.

Original Research Articles: Additional relevant materials, key research papers, and review articles—which also form part of the required exam material—will be provided directly on Moodle.

Association in the course directory

UF MA BU 01, UF MA BU 04, CoBeNe W3, MA-UF BU 03

Last modified: Th 10.09.2026 15:47