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300039 VO An Introduction to ethology (2026W)
Labels
Registration/Deregistration
Note: The time of your registration within the registration period has no effect on the allocation of places (no first come, first served).
Details
max. 400 participants
Language: German
Lecturers
Classes (iCal) - next class is marked with N
- N Thursday 26.11. 15:00 - 18:15 Seminarraum 1.7, Biologie Djerassiplatz 1, 1.010, Ebene 1
- Friday 27.11. 11:30 - 14:45 Seminarraum 1.7, Biologie Djerassiplatz 1, 1.010, Ebene 1
- Thursday 03.12. 15:00 - 18:15 Seminarraum 1.7, Biologie Djerassiplatz 1, 1.010, Ebene 1
- Friday 04.12. 11:30 - 14:45 Seminarraum 1.7, Biologie Djerassiplatz 1, 1.010, Ebene 1
Information
Aims, contents and method of the course
Assessment and permitted materials
Assessment is conducted via a written final examination at the end of the semester.
Exam Format: Written exam consisting of 35 multiple-choice questions.
Scoring: Each question is worth a maximum of 1 point (total score: 35 points).
Duration: Maximum of 60 minutes.Permitted Aids:
This is a closed-book examination.
No aids or resources (such as lecture notes, literature, smartphones, smartwatches, or dictionaries) are allowed during the exam.
Exam Format: Written exam consisting of 35 multiple-choice questions.
Scoring: Each question is worth a maximum of 1 point (total score: 35 points).
Duration: Maximum of 60 minutes.Permitted Aids:
This is a closed-book examination.
No aids or resources (such as lecture notes, literature, smartphones, smartwatches, or dictionaries) are allowed during the exam.
Minimum requirements and assessment criteria
Minimum Requirements:
To pass the course, students must achieve a minimum score of 50.00% (i.e., at least 17.5 out of 35 points) on the written exam.Grading Scale:
100.00% – 87.00%: Excellent (1)
86.99% – 75.00%: Good (2)
74.99% – 63.00%: Satisfactory (3)
62.99% – 50.00%: Sufficient (4)
49.99% – 0.00%: Unsatisfactory (5)
To pass the course, students must achieve a minimum score of 50.00% (i.e., at least 17.5 out of 35 points) on the written exam.Grading Scale:
100.00% – 87.00%: Excellent (1)
86.99% – 75.00%: Good (2)
74.99% – 63.00%: Satisfactory (3)
62.99% – 50.00%: Sufficient (4)
49.99% – 0.00%: Unsatisfactory (5)
Examination topics
The examination covers all topics addressed during the lecture series. Exam preparation materials include:
The presentation slides provided on Moodle.
The content, explanations, and examples discussed orally during the lectures (language of instruction: German).
The presentation slides provided on Moodle.
The content, explanations, and examples discussed orally during the lectures (language of instruction: German).
Reading list
Course Materials:
Lecture slides and supplementary learning materials will be provided on Moodle throughout the semester.Recommended Reading / Reference Books:
Alcock, J.: Animal Behavior (Sinauer/Oxford University Press) – Comprehensive standard textbook focusing on evolutionary and ecological aspects.Kappeler, P.: Verhaltensbiologie (Springer) – Highly recommended German-language textbook providing a clear and modern overview of behavioral biology, ideal for future biology teachers.
Lecture slides and supplementary learning materials will be provided on Moodle throughout the semester.Recommended Reading / Reference Books:
Alcock, J.: Animal Behavior (Sinauer/Oxford University Press) – Comprehensive standard textbook focusing on evolutionary and ecological aspects.Kappeler, P.: Verhaltensbiologie (Springer) – Highly recommended German-language textbook providing a clear and modern overview of behavioral biology, ideal for future biology teachers.
Association in the course directory
UF BU 03, BA-UF BU 03
Last modified: Mo 10.08.2026 08:27
This course provides an overview of how humans first started to think about evolution and animal behavior. Students trace the footsteps of Charles Darwin and his voyage, the hallmark discoveries of Jane Goodall and other primatologists, and award-winning Nobel research in ethology by Konrad Lorenz, Karl von Frisch, and Niko Tinbergen. Students gain practical experience using the Tinbergen model of proximate and ultimate levels to ask and answer scientific questions. Furthermore, future biology teachers learn to appreciate the application of behavioral insights to conservation and school education.Course Contents:
Historical Foundations: The origins of evolutionary and behavioral thought, Darwin's voyage, and early ethology.
Milestones in Ethology: Key contributions of Jane Goodall, Konrad Lorenz, Karl von Frisch, and Niko Tinbergen.
Analytical Framework: Applying Tinbergen's four questions (proximate and ultimate causes) to analyze behavior.Core Topics & Applications:
How to define and measure evolution.
How to formulate and address questions in animal behavior.
Using insights from animal behavior to conserve species (Conservation Behavior).
Pedagogical Relevance: Connecting core concepts of ethology to biology education in schools.Teaching and Learning Methods:
Lecture series supported by presentation slides, real-world research examples, and practical exercises in applying behavioral models.
Interactive elements encourage questions and discussion.